2/2

Second part is about selling and finding readers (especially what he calls True Fans). He’s very clear that this is not a blueprint/instructions, it’s ideas (a compass, not a map, as he puts it)

1. Lays out lots of options clearly and in one place. Excellent if you’re just starting out, but somewhat light on advanced ideas - he would say that’s for you to work out to your own circumstances.

2. Heavy on the in-person stuff. Acknowledges this won’t work for everyone, though he only refers to introversion, not the many other reasons why giving up every weekend to sell at markets and conventions might not work for everyone (poor self-awareness of his own privilege there).

3. That said, he repeatedly says you’ve got to find what works for you. He’s dictating nothing.

Overall, I think if you’re a) new or b) trapped in the algorithm and want out, you’ll find this a breath of fresh air.

For me…it turns out I already am an “artisan author”* so I didn’t find it groundbreaking — BUT it was a useful kick up the arse to be less reliant on passive word-of-mouth (which to be fair, has worked very well for me…)

*literally, too: searching for this term on Kobo brings up my books because I have an Artisans duology 😂

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