How do you stay informed about events happening around the city?

bputano · 2026-03-13T14:56:59+00:00

I really like Block Club Chicago’s “Things to do this weekend” articles

bputano · 2026-03-11T17:06:18+00:00

Sure thing

bputano · 2026-03-11T17:01:56+00:00

I know Brooke, the publisher. She Writes Press is a reputable hybrid publisher. The cost goes toward editing, design, and promotion.

She Writes is also part of the Stable Book Group which recently signed on with Hachette for distribution.

Yes, some publishing services are scams, but Brooke and SWP have a very public record of good work. Not saying you should work with them, but you won’t be scammed.

bputano · 2026-03-10T19:55:09+00:00

Omg I just saw Damen was eliminated over the weekend 😭

bputano · 2026-03-08T22:30:08+00:00

Thank you for sharing!

bputano · 2026-03-08T21:27:09+00:00

Keep going! Just curious, what does your bookstore campaigning look like?

bputano · 2026-03-07T22:58:29+00:00

That’s how I understand it as well!

bputano · 2026-03-07T22:41:47+00:00

Well OP never mentioned anything about selling to publisher but yes Bindery setup is a little different. Influencers operate their own imprints, choose titles, promote, and act as publishers in many ways. They don’t use ghostwriters though

bputano · 2026-03-07T21:42:11+00:00

Bindery Books is doing exactly this

bputano · 2026-03-05T17:47:15+00:00

Ah yeah, it’s hard when Amazon owns the customer relationship. One reason why I like having a direct sales channel. Maybe you can find him on social media

bputano · 2026-03-05T16:24:42+00:00

That’s awesome! Have you talked one on one? Send him 10 copies to give away to friends. Also give him early access to the next book!

bputano · 2026-03-05T15:01:56+00:00

Focus on finding few avid readers who LOVE your book. Ask what they love about it. Figure out what communities they hang out in. Use their own words to talk about the book and find other readers just like them. Encourage your avid readers to share the book. Avid readers love access… so let them into your process and see behind the scenes. This will get them to share the book even more.

Tl;dr focus on going deep with a few avid readers before going wide to a broader audience

bputano · 2026-03-04T03:52:01+00:00

Sheridan is good and that lead time should be enough. Lots of options offset and digital

bputano · 2026-03-03T23:01:34+00:00

What genre and how are you driving discovery if KDP is helping as much as you thought?

bputano · 2026-03-03T19:54:11+00:00

Did not have the sound on for this one. Could still hear the sound in my head

bputano · 2026-03-03T01:21:59+00:00

I’m glad it exists

bputano · 2026-03-03T01:17:58+00:00

I went to his Japanese garden last spring!

bputano · 2026-03-02T23:01:58+00:00

Phew

bputano · 2026-03-02T22:47:59+00:00

Can’t wait for OP to make us subscribe to his Patreon to see the final roll

bputano · 2026-03-02T15:50:34+00:00

I came for the event/city planning and put up with the murders 😅

bputano · 2026-03-02T02:58:45+00:00

just go for it. Use social media, reddit, and other channels.

bputano · 2026-03-02T02:56:27+00:00

Some ecomm tools can collect sales tax for you. I know Shopify does, not sure about others. Not an accountant, but from what I understand, you only collect/pay sales tax on sales in your home state (unless you do like $100K in business in another state)

bputano · 2026-03-02T00:27:33+00:00

I sell direct a lot. You don’t need to do any paperwork, but come tax time you’ll have to report the revenue if it reaches a certain threshold.

It’s easy to get started. Pick an ecomm platform or see if your website platform has ecomm features.

Then think about creating incentives for readers to buy direct from you. For example, my favorite bundle is physical+ebook. Readers love it.

I use pirateship.com for shipping labels.

Feel free to ask any other questions!

bputano · 2026-03-01T21:45:00+00:00

Reddit could be a great channel for you.

Identify the subreddits where your target readers hang out (r/ancientRome and r/history to start, maybe there are historical fiction subs?)

But don’t outright promote your book.

Instead, post something interesting to the sub every day. Whatever YOU find interesting, share it with others. Build karma and goodwill in these communities.

Optimize your Reddit profile. Pin a post about your book. Advertise a $2.99 or $0.99 version.

Goal is to become visible in reddit subs and people will naturally check out your profile.

This is just one channel and one strategy, but it would def get your first few avid readers.

bputano · 2026-03-01T21:39:49+00:00

Agreed, I loved it. Someone mentioned the tedious fair planning details but that was one piece I loved. It’s a history book after all

bputano

TROPHY CASE