Should You Rapid Release Your Books?
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- Опубликовано: 10 июл 2024
- I know whether or not to rapid release your indie books is a hot-button topic right now, and I'm excited to share my perspective with you. Of course, this is just based on my opinion and personal experience and observations.
Please comment below and give your perspective, just remember to stay respectful of different points of view! There is no “one way is the only way” in self-publishing. There’s only what works for you or doesn’t.
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This is a bit of a controversial topic, so feel free to share your own opinions and experiences in a respectful manner! Another thought I had while editing is that we should also be thinking about how once soooo many people start rapid releasing everything, it's going to become so much less effective. When only a handful of people were doing it, it caused a huge splash. When nearly everyone is doing it, it will be less effective for sure. Something to think about before you hold back and write books for the next two years. The indie market changes really fast! Okay, what are your thoughts??
Thank you so much for sharing this! A balanced perspective is so important. Really appreciate this!
I would love to hear your opinion on KU vs wide release strategies, if there's enough meat there for a video. Thank you again for the wonderful content.
I know this is an older video, so I understand if you don't see this question, but I've never understood why all the marketing advice for indie is so separate from trad. As a reader, I don't know the difference unless the author tells me they're indie. It's not like most readers check the publishing house. Can you explain? I'm planning to start self publishing my own books in the next couple of years and I am filled with anxiety because I don't edit fast enough to put more than 1, maybe 2 out each year.
Great points..
It blows my mind that readers drop an author because a new book hasn't been released in 6 months. I've been waiting for Winds of Winter for 9 years. If I like an author, or a creator in general, that I like, I will wait. Take your time, Author, I will be here when you're ready to release.
Mark A Personally I think the sweet spot is 2 books per year. 1 in March the other in September. That is if you can write that fast and depending on other situations. How many series you are writing at a time, how long the book/series is, etc.
Sometimes you can only put out 1 book a year and that is fine.
How can I get you as a fan so I stop having people drop me when I don't write for a while. I am a busy single mom and I swear there is so much pressure for writers to release rapidly.
YES 👍
My aim is to write books with a longer lifespan than a couple of months. So if people find my series after 3 years I'm happy as well.
My grandfather wrote popular books in the 30's to 60's of the last century and they are still being sold. He died in 1966 and I'm still grateful for his efforts back then and receive royalties from his books.
This is an excellent perspective. I write one novel every several months but I'm finding the use of BookBub ads to be quite helpful.
Just the term "Rapid release" makes me stressed out! A whole new way of thinking for me. Very good to hear both the pros and cons.
As a reader (I read both traditional published and indie published authors) I don't really care if I have to wait between books if I really enjoy that series. I'm not a fast reader, so I won't mind waiting a little longer for a new release. As a (hopefully) 'writer-to-be' I feel already stressed out just for coming up with a great idea, let alone publish five or six books in less than 6 months. I think that your strategy of publishing the first 3 books in 2 months or so and then spread them out it's less intimidating and less scary. Thank you for anything you do and say to help us understand how to have joy and fun in a career that more often than not (at least that's what I think) is stressing because maybe you think that you're behind or maybe sometimes you just don't want to write because you've lost your joy but you know that you have to write fast because your readers will go away if you won't be able to publish those books as fast as you can. So thank you for your videos, and I can't wait to see what's in store next!
The cons of the rapid-release strategy are huge. I could never take such a risk.
My current plan is to get books 1-3 fully drafted, and start the revisions needed to get on track for publishing. My plan is to release these three books every two-three months to build a reader base. (I'm self publishing both physical and digital across a variety of platforms.) I'll continue to work on books 4-6 during this time and build towards my planned finale which will likely be book 9 based on the world I'm building.
I don't really care about sales, this has been a passion project for me, and while I'm going to put the money and effort into making it a success, it's not going to break me if it flops and I'm not going to put myself into debt or quit my job to try and make this happen. I still plan to finish the story regardless, just to say that I did it. I've done the impossible before, so I want to do it again, if I make money, fantastic!
