I’m modernizing my business model.
My readers keep their Kindles full to bursting. Their appetite for great books is much bigger than their wallets. So they scrounge around the internet for free ebooks, wait for giveaways, and sign up for ARCs.
These wonderful readers would happily support every single author if they could. Unfortunately, money is a finite resource. Many of the most avid readers are retired, disabled, or stay-at-home parents.
I know because they tell me.
Over the years, I’ve received dozens of emails from readers sharing their stories. I am blown away by their kindness and encouragement. My soul warms up every time they tell me one of my books brought them joy. Every single one of my “followers” is a real human being, not a number.
My goal has never been to sell millions of books or make millions of dollars. My goal has always been to share my stories with whoever else might enjoy them, whether that be a million people or ten. I write as a way to connect with other humans—so we can all think and laugh and wonder together.
Until now, I’ve only been selling my books because, well, I’ve got bills to pay. Who doesn’t?
Then, just recently, I had an idea.
Part of what I’ve learned from my recent experience with traditional publishing (see the full story here), is that publishers of all sizes are struggling; they can’t afford to take risks. Then I thought—maybe they are struggling because they have the wrong business model?
Think about it. Publishers spend years creating a product that they can only sell once per customer. Maybe twice if that customer buys the book for a gift for a friend. That leaves readers with limited income stuck listening to the sales pitches of thousands of desperate authors begging for their business. Those readers would happily read every book if they could, but they just can’t afford to.
That’s why I’m switching to The YouTuber Business Model.
While some YouTubers have paid content, most of their videos are free. I personally spend a stupid amount of time binge-watching Mr. Beast, Mark Rober, and Ryan Trahan. They make content they love and share it with viewers who love it. Their viewers don’t have to spend anything. I don’t have to pick between watching a Mr. Beast or Mark Rober video because I don’t have to pay for them. And you shouldn’t have to pick which of your favorite authors you want to read.
So how do YouTubers make money? Mr. Beast ain’t doing too shabby, after all. They don’t sell the videos themselves; they sell bonus content, merch, ads, viewer experiences, access to live chats, and more.
What I’ve learned from studying YouTube is that if you put great content out there, people will support it. Sometimes with a simple like or share, and sometimes by joining a Patreon. Every fan contributes according to their means.
So what is my plan for transitioning to the YouTuber Model? I’m starting with just a few simple steps:
- Offer all of my indie ebooks for free! Seriously. Download whichever ones you want right now:
- Download Love, Treachery, and Other Terrors
- Download Rosaline’s Curse
- Download Doctors, Assassins, and Other Tyrants
- Download Mark’s Noble Quest
- Download The Canadian Nights
- Keep my hard copies available for purchase on all online retail stores!
- Publish my next novel, one chapter at a time, right here on my blog.
- Once the entire novel has been published on my blog, I’ll make the e-reader and hard copies available.
There will be much more to come!
The very first chapter of my next book, The Laughing Empress, will go live December 15th! Stay tuned for more information about this fantastical comedy!
And if you love this new business model, there are several ways you can help:
- Spread the word! Share my content with anyone you think would enjoy it.
- If you love one of my books, write a review at your favorite online bookstore.
- Request my books, and all your favorite indie books, at your local library.
- If you have the means, you can get a paid subscription to my Substack for exclusive content—this includes stories about the real-life events that inspired my fiction. I have a lot more options coming, so follow me to stay in the loop!
You, my readers, are amazing! Let’s get those Kindles filled!
The Fables of Para Sympan 