Why You Need to Connect with Other Creators as a Self-Published Author
A lesson I have learned repeatedly over the years
Hello!
It’s nice to connect with you! I don’t actually know you quite yet, but I have had a run of new folks coming over to my page and I wanted to introduce myself and share a thought about networking because you might be here thanks to someone else.
First, my name is J.R. Heimbigner. I have self-published 12 books on Amazon, with nine of them being #1 bestsellers at some point or another. I started self-publishing in 2019 with my first book, Productivity Success, and since then have gone all-in on writing books.
It has taken me some time, but I have come to realize I am a minimalist author, meaning I create my books as simply as possible to help people with specific things. Right now, you can find a series of Christian devotionals and a series of books helping others write books.
If you are here, you probably have come along for the journey of writing 12 books in 12 months. This mostly started by accident, but now, I am three months in (completed), and near publishing my fourth book in four months.
But, I wanted to share something about the importance of connecting with other creators.
The Networking Equation for Self-Published Authors
Over the years, I have connected with some amazing creators. People like
, , and . At different parts of my journey, they have influenced me or are still influencing my author journey.What I have noticed lately is that networking with other creators is changing the scope of my self-publishing efforts. Here’s what I mean:
Creators share our work
Lately, my Substack has been getting shared about a lot. That’s probably why you are here because more than half of my subscribers are from recommendations on the platform:
I have also had more traction thanks to my friend Jamie sharing on his email list for The Minimalist Side Hustle Newsletter, which he has created a 5-day email course to start a minimalist newsletter. His newsletter caused an awesome surge to my Substack connections.
I also found out that I was featured at For The Interested, by Josh Spector which also gave me a bump on the platform as well. And this is what I mean by bump of 23 new people to the group (Welcome!).
So, creators share your work => you gain followers and email subscribers.
Followers and Subscribers turn into buyers
Now, I don’t see you only as a potential purchaser of my books and products, but I do notice when you support my work with your hard earned dollars. And this has been consistent with seeing you join me in this self-publishing journey.
I have seen an uptick in purchases on my Gumroad store with my digital products. And I have seen and uptick on book sales on Amazon. Not to mention those of you who support my work here on Substack financially.
So creators share your work = new followers and subscribers = book sales.
It’s not all about the money though!
Well, it could be for some authors. But for me, it’s more important that I am sharing my work with people to help them chase their dreams of writing and publishing books. I want to grow and sell books, sure. But, I want to do it so I can help more people.
I am thankful for you joining me in this journey. And if you are one of those people who want to write a book, this is the place for you. If you want to grow an audience to sell your books, this is the place for you.
I’m excited to spend more time here on Substack finding ways to help you write and publish books. And I am excited to get to know you. I want to hear about your dreams, ideas, and hopes for writing and publishing.
So, welcome to the family! And thank you for supporting my work by your hard earned dollars or by hitting the heart on the posts.
I’d love to get to know you more, say ‘Hi!’ in the comments below! Tell me about what your are working on right now!
J.R. Heimbigner is a #1 Bestselling Author on Amazon who writes about faith and writing books. He has self-published 10 books and has some great resources. Check his book on using Substack to write books:
P.S. There may be sales or affiliate links in this post. So, I might get a little kick back if you purchase anything. Thank you in advance!
Hi, my name is Mariusz! Future game developer, and who knows maybe a writer :-)
👋👋👋 just came back home from a lovely day with family and friends. These colourful spring days are the best.
Some call me super connector. As you know I love to connect with others but it's not the masses. It's about a circle of online friends. You and Jamie are one of them!
Thanks for being part of my journey and I'm looking forward to meeting you via Zoom.
I talked with David and Walter Rhein Last week and this strengthened our connection and leveled up the feeling I have when I chat with them now.
Hugs!