I would love more videos like this. I struggle balancing writing, working, and being a mom under the dark cloud of my mental health. Videos like this are encouraging as heck and remind me that I’m human and I shouldn’t hold someone else’s normal over my own normal
Big hugs to you. So glad this was encouraging. You are not alone.
Sarra, you are a voice of reason and well-being. You are the best advisor for writers who are mothers and are focused on writing, family and staying joyful.
I love that you shared the cons because I don't' think I've heard anyone talk about that. I plan on doing a rapid release with the first 3 books in my new series. I plan on it being a 6 book series, but having a 3 book story arc within that series. That way if it doesn't take off like I want, I have a cutting off point. I also believe I can write at least 3 books a year so by the time the last one drops I would ideally have book 4 done with book 5 in process in the series or book 1 in a new series done (it always takes me longer to do book 1 in a new series since all new characters and I just need to spend some time with them to really get to know them. Anyway, I really appreciate this video and your common sense advice. So much out there urges you to write faster and faster, and while I want to get more efficient, there is just a point of diminishing returns for me at least. I know some people who can comfortably put out a book a month, but that' s not me! :)
This was the PERFECT topic to talk about!! This is a subject that has been haunting my mind lately! I’ll have to see what I want to do in the future with releasing my future books. Thank you, Sarra! And I hope Evie is doing great!
So glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!!
Yes!!! Me too, exactly what I was struggling over - I LOVE your POV here. Thanks for being so balanced!!
Fantastic video. I appreciate that you laid out the cons as well as the pros in a nice balanced way. So often (with anything writing/publishing related) people just go: this method is fantastic and for everyone, there are no cons or if there are, they are little and insignificant and you don't need to concern yourself with them.
I haven't published anything yet (my first is scheduled for November this year) and I did toy with the idea of rapid releasing or maybe quick is a better term as I was thinking three or four months between books. But that would mean I would need to write faster and every time I tried I ended up scrapping the manuscript. I thought it was just "second book in a series funk" but I was forcing myself to go too quickly, now I've slowed back down and everything is running smoothly again.
I think we all have our optimum operating speeds, it's just about figuring them out and then doing what works for us. Personally, I like to take my time with things, to make sure I am putting out my very best work and that takes multiple drafts and lots of time for the ideas to percolate. And I am okay with that :)
Sorry about the massive comment.
Wow, what a huge amount of stress just FLEW of my mind and heart!
I am so thankful from the bottom of my soul that you brought this up, tiers rolled with joy.
I am a planner and have been plotting out these two books together, yet I have not published before and I am still learning the craft. This showed me I would quit as a writer.
I was a business owner whom closed the shop down because of advertising, it took my joy away. I relayed on word of mouth marketing and smaller companies with their help marketing mine. Even knowing that was my business plan, with a back up plan, it was to much.
So I'm starting from scratch and am thrilled to start over with just plotting one book.
Much love to you, Shana
It’s not only about how fast you do the actual writing but your process of developing the story idea, the characters, your plot- we all do it differently. And then begins the writing piece of the pie. And editing/revising if that’s vital for you or no. It’s a lot of factors . Not to mention one’s home life and real world responsibilities. Thank you for this video, Sara!
The idea of rapid releasing has given me a lot of anxiety, so thank you for sharing this pros and cons list ❤
It's honestly not even as effective as it used to be! Do it your way!
Such a valuable video, everyone always talks about the pros of rapid release so was great to hear an honest balanced view
Great video. Especially interested in the insights on readers who prefer to binge. As a reader myself, I have writers whose books I like to binge and others whose books I prefer to savor. As a writer, it's worth it to take some time and think about what you want to be. Thanks!
Yes good point about readers! I imagine most readers are like that and have their favorites that they savor (it try to!). The question is what all goes into becoming an author a reader savors or is loyal to over time? This is something I think about a lot, but I don't have all the answers for sure.
Hearing those cons made me feel a lot less stressed out about pushing myself to rapid release. Thanks for this! Lots of stress gone!
This was such a great video! You made points I hadn’t even considered!
