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Successful Indie Author #2
Release Strategies: Plan your self-publishing schedule for maximum benefit
Do you publish one book a year? Or twenty? Here’s a secret. You can be successful with either. Publish your books in a way that brings you the most readers.
Put the experience of over one hundred book launches to work for you. Right here. Release Strategies. It’s how successful indie authors get ahead.
Plan. Prepare. And Execute.
With checklists, recommendations, and candid discussion, you’ll find everything you need to determine your best publication strategy. Implement it and keep your foot on the gas. It’s time to take the ride of your life.
Release Strategies. The book you didn’t know you needed.
Put the experience of over one hundred book launches to work for you. Right here. Release Strategies. It’s how successful indie authors get ahead.
Plan. Prepare. And Execute.
With checklists, recommendations, and candid discussion, you’ll find everything you need to determine your best publication strategy. Implement it and keep your foot on the gas. It’s time to take the ride of your life.
Release Strategies. The book you didn’t know you needed.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2019
252 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Craig Martelle
329 books7,888 followersVisit Craig's web page, craigmartelle.com for the latest posts and updates or find him on Facebook, Author Craig Martelle. Send an email to craig@craigmartelle.com to join his mailing list for the latest on new releases, information on old releases, and anything related to his books.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
February 1, 2020
I've been indie publishing for over 8 years and still found this to be a helpful and informative book. Definitely a must for any indie author making writing a money making career.
August 8, 2019
Excellent
Direct, to the point. This is a book about strategies for indies and its thorough without being overwhelming. I really enjoyed it and plan to implement these strategies with my next release. Thank you for sharing!
Direct, to the point. This is a book about strategies for indies and its thorough without being overwhelming. I really enjoyed it and plan to implement these strategies with my next release. Thank you for sharing!
August 12, 2022
Great advice—explained in a very casual way. Would highly recommend.
June 3, 2019
Beginning and seasoned authors both will learn a thing or two
Craig Martello knows ... um... publishing. Indie publishing that is. This book is a great help. What it isn’t is a lot of step-by-step do this to be successful. There is a step-by-step chapter at the end of the book for how to release one book, or three books in a rapid fashion. But if that’s all you are after, go read just about any author forum or facebook group.
Instead, what this book does is help you, the fledgling author, learn the mindset, the whys and the what behind having a productive launch. I’m fairly new in this space, and I’ve learned how to fail and learn from that. Craig should be proud of that. He talks about doing so in this tome.
Every time I launch a new book, I watch, I try new strategies, and I learn. That is what this book teaches. Not the one and only way, but how to watch and to learn as you launch your book.
If you want the fast-track on how to strike it rich, there are other books out there. This isn’t one of those. It’s full of common-sense from someone who have lived the trials and tribulations of self-publishing. It ain’t easy, but it is what we do. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got my own book to get back to writing.
Craig Martello knows ... um... publishing. Indie publishing that is. This book is a great help. What it isn’t is a lot of step-by-step do this to be successful. There is a step-by-step chapter at the end of the book for how to release one book, or three books in a rapid fashion. But if that’s all you are after, go read just about any author forum or facebook group.
Instead, what this book does is help you, the fledgling author, learn the mindset, the whys and the what behind having a productive launch. I’m fairly new in this space, and I’ve learned how to fail and learn from that. Craig should be proud of that. He talks about doing so in this tome.
Every time I launch a new book, I watch, I try new strategies, and I learn. That is what this book teaches. Not the one and only way, but how to watch and to learn as you launch your book.
If you want the fast-track on how to strike it rich, there are other books out there. This isn’t one of those. It’s full of common-sense from someone who have lived the trials and tribulations of self-publishing. It ain’t easy, but it is what we do. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got my own book to get back to writing.
September 12, 2019
Release Strategies: Plan your self-publishing schedule for maximum benefit
I've been an Indie author for 3 years, but this books had a ton of useful information. It gives authors another perspective, tried and tested strategies and doesn't disappoint. It doesn't make any promises, but offers hope and inspiration, which is something Indie authors need the most.
Highly recommend for new authors, and seasoned veterans.
Well done!
I've been an Indie author for 3 years, but this books had a ton of useful information. It gives authors another perspective, tried and tested strategies and doesn't disappoint. It doesn't make any promises, but offers hope and inspiration, which is something Indie authors need the most.
Highly recommend for new authors, and seasoned veterans.
