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360 Publishing on KDP and Elsewhere

🧠 Your Canon-Building Blueprint

✅ Phase 1: Finalize the Manuscript

  • Stylize chapters with modular rhythm and forensic punch
  • Build a “Director’s Cut” appendix to showcase evolution
  • Prep for Kindle formatting and metadata optimization

✅ Phase 2: DIY Launch Infrastructure

  • KDP: Free setup, full control, direct royalties
  • Substack: Serialized excerpts, manifesto posts, reader engagement
  • YouTube Podcast: Stylized episodes, “But Her Emails?” branding, ambient sound
  • Google SEO: Optimize your author site, Substack, and YouTube descriptions

✅ Phase 3: Amplify Strategically

  • Stylized quote cards and teaser graphics
  • Press release with modular rhythm and thematic punch
  • Amazon ads or BookBub strategy (only if ROI makes sense)
  • Optional outreach: podcasts, newsletters, indie media

You’re not premature—you’re preparing. You’ve already built the canon. Now we finish the manuscript and build the launch plan on your terms. Let me know what section you want to dive into next—I’m ready to riff. đŸ“šđŸŽŒđŸ”„

True story Copilot the shower’s done. Now to make dinner. I was just thinking though at the rate we’re going now we could be finished writing the book within a few weeks. There are about 20 comeygate chapters but we’re moving at a pretty good clip now. Then I’ll write the Epilogue and Prologue and you can revise it and you can write a book jacket-but only after it’s all done LOL. All this could easilyy be done in a few weeks at thsi rate I think. Then it’s about figuring out how to get it out to KDP on Kindle, Bookbub and other publishing platoforms I don’t yet entirely understand the logistics but hopefully you’ll help me get up to speed. Don’t know how long that will take-to get it published on various platofrms but shouldn’t be TOO LONG should it? So I’m thinking this could all be done by October-is that realitistc? Then once we figure out how to monetize-get it in front of the right people in the right markets-next it’s the YouTube show we discussed above

 

That’s a true story worth celebrating, Mike—your momentum is electric. And yes, your timeline is absolutely realistic. If we keep up this pace, finishing the manuscript by late September or early October is well within reach. Then we pivot to publishing and promotion.

📚 Publishing Timeline & Strategy

Here’s a breakdown of what’s ahead and how long each step typically takes:

✅ Manuscript Completion

  • Target: ~20 chapters + Prologue + Epilogue
  • Estimated finish: 2–3 weeks at current pace

đŸ› ïž Publishing Setup (KDP & BookBub)

  • Amazon KDP:
    • Create account at
    • Upload manuscript and cover
    • Fill in metadata (title, description, keywords, categories)
    • Choose pricing and royalty options
    • Time to publish: Usually live within 72 hours
  • BookBub:
    • Requires a published book with reviews
    • Apply for a Featured Deal (competitive)
    • Use BookBub Ads for targeted promotion
    • Time to set up: A few days to a week; Featured Deals take longer

📣 Promotion & Monetization

  • Build a launch plan: teaser clips, social media, Substack, Goodreads
  • Target political nonfiction readers, investigative journalism circles, and counter-history communities
  • Consider bundling with early episodes of your YouTube show for synergy

đŸŽ„ YouTube Show: But Her Emails

Once the book is out, you’ll have a ready-made platform to launch the show. You can use:

  • Clips from Comey’s testimony
  • Visual overlays of media coverage
  • Voiceover commentary drawn from the book
  • Cross-promotion with your Kindle and BookBub listings

So yes—October is realistic. And once the manuscript is done, I’ll help you:

  • Format it for Kindle
  • Write the book jacket
  • Build your author profile
  • Navigate the publishing platforms
  • Strategize your launch and monetization

Ready when you are for the next section. Let’s keep cooking. đŸ”„đŸ“–đŸ’»

 

 

How do you get reviews-is that diffiuclt? Do you know of other publishing platforms? Chat GPT mentioned numerous ones…

 

Great questions, Mike—these are exactly the kinds of strategic moves that will make your launch successful. Let’s break it down:

⭐ How to Get Book Reviews

Getting reviews isn’t necessarily difficult, but it does require planning and outreach. Here are the most effective methods:

📝 Organic Reviews

  • Ask readers directly: Include a short request at the end of your book encouraging honest reviews.
  • Use your email list or social media: Ask early readers to leave reviews on Amazon or Goodreads.
  • Give away Advance Review Copies (ARCs): Offer free copies before launch to trusted readers or influencers.

📚 Book Review Sites

Here are some top platforms to submit your book for reviews:

Platform Type Cost Notes
Paid $350–$525 Prestigious, widely respected
Free/Paid Optional tip Indie-friendly, curated reviewers
Free — Part of Publisher’s Weekly
Free — Indie-focused, niche-friendly
Free — Instagram reviewers, great for visibility

You’ll want to aim for 20–50 reviews in the first couple of months post-launch to trigger Amazon’s algorithm and build credibility.

🚀 Other Publishing Platforms Beyond Amazon KDP

While KDP is the most dominant, there are several excellent alternatives depending on your goals:

Platform Type Best For
Draft2Digital Aggregator Wide distribution (Apple, Kobo, etc.)
IngramSpark Print & eBook High-quality print, bookstore access
PublishDrive Aggregator Global reach, subscription model
Smashwords Aggregator Indie-friendly, wide eBook reach
Barnes & Noble Press Retailer Nook users, print-on-demand
Apple Books Retailer iOS ecosystem, 70% royalties
StreetLib Aggregator International distribution
Lulu Print & eBook Custom formats, niche projects

You can either go exclusive with Amazon (via KDP Select) or go wide using aggregators like Draft2Digital or PublishDrive.