I can't remember if I already commented on this or not, but this was SO HELPFUL! You're such a valuable member of this community and I've learned soooo much from you. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
This is very reassuring. I first heard about rapid release from one of your other videos, and have heard the strategy praised again and again since. I have one book written and was planning to hold back until I had 3 (series will be about 8 or 9), do rapid release, then start spacing them out significantly. I can only do a book a year right now so rapid release is not a sustainable model for me long term and I do worry I'd be cultivating the wrong readers.
I love this video! Thank you Sarra for always being so honest & informative about the topic. I love your advice because it is open and there’s no judgment.
I feel like this is a really great strategy for romance, but maybe not for something like high fantasy or something else with a higher word count but maybe that's just me?
I've never heard of rapid release before until I saw video of the subject on another RUclips channel. But I had the idea (I thought I was being original ha, ha) of writing a few books and holding them and then releasing them. But not every 30 days! I was thinking every two to three months lol I also thought, what if the first book flops? Then what? The idea of writing so much that fast makes my head spin. That's too much pressure on myself and it wouldn't make me happy. I like your idea of rapidly releasing two to three books and building momentum with the rest of the series (if the first couple of books are successful). Great explanation about what rapid release is and how it's done 😀
You are such an inspiration! I love the way you talk about things openly and honestly. I learned so much in this video! :)
I'm doing 3 at once. A person has to weigh the risks and go for it. No one knows the silver bullet when they start. Build the best boat I can and start sailing.
I so needed to hear this! I accidentally released 2 books close together that set up one of my series and do believe rapid release is definitely useful, but not necessary. Readers are different. Some are content to wait and others are not. Hopefully you curate the right audience by being authentic and writing at a pace that's best for you. Thank you for releasing this video! So informative!
Awesome! Thanks so much for your videos Sarra !!
I read indie and trad stuf and I'm a fast reader but I don't treat all genres the same. I only read the books I'm interested in when it comes to romance and don't usually read a whole series. For fantasy, i have to like the first book to read the rest. I'm not the type to wait "until it gets good" (i.e wait until you get to X book. That's when the story takes off or it gets really exciting, etc)
That being said I don't mind waiting for the next book to come out. Obviously, I would love to get into a series after it's completed so I can race to the end but if I love a series, I'll wait and come back later.
I love the idea of rapid release. Generally I have the next one ready to start editing when I publish one but I really couldn’t do it any faster. It’s such a time consuming process with editing, covers etc etc and you’ve got to spread the cost out too... plus there’s that pesky day job 😉
My theory is I’m very limited on time and therefore it will take people a while to find my work. By the time they find it there will be a few books out.
Excellent video, thanks Sarra!
I truly love this video! Here I was feeling so guilty for not publishing my second book so fast after I gave birth! Reality is rapid release isn’t for all of us. ♥️
Needed to hear this. I was just thinking about it
Extremely helpful. You addresses so many cons I had not considered. Thanks so much!
Grumpy Old Man agrees with your cautions. I think rapid release is good once you have an established fan base and you can write and edit a book within the release window, however long you choose to make it. That is what I do with one of my successful pen names.
Thank you for this video Sarra. It is great to hear your opinion on rapid release strategies. As a reader i dont mind waiting for a book, especially if its a series i love. As a writer i have made the mistake of starting a new series before finishing writing my previous series, and i have learned my lesson with this and i plan to now stick to one series at a time.x
Hi Cara. Learned that lesson too. In fact have taken down 2 incomplete series until we finish our current 8 Book series and finish the others one by one. It was actually one of Sarra's video that inspired our new strategy. Best Wishes !
I feel so vindicated and at peace, thank you for this!! I am beginning my first series, and I have been going back and forth on my strategy. I think that I will do pretty much exactly what you suggest, though maybe just with the first two, but who knows :)
This video helped me a lot. Thanks, Sarra.❤
Yesssss!!! Thank you! This is powerful and honest. I felt my anxiety level drop just watching and listening to this vid.
