Tips
The act of writing should embody an authentic expression of passion and genuine interest in the chosen topics.
While many authors gravitate towards popular subjects to enhance visibility and sales, maintaining authenticity in writing remains imperative.
The most sought-after themes on Amazon, leading to substantial sales, encompass:
1) Children's books, spanning fables, stories, poems, coloring books, puzzles, etc.
2) Self-help, esotericism, and spirituality in a broader context.
3) Business, entrepreneurship, and manuals for savings or investment, among others.
4) Literature and fiction, embracing novels, sci-fi, etc.
5) Cooking, with an emphasis on recipe books.
6) Health, well-being, nutrition, diets, and exercise.
Despite potential variations in the list, these themes signify a pronounced demand, resonating with millions of readers. Authors opting to delve into health, nutrition, and diet topics, although capable of generating sales, might find themselves occupying a lower echelon in terms of popularity.
Regarding the preferred book format, in accordance with Wordsrated.com, approximately 83% of the market still favors physical books, while 17% opt for e-books. In 2023, around 767 million books were sold in the United States, contributing to a global market of 2.2 billion books.
The United States, the United Kingdom, and China collectively represent 72% of this total, as per the source: WordsRated.com.
Sales of printed books yielded a revenue of 64 billion dollars, while e-books contributed 13 billion dollars in sales. Hence, for authors exclusively offering e-books, considering the creation of a printed version is advisable.
Online sales represent 25% of sales on a global scale; the remainder is through regular bookstores.
China and Japan constitute substantial markets, with China contributing 24.7% of book sales and Japan accounting for 8.4%. Notably, a significant portion of my book sales on Amazon originates from Japan. While some purchases may be attributed to Portuguese expatriates, the majority comprises Japanese readers acquiring my English-language e-books.
Given this trend, I am actively contemplating the translation of my books into Japanese.
Useful Tools:
Creating a compelling title for a book is no small feat, given its pivotal role alongside the cover. The key attributes are brevity and memorability, facilitating easy recall during the purchase process. An impactful title is succinct, unique, and easily spellable mentally.
Steering clear of complexity is paramount, as a lengthy title risks being forgotten, undermining its lasting impression.
Uniqueness is critical to sidestepping confusion with other titles in Amazon searches.
Integrating relevant keywords into the book description is equally crucial for heightened visibility.
In the realm of self-publishing, creative autonomy reigns supreme, enabling authors to follow their instincts and understand their audience fully.
This stands in stark contrast to the limitations imposed by certain traditional publishers, where decisions on cover, title, and even content cuts are often dictated, alongside substantial revenue retention (with the publisher claiming 85% of the commission).
In self-publishing, we own our creations and enjoy 100% creative freedom. Personally, I rely on intuition, audience insight, and adept skills in crafting impactful covers and titles. Take, for instance, my book on an Egyptian "Reiki" system.
Choosing a title distinct from others, such as "Sekhm Energy Healing," sparks curiosity, prompting the reader to ponder, "What is Sekhm?"
Another book, "Holographic Reality- Do We Live in a Simulation?" strategically engages the reader with a question, unveiling the main theme and prompting introspection. Similarly, in a saturated field of Law of Attraction titles, my creation "Anavarana- Rewriting Reality" stands out.
The Sanskrit term "Āvaraṇa," meaning revealed and demystified, adds an intriguing layer, enticing readers to explore further.
Book Title Generators:
Copyright Protection
According to the law, a printed book functions as evidence of authorship, establishing you as the author, unless plagiarism is involved. In the United States, this is governed by the U.S. Copyright Act, specifically under 17 U.S. Code § 302. It's essential to note that while registration is not obligatory, publication alone is adequate. However, opting to register your copyright offers several legal advantages.
Despite having books published on Amazon since 2018, supported by proof of publication dates and author details within the Word manuscript, I have chosen to register my works through the international service Copyrighted.com as an additional precaution.
This registration process is complimentary and allows for the registration of up to five books monthly. It entails uploading files (Word or PDF) containing the title, author, and description. Subsequently, Copyrighted.com generates a code number and certificate, serving as verifiable proof of registration.
In situations involving legal disputes or plagiarism, the platform provides "Takedown" services with legal support, available for approximately $99 for expedited interventions.
Pseudonym or not?
Determining whether to adopt a pseudonym is a significant decision for authors, also referred to as a "pen name". For instance, Amazon permits authors to employ up to seven different pseudonyms but restricts them to three author pages. The choice of using a pseudonym involves weighing advantages and disadvantages. While publishing under your real name can facilitate the proof of authorship, given its visibility on the cover, some individuals prefer pseudonyms to safeguard their privacy, particularly when delving into genres like romance or erotica.
Others opt for foreign or stylized names, assuming this may attract a broader readership or convey a sense of renown.
I am acquainted with Portuguese authors who utilize foreign pseudonyms, such as Isaac Weishaupt or Magus Incognito, to project an international authorial image. Nevertheless, this strategy may lack practical merit.
Personally, I publish spirituality books under my actual name, Sílvio Guerrinha. However, I have experimented with using pseudonyms for different themes to segregate editorial lines, reach diverse target audiences, and diversify my catalog for marketing purposes and enhanced sales.
Many authors resort to pseudonyms to maintain anonymity while sharing intricate personal narratives or controversial works, especially within political or religious spheres.
When choosing a pseudonym:
Opt for a name that is impactful, mysterious, and memorable.
Verify its availability on websites and social platforms.
Ensure it aligns with your genre, taking inspiration from other authors.
Choose a name that is easy to spell and pronounce.
Prevent confusion with other pseudonyms.
Is it possible to earn a living from writing?
Certainly, it is possible. However, let's be candid: this success doesn't happen overnight.
Substantial income isn't attained with just two or three books; it requires producing more than ten works in different languages.
This process demands dedication, commitment, and spans a few years. Nevertheless, with unwavering commitment, discipline, and a fervor for writing, one can gradually reach this goal.
Discipline is the linchpin. Rather than allocating time on the internet to watching movies or playing games, allocate a portion of that time to writing.
While everyone deserves moments of leisure and fun, and you will have them, maintaining discipline in writing is paramount.
When publishing a book, make it available in two formats (e-book and printed version). Proceed with translating it into Spanish, expanding your catalog to four books. Continue the process by translating into Portuguese or French, resulting in six books – two formats for each work. Over time, contemplate the release of new titles.
My journey commenced in 2004, and since then, I've never ceased (laughs).
Beyond book earnings, invest in yourself – read extensively, engage in writing and digital marketing courses, and acquire pertinent skills.
Publicize your e-books across various platforms, both online and offline.
Establish your own e-book website, offering autonomy and a contingency plan if a platform excludes your e-books. This way, you're in control of your own website.
Pursue supplementary income avenues, such as writing articles for blogs and magazines and providing writing services for others (ghostwriting).
Later on, consider sharing your knowledge and experience through online courses. I do that.