Although independent authors aren’t all wired the same, it’s often true that many of us revel in figuring out things on our own, from the craft of writing to the business of publishing and sales. We’re fiercely independent, known for our readiness to take initiative and for being unafraid to take the path less traveled, even if that sometimes seems like the hard way.
But there’s also immense value in learning from others: saving time, money, and effort, all while advancing more quickly. And the opportunities for learning don’t only come from our fellow publishers, traditional or indie; they can also come from other industries and businesses.
Take any industry, and you’ll find best practices that could be applied to your writing business, especially if you’re trying something new or cutting-edge, like launching stories by mail or expanding your IP into a more physical product-based business. Here are a few examples of where you can study other businesses’ practices and adapt the lessons to your situation.
Foundational Learning: Business Shows and Reality Television
This might be the least intuitive way to improve your writing business, but in some ways, it’s also the easiest. Pick a favorite business show, even if it seems unrelated to publishing, and take notes. One consistent lesson from the show Bar Rescue is the need for business owners to develop thorough, solid, easily reproducible systems for every aspect of the operation. After each episode, identify a lesson you could apply to your work as a publisher—have you developed an efficient system for writing your book or preparing it for publication?
Intermediate Learning: Kickstarter Campaigns
Although many authors already study other Kickstarter campaigns to plan their own, you don’t have to limit yourself to the publishing category. Examine campaigns in art, comics, or music to see what excites backers and earns support. Observe the unique tiers and rewards they offer—you might apply similar ideas to your campaign.
Even if you don’t launch a crowdfunding campaign, you can adapt these elements to other sales strategies: early-order bonuses on your website, upgraded packages for readers who buy signed copies, or strategic campaign shares to build launch buzz.
Advanced Learning: Digital Products
Digital products are a staple in online sales, and their popularity keeps growing as creators hone their marketing and audience-targeting skills. Once you resist the temptation to abandon fiction for journals, planners, or workbooks, you’ll see how a best-selling title can draw readers into sales funnels. One book can become an upsell for bundles, special editions, signed copies, swag, and more. You can also learn how to use flash sales—limited-time discounts—to generate quick, liquid cash when you need it most.
Applied Mastery: Physical Products
Although selling physical goods differs from selling books, there’s a wealth of insight in how products are packaged, presented, and promoted. Attend in-person events or study both major brands and independent creators to analyze their pricing, packaging, marketing, copywriting, and sales tactics. Gather ideas for expanding your title-related product lineup—just be prepared for the time and dedication required to develop a successful IP-based product line.
Try Something New
Regardless of which sector you explore, take even a little time to study other industries and apply at least one lesson to your author business. You might be surprised how these cross-industry strategies can catalyze lasting, meaningful change in your results as an independent publisher.
Audrey Hughey