Great video - balanced and thorough, with some invaluable insights. I'm not a fast writer and, as such, definitely need to take this into account. Thank you for sharing. 😃💖💝
Love it. So much insight. Thanks Sara :-)
Thank you. That was helpful.
Yes, yes, yes!! Especially that part about training the reader! That's exactly it! Thank you Sarra for that great video
Sarra this video is right on time. This subject has been heavily on my mind. I'm new at this and still learning craft. I do have a couple of series idea's but want to write a lone wolf book to go through the learning process of this business. I think I'm going to do the solo book first and then work on my other books. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge ✌(Tamara)
Great video. Thanks so much for the food for thought, and the reminder to find what's sustainable for me.
Great video. It is great to hear a balanced discussions of both sides.
Fantastic info! Thank you!
Thank you... this was very helpful ❤
This is a very helpful discussion. Thank you :0)
So good, thanks🌼
Super insight 👍 I was thinking the same thing about proving yourself especially for new authors that haven't published, yet.
It's really something to consider, for sure. Glad you had the same thought!
Consistency and meeting projected release date schedules for book releases to audiences seems more important to me than being within a specific time window
The early Harry Potter books were released only just once a year. Than the later books took even longer and came out every two years. But there was consistency with the releases
I think the biggest issue that happens with audiences in any form of entertainment is there just left hanging a lot of times like, "when's the next one come out." And without a date to expect for the new content it doesn't take long for the person to move on.
If they have a date to hope in I think that can help a lot and if the producer of the content stays engaged with their audience through the process of their work that helps too
But for me I would think if ur book is good enough it should be able to maintain an interest from the audience for atleast a year.
A lot of times people wait years for the releases of the things they love. But hey what do I know
This is great information! I'm writing the first book in my series right now, I think it will only be two or three books, and I plan to release them a couple months apart. I'm going to finish book 1 this month and write book 2 next month, then go back to book 1 for editing.
Great video, I'm releasing three books in a series later this year! I plan on releasing one in August, the next one in September, and then October. Then releasing more in that series every couple of months with not a long time period between them.. I'm a really fast writer! I've been writing seriously on and off for the past ten years!
thank you for talking about both the pros and cons of rapid release. I admit that as a reader, when I try a new author and enjoy the first book, I will binge read all the books in that series. As a writer, I am planning on writing the first 3 books in my series, and rapid releasing them as I finish the first draft of number 4, and then slowing down a bit from there so that people don't read the first book and then get sad that I have nothing else.
Really great video.
Thank you so much for your helpful information. I am a such slow writer so knowing that I am not the only one out there who can’t vomit 10,000 words a day onto the page is such a relief to hear. I’d rather pick quality over quantity and right one great book versus six terrible ones. Thank you so much again for your advice.
That sounds like a great balance between promotion and sustainability.
I'm working on a series of stand-alones linked by the fact that they're all pirate romances. If people love them, great, I can keep thinking up piratey adventures. But if the first few don't sell, I'm not committed to finishing an overarching narrative.
This is a great video - thank you for your wisdom! Great to know rapid release doesn't necessarily mean one book a month! Phew! ❤
That sounds like a lot of pressure to be doing it again and again altho I love your take on it
Very interesting point about types of readers and binging series. I read mostly traditionally published books and I expect to wait 1-2 years between books in a series. I actually find I'm really suspicious of and avoid series with less than 6 months between books, because I've had several experiences where a series becomes popular and the author is pressured to put books out quickly, but the quality of the books goes way down. When I see rapidly released books, I always wonder if the author really took the time to work out the plot, if they got the book edited sufficiently, and if they're going to burn out part way through the series and leave me hanging. Definitely an area where deciding what kind of readers you want to market to is important!
Same.
I have a series of 4 books I'm writing now. The first book is taking me longer to write because I'm making mistakes and I'm finding I need to change things from my original outline. But my plan (I really hope it works) is to have the second book almost ready for professional edits when I launch the first book and then have the same with the third with the second book and so on.
Thank you for this. I seem to be comfortable every 6 months. I fee like I'm not putting my books out fast enough.