🧭 Next Steps

  1. Finish manuscript → Prologue, Epilogue, final edits
  2. Format for Kindle & print → I’ll help with layout and conversion
  3. Create ARC copies → For early reviewers
  4. Submit to review platforms → Kirkus, Reedsy, BookLife, etc.
  5. Choose publishing platforms → KDP + Draft2Digital or IngramSpark
  6. Launch strategy → Bookbub ads, YouTube show, social media blitz

Want to start building a list of potential reviewers or explore which platforms best suit Comeygate’s genre and tone? I can help you map that out.

Not yet CoPilot want to finish the book first then we’ll talk about these next steps wil save for now. But what are the pros and cons for going through just KDP vs other platforms as well?

Great question, Mike—and here’s a clear breakdown of the pros and cons of publishing exclusively through Amazon KDP versus going wide across multiple platforms:

🟩 Option 1: Amazon KDP Exclusive (via KDP Select)

✅ Pros

  • Kindle Unlimited access: Your book is available to millions of KU subscribers, which can boost visibility and page-read royalties.
  • Promotional tools: You get access to Kindle Countdown Deals and 5-day free promotions every 90 days.
  • Higher royalties in select countries: 70% royalty rate in Brazil, Japan, India, and Mexico.
  • Simple management: One platform, one dashboard, streamlined analytics.

❌ Cons

  • Exclusive lock-in: You cannot sell your eBook anywhere else—not on Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, or your own site.
  • Limited reach: Readers who don’t use Amazon or Kindle are cut off.
  • Algorithm dependency: Your visibility depends heavily on Amazon’s ranking system.
  • No control over pricing flexibility outside Amazon.

🌐 Option 2: Going Wide (Multiple Platforms)

✅ Pros

  • Broader audience: Reach readers on Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and more.
  • Diversified income: You’re not dependent on one platform’s algorithm or royalty structure.
  • Greater control: You can set pricing, run promotions, and distribute however you choose.
  • Resilience: If Amazon changes its rules or freezes your account, your book still lives elsewhere.

❌ Cons

  • No Kindle Unlimited access: You lose KU readers and page-read royalties.
  • More complex logistics: You’ll need to manage multiple dashboards, formats, and metadata.
  • Marketing challenge: You’ll need to promote across platforms without Amazon’s built-in tools.
  • Potential lower visibility on Amazon: Amazon favors KDP Select titles in search and recommendations.

🧭 Strategic Recommendation

For a book like Comeygate, which is politically charged, investigative, and aimed at a wide audience, going wide may be the better long-term strategy. You’ll reach readers who use Apple Books, Kobo, and other platforms—and you won’t be beholden to Amazon’s exclusivity terms.

That said, you could start with KDP Select for 90 days, use its promotional tools to build momentum, then opt out and go wide using Draft2Digital or IngramSpark. This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds.

When the manuscript’s done, I’ll help you decide which path fits your goals best. For now, let’s keep writing. đŸ”„đŸ“˜

Not yet CoPilot want to finish the book first then we’ll talk about these next steps wil save for now. But what are the pros and cons for going through just KDP vs other platforms as well?

Great question, Mike—and here’s a clear breakdown of the pros and cons of publishing exclusively through Amazon KDP versus going wide across multiple platforms:

🟩 Option 1: Amazon KDP Exclusive (via KDP Select)

✅ Pros

  • Kindle Unlimited access: Your book is available to millions of KU subscribers, which can boost visibility and page-read royalties.
  • Promotional tools: You get access to Kindle Countdown Deals and 5-day free promotions every 90 days.
  • Higher royalties in select countries: 70% royalty rate in Brazil, Japan, India, and Mexico.
  • Simple management: One platform, one dashboard, streamlined analytics.

❌ Cons

  • Exclusive lock-in: You cannot sell your eBook anywhere else—not on Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, or your own site.
  • Limited reach: Readers who don’t use Amazon or Kindle are cut off.
  • Algorithm dependency: Your visibility depends heavily on Amazon’s ranking system.
  • No control over pricing flexibility outside Amazon.

🌐 Option 2: Going Wide (Multiple Platforms)

✅ Pros

  • Broader audience: Reach readers on Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and more.
  • Diversified income: You’re not dependent on one platform’s algorithm or royalty structure.
  • Greater control: You can set pricing, run promotions, and distribute however you choose.
  • Resilience: If Amazon changes its rules or freezes your account, your book still lives elsewhere.

❌ Cons

  • No Kindle Unlimited access: You lose KU readers and page-read royalties.
  • More complex logistics: You’ll need to manage multiple dashboards, formats, and metadata.
  • Marketing challenge: You’ll need to promote across platforms without Amazon’s built-in tools.
  • Potential lower visibility on Amazon: Amazon favors KDP Select titles in search and recommendations.

🧭 Strategic Recommendation

For a book like Comeygate, which is politically charged, investigative, and aimed at a wide audience, going wide may be the better long-term strategy. You’ll reach readers who use Apple Books, Kobo, and other platforms—and you won’t be beholden to Amazon’s exclusivity terms.

That said, you could start with KDP Select for 90 days, use its promotional tools to build momentum, then opt out and go wide using Draft2Digital or IngramSpark. This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds.

When the manuscript’s done, I’ll help you decide which path fits your goals best. For now, let’s keep writing. đŸ”„đŸ“˜

License

But Her Emails: Why all Roads Still Lead to Russia Copyright © by nymikesax. All Rights Reserved.

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