Make Sales as a Creative – Getting Your Book Published with Writer Kaki Okumura
Blogging, Writing & Getting Your Book Published
Ever looked at a published book and thought, “Could that be me?” Or scrolled through an article and wondered, “How do I get my voice heard?” It might seem like it’s a stroke of luck or based on talent but the truth is a lot less sexy…
Getting your voice out as a professional writer or producing copywriting that converts clients is all about consistency, practice and self-belief. Published author and blogger Kaki Okumura joins Her First 3 Years to share her creative journey from hobbyist to professional writer.
She gets real about the ups and downs of getting your writing out there, from dealing with self-doubt to finding the courage to share your work with the world. You’ll learn how embracing your unique voice isn’t just good for the soul; it’s your secret weapon. Kaki shares what takes to make sales as a creative, the patience to get your book published, and why embracing the person behind the pen is the best strategy of all.
Listen for that spark of motivation!
In this episode:
- The reality behind publishing your first book
- Finding the right niche for YOU
- Balancing trends vs. authenticity to grow your audience
- Managing self-doubt, criticism and feedback
CONNECT WITH KAKI OKUMURA
Website: https://kakikata.ck.page/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kakikata.space
Medium page: https://kokumura.medium.com/
Book: Wa – The Art of Balance
LISTEN TO NEXT: Finding Your Audience
RESOURCES
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MORE ABOUT THIS CREATIVE BUSINESS PODCAST
“You need feedback. It’s scary but if you’re asking the right people. It helps you grow much faster.” – Writer Kaki Okumura
Becoming a Professional Writer: Finding Your Unique Voice
Kaki shares her unexpected journey into professional writing, stemming from a background in economics rather than a formal education in literature. Her story begins with casual blogging, leading to the realization that she had a unique voice and topic that resonated deeply with her audience.
Your niche is where your deepest passion meets the world’s hunger. For Kaki, it was the intersection of her analytical mind and the rich tapestry of her cross-cultural experiences. Identifying what sets you apart is the first step toward making an impact—and sales—as a creative.
Authenticity vs. Analytics: Crafting Content That Converts
Kaki points out the trap many fall into—chasing numbers over substance. “There’s a good balance between… what is authentic to me,” she says. It’s not about ignoring the numbers but not letting them define your narrative. After all, making sales as a creative – getting your book published, starts with a story that resonates, not one that simply trends.
Kaki emphasizes writing from a place of genuine interest and connection with the subject matter, even when faced with the allure of trending topics and the pressure of analytics. She discusses the delicate balance between staying true to one’s voice and navigating the strategic aspects of content creation
While SEO and traffic metrics are vital, they’re the map, not the territory. Your true north should always be the genuine connection with your subject. That’s what resonates, that’s what sells, and that’s what ultimately leads to getting your book published.
The Role of Feedback and Overcoming Self-Doubt
Kaki highlights the critical role of feedback in refining her writing, sharing her initial hesitations about sharing her work. By seeking input from trusted sources like her sister, she navigated the complexities of self-doubt and the iterative process of writing, underscoring the importance of a supportive network.
This process is vital in overcoming self-doubt and enhancing your creative prowess, turning good work into great, saleable art.
Consistency Over Talent: Building a Loyal Creative Following
The myth with writing is that talent is what gets you ahead, Kaki shares her own journey and how what led most to her success was showing up each week and writing her articles on topics her audience felt deeply impacted by and transformed by. She cautions over trying to do it on talent alone and encourages us to show up even in doubt.
Kaki’s articles weren’t just a discipline; they were a ritual that connected her to her audience. It’s not sporadic talent that builds a following, but the reliability of your creative output. For those looking to make sales as a creative, remember: regularity trumps random brilliance.
The Publishing Marathon: The Real Journey of Getting Your Book Published
Kaki’s book journey was not a stroke of luck but a testament to dedication. Kaki revealed, “I put in so many years into writing… it doesn’t happen overnight.” She reminds us that getting your book published is a marathon, not a sprint. It involves nurturing your craft, engaging with your audience, and above all, staying true to your voice.
Maintaining a Creative Mindset
Kaki’s transition from economic analysis to a writing phenomenon was not just a change in profession but a mindset shift. To maintain a creative mindset, you must regularly feed your curiosity and practice self-compassion. Embrace the ebb and flow of the creative process and let this rhythm guide your work towards making sales as a creative.
The Writer’s Edge: Productivity Hacks for Creative Minds
For writers, productivity isn’t about churning out content; it’s about flow and focus. Kaki found her edge by setting aside specific times to write, away from the cacophony of daily life. Implement similar hacks, and you’ll find your words not just filling pages, but also filling your bank account when getting your book published becomes a reality.
Books to help you Make Sales as a Creative and Getting Your Book Published
Your First 1000 Copies” by Tim Grahl
https://www.amazon.com/Your-First-1000-Copies-Strategies-ebook/dp/B009RS6RZU
Write. Publish. Repeat.” by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant
https://www.amazon.com/Write-Publish-Repeat-Practical-Self-Publishing-ebook/dp/B00H26IFJS
Let’s Get Digital” by David Gaughran
https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Get-Digital-Self-Publishing-Should/dp/198368732X
“The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published” by Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry
https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Guide-Getting-Your-Published/dp/076116085X
Published.” by Chandler Bolt
https://www.amazon.com/Published-Launch-Bestseller-Book-Chandler/dp/1950328088