I did a rapid release in 2019: Sept, Oct, November but feel it fell flat... I’m only starting the video so maybe you will address this later, just wanted to say that it doesn’t always work (although I’m a confused marketer, so that could be one reason why it didn’t go...)
Oof. It looks like you write MG fantasy. How are things going now? I know this was over a year ago, but do you have any advice? Would you have done it any differently?
Such a useful video. This question-to rapid release or not-has me kinda frozen in place. I’m terrified to do it and the series be a complete flop. But as a new author I feel I need to get my books out there to prove to readers that I’ll release more then 1 book, prove I can finish a series. It honestly gives me anxiety thinking about it.
I understand! This is not an easy business. But I think we can convince ourselves that if we don't do it a certain way we'll be lost forever. That's just fear talking, and it simply isn't true. There are many paths to success, and it's okay to find your way over time.
I'm not a writer but as a reader if a book is part of a series I prefer to binge read it. If it takes too long between books I probably won't finish the series because I've moved on to other books/series/tropes and don't want to reinvest back into that world. It's not just indie books. For example, I tend to avoid debut authors in trad pub'ed YA, sci fi/fantasy, and mystery because those genres are notorious for series. Those are my favorite genres so I usually go for authors who only write stand alones or have built up their catalog because if I find one I like I want to go all in.
I've also noticed that when I binge I'm less likely to notice what direction the series is going and just go with it and actually finish the whole series. When I have to wait awhile I'm way more critical of any changes to the series and more likely to quit (usually around book 4).
Rapid release sounds super stressful with lots of risks and this video brings up lots of excellent points. Watching authortube videos definitely helped me appreciate authors a lot more. To any authors out there, thank you for going through all this stress, anxiety, and emotions to allow me to take a break from reality!
Sara, does the time in between rapid release launches have anything to do with your email list? If you have a very small list, does it matter if you wait 30 days vs 90 days.... or any days at all? Won't most of your traffic still come from Amazon? So having EVERY reader who sees book 1, also see Book 2, 3 a better strategy than waiting those 90 days and hoping the readers from book 1 just magically return?
Sarra I have a question regarding whether it is still considered rapid release if it is not a series? For instance if I have a fiction book, a poetry book, and a non-fiction book that are all ready to go and be published, if I publish those within weeks of each other will that still be considered a rapid release or is that only pertaining to series?
Who do u self publish with & what's the lowest retail price of ur books
Enjoyed the video as usual. Lots to think about! I have a request for a video as well. I’m not sure how comfortable you are with the topic, but could you speak to writing in different genres? Is it something you’ve done a lot of? Is it better to release vastly different types of books under different pen names, etc? Thanks for these! I live the videos.Discovered you one day when I was researching self publishing and subscribed immediately.
And one of your videos from a year ago just popped up on this very topic, lol. I’ll watch that next 😊
I decided not to opt into KU or KDP select because I know I can't keep up with the binge-reading demand.
How fast do you think non-fiction books should be released?
Basically you need to write the first book and during that take notes, as you do, to become realistic about what it takes to publish, then publish and take notes - then plan for the future. If you have 1000 ideers, are a quick writer then go for rapid release, my gut says it is way too risky. It is out of my league to do a serie, so your talk about trends that move on is more of a subject to my writing. As a reader I like to read a book over some days, it is magic :) I dont want to feel poor because I cant afford a serie ..
can you be my mentor?
Thanks for the video but, writing is re-writing. In this case 6 books, in such a short time sounds insane to me. Also it needs to be proof read/beta readers need to check it etc.
I guess I'm used to the traditional publishers.... typically a year in between the new books and rare treat that there's 2 in the same year.
If books are getting rapidly released, I'd have to question the quality of writing and what's the word count on the books?
Yeah, I'll binge read, especially if it's an established series that's been out for a long time, ei Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia... or if I'm going back to reread say Harry Potter and Dresden Files.... or I"m just now discovering there's series X and so many books, read the first. Did I like it? Dive into the rest!
For me it feels more like quanity over quality...
Consumerism is an addiction... I write stories don't sell drugs.
i am like number 666
you're welcome ;)