Well done!
August 14, 2019
This might've been worth three stars if it weren't for the section written by another author. Her section was full of foul-mouthed language (and honestly despite her inability to write without cursing, her information was more useful than the rest of the book).
It's repetitive and less informative than other similar resources. It might be okay as a paperback since you could more easily utilize the checklists and notes sections, but the Kindle version is probably a waste of money for most authors.
I can't recommend this book.
It's repetitive and less informative than other similar resources. It might be okay as a paperback since you could more easily utilize the checklists and notes sections, but the Kindle version is probably a waste of money for most authors.
I can't recommend this book.
June 2, 2019
Superb Author's Aid
I found Craig's insights of best practices and strategies clear and to the point. I'd recommend this book to new authors as well as the more seasoned writers. I will definitely use some of the release strategies discussed.
I found Craig's insights of best practices and strategies clear and to the point. I'd recommend this book to new authors as well as the more seasoned writers. I will definitely use some of the release strategies discussed.
August 16, 2019
Lives up to the title.
In a world of books that boast THE ANSWER but offer just a few scraps of advice, I was pleased to see a clear release road map laid out. Helped answer a lot of my questions. Recommended.
In a world of books that boast THE ANSWER but offer just a few scraps of advice, I was pleased to see a clear release road map laid out. Helped answer a lot of my questions. Recommended.
February 10, 2021
Not much that's new here, but a good recap as I prepare for another release.
March 20, 2022
This book was packed full of great information! Hopefully, it'll help me with my relaunch.
January 6, 2026
Good book for well-established, fast-producing authors
No doubt that Craig Martelle is a very successful independently published author. He knows his stuff. But his perspective is of that of a prodigious writer who pumps out books in a few weeks not months or even a year. As a successful author, he can afford paying for services that beginning authors can’t support if they have any hope of being profitable. For small-time authors just starting out in this business, Martelle’s suggestions have some value but many are pie in the sky to most beginning authors like myself.
No doubt that Craig Martelle is a very successful independently published author. He knows his stuff. But his perspective is of that of a prodigious writer who pumps out books in a few weeks not months or even a year. As a successful author, he can afford paying for services that beginning authors can’t support if they have any hope of being profitable. For small-time authors just starting out in this business, Martelle’s suggestions have some value but many are pie in the sky to most beginning authors like myself.
November 22, 2020
Fantastic and informative. Marketing still scares the living daylights out of me, though, when I've failed at this side of the business on so many occasions.
August 24, 2019
This is a well crafted book from an author who really understands the business of writing and releasing books in a way to attract readers. I was most impressed that it doesn't outline only a rapid release tactics, but that it talks about a larger overall strategic approach to releasing books no matter what the author's output ability. (IE, you can apply the strategies Martelle offers whether you do a book a month or a book a year, and everything in between).
The book is in depth and insightful and from the perspective of an author and publisher who really knows his stuff and is killing it on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis. His insights, generosity in sharing those insights, and his professional approach covering launch plans, pricing strategies, and reader engagement, are top notch.
The majority of the focus of this book involves elements that work extremely well for Amazon and for eBooks (or Kindle books), and for that reason, not all of the same strategies are necessarily something an author could apply to other retailers or other formats. But then again, the author never tries to hide that. Indie authors own eBooks, and the majority of them are publishing to and having success being Amazon-centric, and this book covers those needs exceptionally well.
The book is in depth and insightful and from the perspective of an author and publisher who really knows his stuff and is killing it on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis. His insights, generosity in sharing those insights, and his professional approach covering launch plans, pricing strategies, and reader engagement, are top notch.
The majority of the focus of this book involves elements that work extremely well for Amazon and for eBooks (or Kindle books), and for that reason, not all of the same strategies are necessarily something an author could apply to other retailers or other formats. But then again, the author never tries to hide that. Indie authors own eBooks, and the majority of them are publishing to and having success being Amazon-centric, and this book covers those needs exceptionally well.
November 12, 2019
Insightful and Necessary for Indie Authors
This was an amazingly insightful book which gave so many great strategies and ideas on how to release your book. I took so many notes I might as well have highlighted the whole thing! Definitely a must read for anyone wanting to publish and make a living off their books!!
This was an amazingly insightful book which gave so many great strategies and ideas on how to release your book. I took so many notes I might as well have highlighted the whole thing! Definitely a must read for anyone wanting to publish and make a living off their books!!
