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1200 Email Subscribers and One Book (Zero to Sold)

Good times. The Bootstrapped Founder Newsletter has reached 1200 subscribers, the sponsors are still around, and opening rates are still solidly above 50%

Here are the stats at 1200 subs.

Another very important thing happened. I've been writing a book over the last 6 months, and I have finished the first draft of zero to Sold, the book that grew out of my freely available guide to bootstrapping. After doing some copy-editing of my own, I uploaded a preliminary version to Amazon to be published eventually. I also requested an author proof to be printed through their print-on-demand system.

At the same time, I've hired an editor to do some REAL copy-editing. While this will take a few weeks, the author proof has arrived in the mail!

Here is the tweet with a photo of me checking out the proof. The response to this has been resoundingly positive, and I can't wait to make further progress on this.

Here's the plan for Zero to Sold:

  • I wait for the copy-edit to finish, make any suggested changes
  • I get the book proof-read
  • I get the design finished (for the content and the cover)
  • The moment I know the date of when it will be available, I start pre-sales
  • I start distribution
  • There will be a launch day with much fanfare (I guess)
  • I release the eBook and the Print version
  • I ask for reviews and corrections, update the eBook and Print version until it's mostly error-free
  • Then, further distribution to more vendors/distributors
  • Eventually, I'll look into an audiobook version

Phew. Turns out writing a book about building a business is effectively building a business. Who' have guessed.

  1. 2

    Nothing worthwhile is easy.

    1. 1

      Couldn't agree more on this one. And even though it's a lot of work, it is incredibly enjoyable.

  2. 2

    Congrats Arvid! Consider your first pre-sale made. Excited to check it out.

    Also, I hijacked your recommendation of Reedsy.com after you mentioned it on Twitter. I've had a very positive experience with their service so far. Thanks!

    Geoff

    1. 1

      Thanks, Geoff :D

      Yeah, gotta say that Reedsy has been nothing but professional so far. Looking forward to getting my results. This editing phase is the first time that I can't speed up the work, as someone else is doing it. Dragging my feet here! :D

  3. 2

    "Turns out writing a book about building a business is effectively building a business. Who' have guessed." these are word that will stick with me I am pretty sure :)

  4. 2

    The content of the newsletter has been really good. Particularly I remember you writing about not building auth, payment processing, etc yourself. I remember this every time I want to do non-product-related things my own way (very tempting) 😅

    1. 1

      Thanks so much! I always hope to give pragmatic and actionable insights into my (often very painful) experiences. And yes, building things yourself is SO tempting. Such a trap :)

  5. 1

    Nice.. all the best. Looking forward to reading your book when it is out.

    1. 1

      Thank you! I am also looking forward to reading it :D

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