We're so on the same track with the Side Quests strategy! #7 is what I've been trying to build out for the past few months. I hear so many talk about the Iceberg framework (10% of your ideas make it in the book, 90% of ideas are background lore to inform the book)... Just seems like the left over 90% would be extremely valuable to readers and could be used for marketing (lead magnets) or could be monetized. Really appreciate the fictional insight! Keep it coming Cole!
@@nicolascole77 You did such comprehensive job in this video, it's hard to think of anything specifically to ask that you didn't already cover. I guess one question or area of interest that comes to mind surrounds the importance of being prolific, which obviously makes a ton of sense. Wondering if you've given thought to ways/methods where you could 'systematize' your fiction writing process to the point where your daily writing is seen as less of a chore or a grind, and more of a task list... in a way. This might not even make any sense. But, I remember you or Dickie, in talking about writing a while back (I think it was about non-fiction), where you said something that stuck with me along the lines of (to paraphrase) "a book is essentially a bunch of lists". I also write litrpg, and ever since hearing one of you say that, I'd been trying to think of ways I could incorporate that idea into the process of fiction writing itself so as to create a 'system' of sorts which I could leverage to make myself prolific, and keep a constant schedule of releases on Amazon, etc. So anyway, yeah, maybe if you wanted to cover something like that, if you find it interesting/helpful? If not, no big deal, just thought I'd mention it. Sorry for the long-winded reply, just going off the top of my head here. Anyway, thanks again for lots of great advice. Don't feel obligated to reply... lol
OMG!!! The patreon wide quest thing is such a GREAT IDEA! I write both fiction and non-fiction but have legit 3D model maps that I've made for my fiction novel with so much background info that will never even make it into the story. The Patreon side quest model is freaking genius! Thank you. This also helps with the "I have so many stories that live in my head I don't know what to start first" dilemma. Now I can just start them all and put them up to get feedback about what people want to read more of and lean into that. With following all these things, as I am 9 hours away from finishing my degree in fiction writing, is it necessary to actually finish the degree or just to use the hard skills and monetize from there? Specifically wanted the degree to learn how to write fiction. Thank you for your awesome content as always. Just received your book and can't wait to obscenely cover it in notes, post-its and highlighters.
Dickens was master of serialization with cliff hanger endings, which is what I would suggest for fiction writers on medium, vella, and similar platforms. Fiction isn't my genre but romance is a very profitable genre with a zillion sub niches.
Great to hear you're taking on fiction next, and even more good news you're joining us over in the LitRPG groove! I'm in the middle of Ship 30 for 30 right now and was just wondering how I could apply what I'm learning to my fiction. Fantastic timing with this video. I'm already on RR and just finished my first arc. As an alternative to Stubbing, I'm thinking about creating a really long serial where I can publish some novel length episodes to KU and some only on RR.
The step about being in a distinct category will go over people's heads but it's probably the single most important point you had. Everyone and their grandmother wants to write "romantasy" or "thriller" or "fantasy" but authors like Maas, Patterson, and Sanderson rule in those areas. Even if you write an "objectively" better book, you'll get drowned out by the category kings and queens. This video open my eyes; I've gotta create my own category. Currently working naming and claiming one as we speak!
Thank you so much for this video Cole. I got some nuggets from here that I can definitely apply to my comic book publishing. I am going to test out some your recommendations. Any thoughts on how I can apply some of your tips to comics? It's okay if you're not familiar with the medium.
YESSS, Great video, learned a lot! Thanks man! Loved the « side quest » idea, it could be really powerful if well implemented! The way I understood it, I could build a world setting and create some short stories of characters in that same worlds right? (I mean as a beginner, you recommend to write short stories, I thought that could be a good idea combined with the "side-quest" thing And develop the world even more by uploading some places, items, and "secrets"
Super interesting. One point of tension - AI is going to really disrupt output, putting (I think) a higher premium on quality. That’ll slow down most writers, but it’ll net a better reader experience.