April 30, 2020
Great overview of different strategies and how to implement the ones that work for you. Martelle is practical and focused on what sells. A very helpful resource whether this is your first book release or your fiftieth.
September 26, 2021
Highly recommend
Fantastic craft book on releasing your books for new writers or seasoned. I highlighted the heck out of this book.
Fantastic craft book on releasing your books for new writers or seasoned. I highlighted the heck out of this book.
December 16, 2019
Fantastic book!
This stuff is priceless, and a real bargain at around five bucks. I stopped reading the first book in this series at the newsletter part to go jump into Tammi Labrecque’s book, then I jumped into this one. Now I’m heading back to the first book. We’re working on establishing my wife’s authorship and developing her readership and I’m not going to say we couldn’t do it without Craig and the rest of the 20Booksto50K folks, but who would WANT to? I can’t thank them enough. I can’t possibly recommend this book any more than I do either. Buy it, read it, put it to work. Fantastic book!
This stuff is priceless, and a real bargain at around five bucks. I stopped reading the first book in this series at the newsletter part to go jump into Tammi Labrecque’s book, then I jumped into this one. Now I’m heading back to the first book. We’re working on establishing my wife’s authorship and developing her readership and I’m not going to say we couldn’t do it without Craig and the rest of the 20Booksto50K folks, but who would WANT to? I can’t thank them enough. I can’t possibly recommend this book any more than I do either. Buy it, read it, put it to work. Fantastic book!
June 11, 2019
For the Newbie, the Nerve-Wracked and the Overwhelmed
Excellent advice and recommendations for the newbie, or nerve-wracked, or overwhelmed author. CM goes through all the permutations logically and of course, from his own experience. His genre is science fiction/space opera, and a few variations, so if you write in a different genre, you’ll have to adapt the strategies. Heck, even if you write in the same genre, you’ll have to adapt strategies, because no two people are the same, and what they want out of their business is not the same.
Excellent advice and recommendations for the newbie, or nerve-wracked, or overwhelmed author. CM goes through all the permutations logically and of course, from his own experience. His genre is science fiction/space opera, and a few variations, so if you write in a different genre, you’ll have to adapt the strategies. Heck, even if you write in the same genre, you’ll have to adapt strategies, because no two people are the same, and what they want out of their business is not the same.
July 11, 2019
I enjoyed this book because it delivered much more than the title. Yes, it tells you how to release your book, but it also tells you about the writing life, and more importantly, what it takes to be successful. Craig lays it all out there how you make money in the world of Indie writing, no some of it is not pretty, but it's true. Writing as an Indie Author takes guts and a lot of books and a whole load of commitment. That is what he tells you. If you're looking for an attitude adjustment regarding your writing, download this book now!
September 14, 2019
This short book was brimming with useful information. From personal experiences to raw data, Craig gives you tools and reasons why those tools work. I used what I could put together quickly for my first release because I had committed to a pre-order date before I read the book. Just those few tricks and plans made my debut book earn several times what I had been led to expect for a first-time author on his initial month. I will utilize even more of the suggestions in each subsequent book that comes out.
Thanks Craig!!
Steve Curry
Thanks Craig!!
Steve Curry
January 21, 2025
Good Tips!
This has good tips for book launches. It has the pros and cons of various stages of rapid release, from the "slower" quarterly method to the quicker biweekly method.
Though some of the information is a little outdated, due to technical and algorithm upgrades, the principles are still relevant. There are a few points I plan to read again to fully actualize the advice given.
I would recommend giving this a read if faster release methods are something you're researching.
This has good tips for book launches. It has the pros and cons of various stages of rapid release, from the "slower" quarterly method to the quicker biweekly method.
Though some of the information is a little outdated, due to technical and algorithm upgrades, the principles are still relevant. There are a few points I plan to read again to fully actualize the advice given.
I would recommend giving this a read if faster release methods are something you're researching.
June 9, 2019
Don't Release Without Reading This First!
This will no doubt be my book release "bible" as I refer back to it again and again for the detailed advice, strategies, tactics, tips and even a suggested timeline for releasing my indie fiction. With a discussion on the pros and cons of various release strategies, as well as all kinds of other insights, Craig's book is a must-have for any indie author/publisher.
