Draft book feed back (not lifting related)

[zappey1]

The 1st podcast interview came out! Check it out if you are into podcast. I thought it went pretty well:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a ... 1522819874

Also, the website finally launched. It is still a little buggy though:
https://northwestmythology.squarespace.com/

[zappey1]

I always see that people look at this thread but never comment! We added a bunch of merchandise to the website. I'm in the last stages of the 2nd book. All the art is done, the stories are written. Now is the tedious process of editing for a 2nd time and reworking some parts. I hope to have it done by next week (the editing) then comes about a week or 2 of formatting.

I would LOVE to hire someone both to do the editing and the formatting but the website depleted most of my reserve funds for this project. Next book (that I have already started) I would like to do that (hire for formatting and editing)

The domain we got is great: https://www.northwestmythology.com
But I wish it would pop up better in a google search. Anyone know how to make that happen other then paying google?

[augeleven]

I’m guilty of reading all the posts and not commenting. I like following the story of a person who is doing something - taking a swing and seeing where ball falls. I’m pretty sure I have nothing of consequence to add, other than to say Good job!

[zappey1]

I’m guilty of reading all the posts and not commenting. I like following the story of a person who is doing something - taking a swing and seeing where ball falls. I’m pretty sure I have nothing of consequence to add, other than to say Good job!

Hey thanks for the support. I can see people check in here often to see how things are going but no one ever comments. Sometimes I feel discouraged and a few words of support can go a long way. It is a lot to try something new. Especially with a full time job and 4 boys at home still

[zappey1]

Well internet lifting Fam. I and my wife have been super busy getting North West Mythology volume 2 done in time for the Holidays. It is submitted to Amazon and should be going live any day!

That being said I also got much better at formatting and reformatted the first book. I added in some more pictures I forgot to add in addition 1 and fixed a few things that I found annoying (although I'm not sure any one else noticed)

I also got off my butt and got it formatted For Barnes and Nobel! Hopefully I can get a book signing at the local one here.
Here is the link to the Barnes and Nobel:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/north- ... 8823149853

I also reached out to 3 local bookstores and set up 2 book signings at shops that have already supported me.

Lots of exciting things coming up. I have to pay for that slick new website (it is like $20 a month)

[zappey1]

Here is the link for the 2nd book:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMZMYMR2/re ... 131&sr=8-2

[zappey1]

I decided to give YT another shot. I recently found a website that calculates how much each video makes on a YT channel. Apparently, if you can get enough subscribers to monetize the payouts are pretty good. Plus I'm sure it will help with book sales. Here is the first video we have made to work on promotions. It has not done too bad so far. It was a decent amount of work though and still not great IMO:
https://youtu.be/7LE7l0kaXUE

[zappey1]

Also, we recently fulfilled our first merchandise order. It looks like we are going to make a negative 4.80. Apparently, they only let us charge a flat rate shipping of $10 but then charge 17 to ship. My wife is calling tomorrow but we may not be selling anything if it can not get worked out.

[zappey1]

I was recently a guest on The Steve and Crypto podcast (like a month ago) but they just released the episode! There is kind of a lot of adds but the interview itself actually turned out really good!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t ... 1530593570

[zappey1]

Trying to gain traction on YT is the worst! I thought I was off to a good start with the first video that got like 330 views in the first few days but the 2nd video has like 50 in the first few days! If any of you have any tips please let me know. I heard a good mic and a camera helps a lot but I'm not willing to invest much now considering I need 800+ subs before I will see ANY returns (other then limited advertisement for my books)

https://youtu.be/ghfR9hMtcnA

If you have any game changing suggestions please help!

[cgeorg]

Also, we recently fulfilled our first merchandise order. It looks like we are going to make a negative 4.80. Apparently, they only let us charge a flat rate shipping of $10 but then charge 17 to ship. My wife is calling tomorrow but we may not be selling anything if it can not get worked out.

WTF, that is messed up

[zappey1]

Also, we recently fulfilled our first merchandise order. It looks like we are going to make a negative 4.80. Apparently, they only let us charge a flat rate shipping of $10 but then charge 17 to ship. My wife is calling tomorrow but we may not be selling anything if it can not get worked out.

WTF, that is messed up

Right I'm not sure how we are supposed to make any money with the website charging 17.50 to ship a tumbler and a coffee mug. They did refund the 4.80 after I asked to talk with the manger. So it was a net profit of 0.

Square space does not automatically link the shipping they suggested using Esty. I don't think it will be worth it though to maybe make a 1 per sale. FML

[zappey1]

I made New YT video from a story in book 1 The channel is getting traction but sooooooooo slowly. At this rate I won't be able to monetize for a long time!
https://youtu.be/CdHFknUOlIk

[zappey1]

Finished the book signing. It went well 18 books sold in a few hours. That freaking store will still not carry the book though! Super frustrating. However, I stopped by another local bookstore that bought a few wholesale copies to carry!

That makes 4 regional stores that are carrying it. I have 2 more in mind to approach in the next couple of weeks.

[zappey1]

I''m getting some good traction on my newest YT video! I also am getting the books into a new tourist location that should get lots of sales.
https://youtu.be/svj2PtBlCTM
I completely sold out of 50 copies of the two books. Which is great but now I can't get anymore until after Christmas.

[zappey1]

The YT channel has been banging! Over halfway to monetization in about a month.
https://www.youtube.com/@jacobzappey

[DCR]

The YT channel has been banging! Over halfway to monetization in about a month.
https://www.youtube.com/@jacobzappey

That's awesome news, man. Keep pushing!

[zappey1]

The YT channel has been banging! Over halfway to monetization in about a month.
https://www.youtube.com/@jacobzappey

That's awesome news, man. Keep pushing!

Thanks for the support. It sucks though it is so much work for free!