Yea it’s amazing. And, if he created another one and charged for it he’d make millions of dollars. Massive lost opportunity to monetize his craft further
@Nicolascole77 Yeah, he could, but knowing the cat, he will not sell it. And he is making bank with his fiction.He made more than 40 million on kickstarter. That's crazy. Would you do a Kickstarter, and what do you think about it as publishing strategy?
Read the SILO serie (3 heavy books) before it gets famous, with a TV show...Very original. Didn't know Hugh Howey had written short stories before. Thanks for the insght.
Nicolas, can you also make a video about Medium and it's latest developments?I publish 2 newsletter on Medium however I've noticed that lately engagement rates and readership rates have dropped. What are the strategies to suceed on the platform?
@Nicolas Cole When publishing on Amazon Unlimited (KDP Select) the terms and conditions state that we can't distribute the book in **digital format** anywhere during a select period. Would that include chapters on my website only available to my members?
Exactly what I need! Thanks! Question: My native language is german and I’m writing in German, because it’s so much easier for my to write down my stuff. Would you stay on that path or going into the bigger english market for the long term? It’s like the decision trying to become the biggest fish in the smaller pond or trying to survive in the ocean 😅 Plus. I don’t know how well AI is right now for translating Textes with slang etc
Hey Cole, Excellent re-motivation. I realize that erotica may not be in your wheelhouse. Any recommendations of who to follow for inspiration and support in that genre?
I think when you say create a sub-category you mean keywords right? I have never heard or seen a military romance section in any bookshop. Also, if I call myself a military romance writer for example and example and then would like to write "general" romance I would "lock myself" in this sub niche. Using keywords is fine but not labelling myself with that sub-niche because that can affect my long term plan. Plus I am not in a hurry to start making money writing novels or short stories. Most important for me is improve my skills and quality and that i can do by writing a novel if I feel like it. There are examples of famous novelists that started by writing a novel first.
I think it’s a matter of differentiation. Every category started as a keyword. Saying you’re a military romance writer could pique someone’s curiosity and prompt them to ask you more. If you simply say romance writer, everyone will already have an idea of that in their mind. I’d immediately think you were writing a book with Fabio on the front. Locking into a niche (or keyword…different ways to say the same thing) doesn’t exclude you from the main category. As a military romance writer, you’re still a romance writer, just a more original and creative one in the eyes of people who already have preconceived notions of the more general category. This is my interpretation at least.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
We're so on the same track with the Side Quests strategy! #7 is what I've been trying to build out for the past few months. I hear so many talk about the Iceberg framework (10% of your ideas make it in the book, 90% of ideas are background lore to inform the book)...
Just seems like the left over 90% would be extremely valuable to readers and could be used for marketing (lead magnets) or could be monetized. Really appreciate the fictional insight! Keep it coming Cole!
Another great one. The amount of gold you dispense here is tremendous. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed this one. Any follow-up questions you'd like me to cover in future fiction writing episodes?
@@nicolascole77 You did such comprehensive job in this video, it's hard to think of anything specifically to ask that you didn't already cover. I guess one question or area of interest that comes to mind surrounds the importance of being prolific, which obviously makes a ton of sense. Wondering if you've given thought to ways/methods where you could 'systematize' your fiction writing process to the point where your daily writing is seen as less of a chore or a grind, and more of a task list... in a way. This might not even make any sense. But, I remember you or Dickie, in talking about writing a while back (I think it was about non-fiction), where you said something that stuck with me along the lines of (to paraphrase) "a book is essentially a bunch of lists". I also write litrpg, and ever since hearing one of you say that, I'd been trying to think of ways I could incorporate that idea into the process of fiction writing itself so as to create a 'system' of sorts which I could leverage to make myself prolific, and keep a constant schedule of releases on Amazon, etc. So anyway, yeah, maybe if you wanted to cover something like that, if you find it interesting/helpful? If not, no big deal, just thought I'd mention it. Sorry for the long-winded reply, just going off the top of my head here. Anyway, thanks again for lots of great advice. Don't feel obligated to reply... lol
OMG!!! The patreon wide quest thing is such a GREAT IDEA! I write both fiction and non-fiction but have legit 3D model maps that I've made for my fiction novel with so much background info that will never even make it into the story. The Patreon side quest model is freaking genius! Thank you.