This will no doubt be my book release "bible" as I refer back to it again and again for the detailed advice, strategies, tactics, tips and even a suggested timeline for releasing my indie fiction. With a discussion on the pros and cons of various release strategies, as well as all kinds of other insights, Craig's book is a must-have for any indie author/publisher.
June 29, 2019
Everything you need to know as an indie author
Craig really outlines the different launch strategies out there and shows examples of real results. Not only that, he breaks down the pros and cons for each strategy AND clearly outlines HOW to follow the strategies. What more can you want? This book is a must read for any indie author looking at launch strategies to turn their writing hobby into a viable publishing business.
Craig really outlines the different launch strategies out there and shows examples of real results. Not only that, he breaks down the pros and cons for each strategy AND clearly outlines HOW to follow the strategies. What more can you want? This book is a must read for any indie author looking at launch strategies to turn their writing hobby into a viable publishing business.
October 9, 2019
Essential Information
As an author plotting my first release, I’ve been drowning in too much info, but not knowing what was important, or how to organize my release strategy. Craig breaks down the different options in plain English, & gives clear blueprints on how to pursue the different paths. I feel much more confident planning my release after reduced this book. Highly recommended.
As an author plotting my first release, I’ve been drowning in too much info, but not knowing what was important, or how to organize my release strategy. Craig breaks down the different options in plain English, & gives clear blueprints on how to pursue the different paths. I feel much more confident planning my release after reduced this book. Highly recommended.
January 31, 2020
Best for New Authors
3.5 stars for the information included. If you’ve been writing and publishing for any length of time, much of the info he shares will be familiar. I skipped over large portions for this reason. For the brand new author, it’s a good look at what’s required to be a successful indie author. His tone is a little brusque for my taste but not entirely off putting.
3.5 stars for the information included. If you’ve been writing and publishing for any length of time, much of the info he shares will be familiar. I skipped over large portions for this reason. For the brand new author, it’s a good look at what’s required to be a successful indie author. His tone is a little brusque for my taste but not entirely off putting.
February 15, 2020
Perfect book for release strategy
Craig does a great job of guiding the self-published author on a step-by-step process of releasing their book.
There is so much to do, when it comes to launching a new novel that it is good to be able to read from someone that does it everyday.
This book is not about ads or promotions, even though it does touch on them a little bit.
All-in-all, having this is a must if you are considering the self-published path.
Craig does a great job of guiding the self-published author on a step-by-step process of releasing their book.
There is so much to do, when it comes to launching a new novel that it is good to be able to read from someone that does it everyday.
This book is not about ads or promotions, even though it does touch on them a little bit.
All-in-all, having this is a must if you are considering the self-published path.
September 8, 2020
When you’re getting ready to launch a book, it’s a good idea to have a plan. In this book the author covers his own experiences with launching books. I found it to be more of an introductory book to launching, but I think if you’re a new author this is a helpful book that covers some essential details you want to consider. With that said it is less about launching books and more about the entire book publishing process. It’s a good resource for just starting out.
November 24, 2020
Some good advice but targeted for rapid release authors
For authors who focus on thoroughly researching their subjects, even if it's fiction, and carefully crafting their work, this book still has plenty of nuggets that can be used in book releases. However, be forewarned that Martelle advises writers to release new books every 18 to 30 days. Much of his advice revolves around that timeline.
For authors who focus on thoroughly researching their subjects, even if it's fiction, and carefully crafting their work, this book still has plenty of nuggets that can be used in book releases. However, be forewarned that Martelle advises writers to release new books every 18 to 30 days. Much of his advice revolves around that timeline.
February 11, 2021
We think we have a great book. We’re ready to step out onto the stage and share it with the world. But where do we even start?
In this book, Craig Martelle gives excellent advice, helpful insight, and transparent examples from his own releases that help indie authors get a better grasp on how to move forward as well as what NOT to do. I definitely highlighted a great deal in my copy of this book!
In this book, Craig Martelle gives excellent advice, helpful insight, and transparent examples from his own releases that help indie authors get a better grasp on how to move forward as well as what NOT to do. I definitely highlighted a great deal in my copy of this book!
March 24, 2021
The only reason for such a best-selling author as Craig Martelle to share his release strategies is because he truly wants to help others. Whatever time he spent writing this book would surely have been more profitably spent writing more fiction, yet here it is, packed with actionable data and information to help other Indie writers. I'm in awe not only of his knowledge, but also of his generosity toward others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews