
Not sure where to begin? START HERE with strategies and best practices for getting the most out of the Passion 2 Published program.
You'll see a Book Writing Framework download that is meant to be a "working document" as you progress through the first two sections of this program. The best books are the ones that are planned and well thought out. That's what this document is meant to do.
You'll also see a Best Selling Checklist that will stick with you through the entire duration of the curriculum. It will be especially helpful when you get to the publishing process of your book in multiple formats.
Let's go!
This video walks you through how to select your ideal category (and sub-category) on Amazon based on your target niche. It also describes how to research the good (and bad) from the books are selling well to ensure your book receives high reviews and positive social proof.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Attached is a downloadable document that will help you better understand Amazon's Sales Rankings. You can also view these rankings online at KDPCalculator.com.
Your title and sub-title are one of the first things people will notice when deciding whether to buy your book. Crafting the catchy, perfect title, as well as making it KEYWORD FRIENDLY, is a game changer for marketing your book.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Outlining and organizing the content for your book starts with simple brainstorming. From there, you make connections for chapters and sub-chapters. Lastly, you want to do research on the best selling books in your category to make sure you’re covering all necessary and relevant content.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
There are two separate methods that you can use to create your book and there are pros and cons to each. One if the “traditional method” and the other is the “little known method.” Which one you choose depends on your skill set and how quickly you want to get your book created.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Choose the BOOK FIRST option if you enjoy writing and feel you can consistently discipline yourself to write a little bit each day, or week. It’s the more “traditional” option and will take you slightly longer to create your book, but as long as you continue making progress, this is a good choice.
Choose the AUDIO FIRST option if you are a reasonably polished speaker and you’re comfortable talking on your topic (possibly have given speeches or presentations on your topic, but not mandatory). It will cost you a bit (ballpark $50-$75) to get your audio transcribed but this is the fastest way to get your book created.
If you’re up in the air on which option to choose, I’d go with the AUDIO FIRST Option.
Even if your initial audio isn’t perfect, it will still get you a kick start on creating your book. You can then add, subtract or edit the content from there.
This video takes you through five key strategies to help you get started on creating your best selling book. Yes, GET. YOU. STARTED.
This video serves as your “home base.” It gives you the strategies to continually come back to to make sure you’re maximally efficient and effective in writing your book.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
A NOTE ON EFFECTIVE EDITING
There are two different methods for editing your book and both involve outsourcing. The one golden rule is that you cannot edit your book yourself. SOMEONE else has to read it before it gets published
The first method is to outsource to someone online. I’d recommend using Fiverr, just like you would for transcription, cover creation, etc.
The second method is to give it to family members or friends. I’d recommend giving it to two people and MAKE SURE they’ll be honest with you. It does you no good to have them give you glowing positive feedback if there is something glaringly wrong with the book.
Whichever option you choose, I’ve always told my editors that I don’t necessarily want them to edit the voice of the book. When that happens, I think it takes away from your message and natural writing style. What I WANT people to edit are:
Depending on the type of book you’re writing, you could either pass it along as it is created or pass along the whole thing when it’s written. If it’s a book that has to be read in sequential order, you’d have to choose the latter option. Otherwise, I’d recommend the former.
This video takes you through the four first steps you need to take before recording your audio.
FIRST:
- You can use the speakers on your computer but the overall quality of your audio will be lower
– I recommend the H390 USB Headset w/Noise-Canceling Microphone Logitech Headset Microphone
– The Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone would be highest quality microphone
I'm a big fan of Logitech products. I've never had a bad experience with their microphones and they give you good bang for your buck. You can find any of these on Amazon.
SECOND:
- CLICK HERE to download Audacity
This video is a basic tutorial of how to most effectively record and edit your audio in Audacity.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Creating a stunning book cover is one of the most critical components to your book sales. But it’s not as difficult as many people think. It starts with choosing a distinct, eye-catching image and then outsourcing the cover creation…in an affordable way.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The personal site that I use for royalty free stock image is http://stocklib.com. Make sure when you’re searching for an image that you choose one with a portrait orientation. You do not need to buy the highest resolution version of the image. My advice is to save many eye catching images in a “lightbox” (you’ll be able to do this after you create an account) and then compare your favorites to choose the best one.
Here are the links to the two best book cover creators I’ve found on Fiverr:
You’ll need to pass along the image you chose as well as answer some basic information about the cover (title, subtitle, author name, general feel). If you have thoughts on how you would like the cover to look, definitely pass them along. Otherwise, they’ve done a pretty good job of creating mine on minimal instructions.
If you want to find your own “gig” on Fiverr, after searching, be sure to click on “High Rating” and do your homework. Look for someone who has high star ratings and quite a few buyers. Whatever you do, choose someone who offers revisions as part of their gig. I’ve never needed anything major changed but I have had a couple of subtle tweaks on some of my covers.
Before watching this video, you must have your own individual account set up on Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing). Amazon needs to know how they can pay you when your book starts selling
If you’re not as savvy with Microsoft Word and using the Best Selling Checklist (PDF from the "Getting Started" portion of this course), this video will walk you through some final step-by-step formatting considerations.
Before watching the below video, you must have your own individual account set up on Amazon CreateSpace (Print Book Publishing). This is a separate royalty payment from your eBook payment.
ALSO:
CLICK HERE for free jpg image to PDF converter for your book cover (if you do not already have it in PDF format)
If you’re not as savvy with Microsoft Word and using the Best Selling Checklist (PDF from the "Getting Started" portion of this course), this video will walk you through some final step-by-step formatting considerations.
Before watching the below video, you must have your own individual account set up on ACX (Audiobook publishing platform for Amazon, Audible and iTunes). This is a separate royalty payment from your eBook and Print Book payments.
This video walks you through running KDP free promotions and the 5 simple steps to getting your book on the best sellers list.
NOTE:
Your Amazon review link is: “https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?ie=UTF8&asin=######” Insert YOUR book’s ASIN (located on your Amazon page) in place of ######.
Video is the BEST way to communicate the message of your book. Learn how to get comfortable in front of the camera and create a killer book promotional video!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
4 STEPS TO A KILLER BOOK PROMOTIONAL VIDEO:
This is my promotional video for the 50 Best Tips EVER for Running Fitter, Faster and Forever.
This video gives you advanced social media strategies to promote ONGOING book sales. It also serves as a good starting point for building your brand.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
There’s a RIGHT way and a WRONG way to do social media. You want to casually let people know that you’re an author but you don’t need to jam it down their throats. People appreciate strong, quality content, and if you provide this (in any social media platform), you will get noticed and your books will sell.
This video shows you how to create an Amazon Author Central account (free) to establish credibility as an author and to house author-related information all in one place.
CLICK HERE to create your free Amazon Author Central Account
MY BIO:
Scott Welle is a #1 international best selling author, speaker, peak performance strategist and founder of Outperform The Norm, which trains high achievers and athletes to remove their self-imposed limitations, increase confidence and accomplish more than they ever thought possible. He has authored 9 books, has a Master’s degree in Sport Psychology, serves on the Executive Certification Board for NESTA, the Advisory Board of the Minnesota School of Business – Globe University and the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Distance Runners Association. Scott is a foremost authority on motivation via the Brain-Body interaction and practices what he preaches regarding health and high performance – completing five Ironman triathlons and 25 marathons and ultramarathons.
POSITIONING yourself is critical, so when you’re posting your bio on different platforms (Author Central and Social Media), make it sound compelling. People should read your bio and be impressed!
First, I genuinely want to thank you for taking this course. I hope it served you (and will continue to serve you) as you market your book and, perhaps, contemplate creating more books in the future. Remember - it is NEVER as difficult as it is the first time you do something.
Second, if your book isn't selling quite as well as you would have liked, go back to the following four checkpoints:
From my experience, I would start with tweaking the categories and see how it affects your book's sales. Give it at least two weeks if you're going to experiment with different categories. It's not something that will become immediately visible over night.
I would also recommend uploading and testing a different cover. Same thing, give it at least two weeks to see what happens to your sales. Choose the cover that seems to be getting the most traction.
Your keywords aren't going to change much over time and the only way I would go into SERIOUS revision of the content would be if you're getting consistent reviews about an area of your book that was unclear, not thorough enough, etc. If you make any of these changes, you have the option to republish as a second edition or to just keep the same edition you have.
Wishing you all the best in your future journey as an author!
- Scott
Please feel free to use this sample disclaimer in your book as you wish. Note - I am not a lawyer and/or doctor and I take no responsibility for whether this will cover all the liabilities related to your book. It's just merely something to help you and provide a framework.
You’re in the right place. There has never been a better time in history to write a book than RIGHT NOW.
Most people don’t become authors because they either don’t believe they’re capable or they don’t know how to spread their message. This is where the game has changed. Why? It starts with understanding that Amazon is the new Google. They’re going to do close to $100 Billion (yes, BILLION) in revenue this year. Where they differ from Google is that they make their money when your book SELLS (not through advertising). To do this, they will spread your message FOR YOU…for FREE…and drive massive amounts of traffic to your book.
All you need to do is create the book and follow the Passion 2 Published formula so people can BUY it.
Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? It is!
The Passion 2 Published course is simple - it’s the step-by-step process of creating, publishing and monetizing your book in multiple formats: as an eBook, Print Book and Audiobook. People consume information differently these days, and the more formats you offer your book in, the more royalties are put in your pocket. I walk you through how to publish your eBook on Amazon, your Print Book on Amazon and CreateSpace, and your Audiobook on ACX (which distributes to Amazon, Audible and iTunes).
I’ve never seen a course this comprehensive.
But let’s both get on the same page right off the bat - this course is about writing a REAL book that will circulate around the world, earning you passive royalties and building you a sustainable brand that will stand the test of time.
I’m not talking about a 30-page glorified handbook that you’d be embarrassed to show your friends. I also won’t BS you with unrealistic amounts of money you’re going to make from your book. Will you make money? YES. I guarantee it. But whether you make $1,000/year or $10,000+/year depends on how well you follow the steps in this course.
Still, ask any prolific author and they will tell you the REAL money you make is NOT from your book. Your book is simply the launching pad to MUCH great opportunities.
Trust me, I’ve eaten plenty of ramen noodles in my day and no one appreciates the value of a dollar more than me, but the royalties you make from your book will be peanuts compared to what you can potentially earn elsewhere.
Keep in mind - it costs you NOTHING to publish on these platforms. No hidden costs. No monthly hosting fees. No mandatory selling requirements. All you do is login to your accounts (which I show you in the course) to check your royalties and see how many people, around the world, have purchased your book. It’s a pretty cool feeling :-)
The Passion 2 Published curriculum is video training, either with me speaking direct-to-camera (like the intro video) or doing screencasts so I can show you how to create your book, format it, upload it online, maximize your royalty structure, etc. There are also plenty of downloads for brainstorming the framework of your book, checklists as you progress through the program and free social media sites for promoting your book (to name a few).
How long will it take you to complete this course? Like anything in life, it depends on your motivation. I've seen people do it in as short as 7 days. Realistically, you should expect to have a QUALITY book created and selling online, in multiple formats, in 30 days. 60 days would be the high end. 90 days at the absolute maximum.
Just take action and follow along with what I'm teaching. YOU CAN DO THIS!
This course is covered by Udemy’s unconditional 30-day money back guarantee. I will also give you my personal guarantee - I cannot do the work for you but if you step, I step. I will ALWAYS meet you halfway. If you need clarification or help, ask me. That’s what I’m here for. I genuinely want to empower more people to step up in the world, spread their message, build a lucrative business and have a helluva good time doing it.
I’m hoping you choose to invest in this course. I believe it will change your life.
Best,
- Scott
Creator, Passion 2 Published