This also helps with the "I have so many stories that live in my head I don't know what to start first" dilemma. Now I can just start them all and put them up to get feedback about what people want to read more of and lean into that.
With following all these things, as I am 9 hours away from finishing my degree in fiction writing, is it necessary to actually finish the degree or just to use the hard skills and monetize from there? Specifically wanted the degree to learn how to write fiction. Thank you for your awesome content as always. Just received your book and can't wait to obscenely cover it in notes, post-its and highlighters.
Degree isn't necessary but if you have 9 hours left I wouldn't drop out haha.
@@nicolascole77any vids on comic book scripts arriving? How to? Styles? Etc
Dickens was master of serialization with cliff hanger endings, which is what I would suggest for fiction writers on medium, vella, and similar platforms.
Fiction isn't my genre but romance is a very profitable genre with a zillion sub niches.
That was such helpful content. Thank you. Never thought about writing non fiction as an addition to increase earnings further.
Most fiction writers don't. Such a great topic to talk about tho-I plan on covering it more!
@@nicolascole77 Yeah, it would be great if you could do more of these kinds of videos. you provide such good knowledge. thank you
Great to hear you're taking on fiction next, and even more good news you're joining us over in the LitRPG groove!
I'm in the middle of Ship 30 for 30 right now and was just wondering how I could apply what I'm learning to my fiction. Fantastic timing with this video.
I'm already on RR and just finished my first arc.
As an alternative to Stubbing, I'm thinking about creating a really long serial where I can publish some novel length episodes to KU and some only on RR.
Great to hear. Do you have a website yet?
BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE
Big drop
Oh. Seems like you're working on a damn good novel, is that true? Do you have some published books?
Stoked for all the fiction content!
Let me know what other questions you have!
Thank you so much!
The step about being in a distinct category will go over people's heads but it's probably the single most important point you had.
Everyone and their grandmother wants to write "romantasy" or "thriller" or "fantasy" but authors like Maas, Patterson, and Sanderson rule in those areas. Even if you write an "objectively" better book, you'll get drowned out by the category kings and queens. This video open my eyes; I've gotta create my own category.
Currently working naming and claiming one as we speak!
Exactly. Any follow-up questions you'd like me to cover in future fiction writing episodes?
@@nicolascole77 how do we go about researching which subcategories don't already have a ton of fiction/competition? That's something I'd want to know!
Thank you so much for this video Cole. I got some nuggets from here that I can definitely apply to my comic book publishing. I am going to test out some your recommendations. Any thoughts on how I can apply some of your tips to comics? It's okay if you're not familiar with the medium.
I learnt a lot.
Nicholas, you are the best!
YESSS, Great video, learned a lot! Thanks man!
Loved the « side quest » idea, it could be really powerful if well implemented!
The way I understood it, I could build a world setting and create some short stories of characters in that same worlds right? (I mean as a beginner, you recommend to write short stories, I thought that could be a good idea combined with the "side-quest" thing
And develop the world even more by uploading some places, items, and "secrets"
I'm glad :) Any follow-up questions you'd like me to cover in future fiction writing episodes?
Brilliant. This also feels like a great template for the decentralized publishing company of the future.
That confirms my hunch. The best marketing while working on novels could be to publish a short story once a month to Amazon.
Super interesting.
One point of tension - AI is going to really disrupt output, putting (I think) a higher premium on quality. That’ll slow down most writers, but it’ll net a better reader experience.
Brandon Sanderson actually have a course on fiction writing... It's on youtube and it's good.
