Becoming a successful author is no easy feat, and it often requires years of hard work, dedication, and persistence. One of the most important factors in achieving success as an author is the ability to support oneself in the venture.

Indie authors, in particular, often face unique challenges in the publishing industry. Without the backing of a traditional publishing house, indie authors must take on all aspects of the publishing process themselves, including editing, cover design, and marketing. This can be a daunting task, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.

Here are some reasons why indie authors or authors in general should support themselves in their venture to become successful authors:

1.           Freedom to create on their own terms

One of the greatest advantages of being an indie author is the freedom to create on their own terms. Without the restrictions imposed by a traditional publishing house, indie authors can write the stories they want to tell, in the style they want to tell them. This can lead to more unique and diverse voices in the literary world.

2.           Control over the publishing process

Indie authors have complete control over the publishing process, from the cover design to the pricing and distribution. This allows them to tailor their marketing strategy to their target audience, experiment with different pricing strategies, and make changes to their book whenever they see fit.

3.           Increased royalties

Traditional publishing houses often take a significant percentage of an author's royalties, sometimes up to 85% of the profits. Indie authors, on the other hand, can keep a larger portion of their royalties, often up to 70% or more. This can be a huge advantage, especially for authors who are just starting out.

4.           Ability to build a personal brand

As an indie author, building a personal brand is key to success. By taking control of their marketing strategy, indie authors can create a unique brand that reflects their writing style and personality. This can help them stand out in a crowded market and attract readers who are looking for something different.

5.           Opportunity to connect with readers

Indie authors often have more opportunities to connect with their readers than traditionally published authors. Through social media, email newsletters, and book signings, indie authors can build a community of dedicated readers who will follow them throughout their writing career.

The key to an authors success is Supporting themselves.  They cannot count on friends, family and others in the publishing world to help them along the path to success.  They must be willing to step up and do what is necessary to succeed.

At Bourgeois Media & Consulting we give authors the tools necessary to help them along their path to success and we do it in a variety of ways.  Our educational programs, our events and access to other programs are all designed to help the author.

As an author, you may wonder if attending book festivals in person is worth the time, effort, and expense. The answer is a resounding "yes." In-person book festivals offer a plethora of benefits that simply cannot be replicated in the virtual space. Here are some reasons why you should attend book festivals in person.

Build Your Network

Book festivals offer an excellent opportunity to meet other authors, industry professionals, and book lovers. Networking is essential to building a career as an author, and attending book festivals can help you expand your circle of contacts. You can connect with other authors who write in your genre, exchange ideas, and discuss writing techniques. You can also meet publishers, literary agents, and other industry professionals who can provide valuable insights and help you navigate the publishing world.

Reach a New Audience

Attending book festivals is an excellent way to reach new readers. Festivals attract book lovers from all walks of life, and they come to discover new authors and books. By attending book festivals, you can introduce your work to a new audience and gain new readers.

Participate in Panels and Workshops

Many book festivals host panels and workshops that cover a variety of topics related to writing, publishing, and marketing. As an author, you can participate in these events and share your expertise with other writers. You can also learn from other authors and industry professionals who are participating in the panels and workshops.

Get Your Books in Front of Readers

Attending book festivals gives you the opportunity to showcase your books and get them in front of potential readers. Many festivals allow authors to sell their books directly to attendees, and this can help you generate sales and build a fan base. You can also sign copies of your book, which is an excellent way to connect with readers and build relationships.,/p>

Find Inspiration

Book festivals are full of inspiration. You can attend talks and readings by your favorite authors, discover new authors and books, and immerse yourself in the world of literature. Attending book festivals can help you stay inspired and motivated to continue writing and pursuing your goals as an author.

Attending book festivals in person is an excellent way to build your network, reach a new audience, participate in panels and workshops, get your books in front of readers, and find inspiration. If you're serious about your career as an author, attending book festivals should be a priority. So, mark your calendars, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the magic of book festivals in person.

Check out the various book festivals that the Authors School of Business plans to attend in the coming years, and see how you can be a part of them in an economical way.  Go to our home page, then click on Services, then click on Marketing Opportunities, then click on Book Festivals to see the list, and click on the ones that interest you.

In today's world, where everything is moving towards digital, it may seem counterintuitive for authors to focus on selling their books in brick and mortar bookstores. However, there are several reasons why it's still important for authors to use physical bookstores to sell their books.

First and foremost, brick-and-mortar bookstores offer a unique opportunity for authors to connect with readers in person. By participating in book signings and other events, authors can establish a personal relationship with their readers, which can help build a loyal fan base and generate word-of-mouth buzz for their books.

Secondly, bookstores provide authors with the chance to get their books in front of new readers who may not have discovered them otherwise. While online marketplaces like Amazon and Barnes & Noble may offer more convenience, physical bookstores can offer a more personalized and curated experience for customers.

Thirdly, selling books through physical bookstores can also help authors build relationships with booksellers, who can become powerful advocates for their books. When booksellers enjoy a book and see that it's selling well, they may recommend it to other customers or even include it in their store's recommended reading section.

So, how can authors best utilize brick-and-mortar bookstores to sell their books? One key tool is the book sales sheet. A book sales sheet is a one-page document that provides essential information about a book, such as its title, author, genre, and summary. It can also include information about the author, such as their bio and any accolades they've received. Book sales sheets can be used by authors to pitch their books to booksellers and other potential partners, such as librarians and book clubs. They can also be left with booksellers to help them better understand the book and make informed recommendations to customers.

To create a compelling book sales sheet, authors should focus on highlighting the unique aspects of their book and the target audience it's intended for. They should also include any endorsements or reviews the book has received, as well as information about upcoming events or promotions.

While it's true that digital platforms offer many benefits for authors, physical bookstores still have an important role to play in the book-selling ecosystem. By utilizing tools like book sales sheets and building relationships with booksellers, authors can successfully promote their books and connect with readers in a meaningful way.

Bourgeois Media has had success in creating Book Sales Sheets for authors over the years. If you would like a customized BSS for you, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

There are several reasons why it's important and valuable for an author to do podcasts to promote their books:

1. Expanding their audience: Podcasts can reach a large audience, which can help authors expand their reach beyond their existing readership. By appearing on podcasts, authors can introduce themselves and their work to new listeners who may be interested in their books.

2. Building a personal connection: Podcasts allow authors to connect with their audience on a personal level, creating a deeper connection between the author and the reader. This connection can help to build a loyal following, which can be crucial for an author's success.

3. Increased visibility: Podcasts can help authors increase their visibility and reach, especially if the podcast has a large following. This can lead to more book sales and increased exposure for the author.

4. Building authority: By appearing on podcasts, authors can establish themselves as experts in their field, which can help to build their authority and credibility. This can lead to more opportunities, such as speaking engagements, media appearances, and collaborations.

5. Creative marketing: Podcasts provide authors with a creative way to market their books. They can share insights about their writing process, talk about the themes of their books, and offer exclusive content to listeners. This can help to generate interest and excitement around their work, leading to increased sales and a wider readership.

Podcasts can be an effective tool for authors to promote their books, build their brand, and connect with their audience.

Authors School of Business hosts a FREE podcast interview for any author.  Click here to request an interview: ASB Author Showcase Form (authorsschoolofbusiness.com)