“Luann” is one of my favorite comics. Recently, Luann decided that writing was an easy way to get rich.
The strip (8/27/22) shows Luann talking to her father, saying that writing might be her new career. When he cautioned her that writing “is a hard career to earn money at” (and that’s true), she showed him a course, “The Write Way to Wealth,” for $125.
I could hear writers around the world laughing the day that strip was published.
I don’t know where Greg Evans, the strip’s author, is going with that, but it made me think about many of the courses I’ve bought over the years and the one thing most of them have in common:
There’s almost always an upsell to a higher-priced product.
I’ve written three books on publishing. I offer one for free and the other two are moderately priced. I also offer a free video series on publishing. (Links are below.)
That’s it.
No upsell to a higher-priced product such as a more expensive course or coaching.
I’m not saying those products aren’t worth it. Some are, some aren’t—it’s your responsibility to do your homework before you make an investment. I’m just musing about the business model.
If you’re interested in retaining me to write for you or to help you self-publish your book, we can talk. But I accept only a very few clients because we’re a boutique firm and my business partner and husband, Jerry Clement, and I do all the work ourselves. There are only so many hours in the day.
If you want to know more about self-publishing, I’d love for you to buy one of my books on the topic. I’d also be thrilled if you bought my novel, Choices, or one of my inspirational books, or any of the books that you can find listed here.
If you do, I hope you read and enjoy, then leave a review. Remember, writers need and appreciate reviews. And know that when you finish the book, you’ll find an invitation to connect with me and read more of my books, but that’s it. No upsell.
Links:
Conversations: Get Your Book Published, available for $2.99 on Amazon or click here for a free PDF copy
The Simple Facts About Self-Publishing, available on Amazon (print or ebook)
How to Avoid Being Ripped Off by a Publisher, available on Amazon (ebook)
Free video series: How to Make Self-Publishing Work for You
Jacquelyn's latest book is Christian Business Almanac: The Ultimate Daily Guide for Kingdom-Driven Entrepreneurs and Leaders.
She is the author of the nonfiction books Simple Facts About Self-Publishing (Second Edition), Words to Work By: 31 devotions for the workplace based on the Book of Proverbs and Finding Joy in the Morning: You can make it through the night as well as the novel Choices (A Joyful Cup Story). With her husband, she is the co-creator of several coloring books for adults and the novelty My Book About series.
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