Yea it’s amazing. And, if he created another one and charged for it he’d make millions of dollars. Massive lost opportunity to monetize his craft further
@Nicolascole77 Yeah, he could, but knowing the cat, he will not sell it. And he is making bank with his fiction.He made more than 40 million on kickstarter. That's crazy. Would you do a Kickstarter, and what do you think about it as publishing strategy?
Link to sanderson's course?
@@nicolascole77i get it
@@chm9935 ruclips.net/p/PLSH_xM-KC3Zv-79sVZTTj-YA6IAqh8qeQ&si=pbtqblUsj8eu9TP3
Thanks my mentor!
Read the SILO serie (3 heavy books) before it gets famous, with a TV show...Very original. Didn't know Hugh Howey had written short stories before. Thanks for the insght.
Yea, awesome case study. Any follow-up questions you'd like me to cover in future fiction writing episodes?
Would love to know your thoughts on Kindle Vella as a platform to experiment with the lean writing approach to fiction.
Couldn't hurt!
Cole, when I arrive with a new sub-genre, and start uploading on Kindle Unlimited, can I create a new "category filter choice entry"?
"You've taken your first step into a larger world".
Nicolas, can you also make a video about Medium and it's latest developments?I publish 2 newsletter on Medium however I've noticed that lately engagement rates and readership rates have dropped. What are the strategies to suceed on the platform?
Hi Cole! What do you think about Vocal Media for public fiction writing?
@Nicolas Cole When publishing on Amazon Unlimited (KDP Select) the terms and conditions state that we can't distribute the book in **digital format** anywhere during a select period. Would that include chapters on my website only available to my members?
Interesting, I wonder if this can apply to comic books?
That’s true Cole….at some point I searched on RUclips, “How Ed Sheeran writes music?”
I am confused. Wouldn't it not be possible to do the royal road. Monthly subscription and side quest if you are exclusive to Amazon
Exactly what I need! Thanks!
Question: My native language is german and I’m writing in German, because it’s so much easier for my to write down my stuff.
Would you stay on that path or going into the bigger english market for the long term?
It’s like the decision trying to become the biggest fish in the smaller pond or trying to survive in the ocean 😅
Plus. I don’t know how well AI is right now for translating Textes with slang etc
Auf Deutsch schreiben, dann uebersetzen. Kann aber daraus zweisprachige Werke erstellen! Deutsch/Englisch lernen.
Hey Cole, Excellent re-motivation. I realize that erotica may not be in your wheelhouse. Any recommendations of who to follow for inspiration and support in that genre?
No clue lol. Just search best-sellers in that category on Amazon and you’ll see who is crushing it
I think when you say create a sub-category you mean keywords right? I have never heard or seen a military romance section in any bookshop. Also, if I call myself a military romance writer for example and example and then would like to write "general" romance I would "lock myself" in this sub niche. Using keywords is fine but not labelling myself with that sub-niche because that can affect my long term plan. Plus I am not in a hurry to start making money writing novels or short stories. Most important for me is improve my skills and quality and that i can do by writing a novel if I feel like it. There are examples of famous novelists that started by writing a novel first.
I think it’s a matter of differentiation. Every category started as a keyword. Saying you’re a military romance writer could pique someone’s curiosity and prompt them to ask you more.
If you simply say romance writer, everyone will already have an idea of that in their mind. I’d immediately think you were writing a book with Fabio on the front.
Locking into a niche (or keyword…different ways to say the same thing) doesn’t exclude you from the main category. As a military romance writer, you’re still a romance writer, just a more original and creative one in the eyes of people who already have preconceived notions of the more general category.
This is my interpretation at least.
Cole just dropping nuggets everyday 😊
That's the goal
Interesting! Nuggets indeed. But, seems like you're working on a story at the moment. Are you an indie author? And, do you have some published books?
Watching this a second time
Ok, treat Amazon As Your Primary Publishing Platform - how many books (40 -60k) a year?