I Grew My Book Publishing Business To $15K/Mo [Update]
This is a follow up story for Thriving Best Sellers. If you're interested in reading how they got started, published about 2 years ago, check it out here.
Hello again! Remind us who you are and what business you started.
Hi again! I’m Steve Kidd – #1 International Best Selling author with a collection of over 20 transformative books and counting. I consider myself a dynamic force of inspiration and a trailblazer in the world of storytelling. I am the founder of Thriving Best Sellers, LLC. Beyond literary success, I am the charismatic host of "Thriving Entrepreneur," a platform amplifying the voices of global visionaries.
With over 30 years of coaching experience, I have guided 4,000+ clients, including everything from Billionaires, Olympians, and recognized leaders to startup companies on their journey to become best-selling authors.
But I’m not just a coach; I become the catalyst for personal growth and empowerment. With an expertise that extends beyond publishing; I spark individuals to discover their unique message, aligning with the transformative essence of who they are.
Rooted in heart-driven service, my mission is to guide others to be not only authors but also catalysts for change.
Tell us about what you’ve been up to. Has the business been growing?
It’s been a whirlwind since we last caught up, and I’m excited to share all the incredible progress we’ve made at Thriving Best Sellers. Our business has been on a remarkable upward trajectory, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the growth we’ve experienced.
Over the past year, we’ve seen a substantial increase in both revenue and the number of authors we’ve helped achieve bestseller status. This growth has solidified our position as a leader in the author marketing niche.
One of the most significant milestones we’ve hit recently is reaching the 4,500+ author mark. That’s right—more than 4,500 authors who have trusted us with their dreams and seen their books climb to the top of the charts. We looked back at last year and realized we needed to be much more intentional with all of our messaging especially on social media. This has made a huge difference
This achievement speaks volumes about the effectiveness of our customized marketing strategies and our unwavering commitment to our clients' success. We're also seeing growth in our monthly revenue, going from $10k a month to near $15k monthly every month this year. This is a reflection of our intentionality as well as the growing demand for our comprehensive done-for-you marketing services.
Without embracing the journey to becoming a bestselling author, you're leaving a significant amount of potential growth untapped, and I’m committed to helping you unlock that potential.
To keep this momentum going, we’ve implemented several new strategies to increase traffic and sales. The most exciting of these is the new branding we are working on and almost ready to reveal. We are putting a lot of time into creating our online community to give an exciting place for authors and readers alike to meet, experience new and exciting, world changing content, as well as make true difference in the world and truly allow each on to give voice to the voiceless and underprivileged around the world.
Additionally, we’ve reignited our social media outreach, engaging with our community in more meaningful ways on both Facebook and LinkedIn to connect with potential clients.
In response to our growing client base, we’ve also brought on a couple of new and important team members to help us better serve the demand we have and allow us to offer even more tailored support to our authors, ensuring that each marketing campaign is executed with precision and creativity.
We are also working on a new approach to YouTube that we believe will bring knowledge and empowerment to those who watch, as well as being a great place to offer valuable insights and tips to authors, while also showcasing our success stories. This visual approach will help us connect with a broader audience and build trust with potential clients.
On the flip side, we’ve noticed a decline in the effectiveness of traditional email marketing campaigns, prompting us to shift our focus to more dynamic and interactive forms of engagement.
Keeping our existing customers happy and coming back has always been a top priority. We are going to have a whole lot of fun and interactive things in our new community for our loyal customers to engage better with them and offer exclusive benefits to repeat clients, and our customer support team has been working tirelessly to provide a new level of ongoing support and guidance to allow us to maintain strong relationships with our authors.
Lastly, we’ve been fortunate to receive some fantastic podcast interviews that have allowed me to highlight what we are doing, share our authors' success stories and bring greater awareness not just to ourselves but to the clients we work with.
This exposure has not only boosted our credibility but also attracted a wave of new clients eager to achieve their own bestseller dreams.
My background in both creating bestsellers and comprehensive marketing allows me to offer a uniquely holistic approach, ensuring that every author’s success is not only immediate but also long-lasting.
What have been your biggest challenges in the last year?
In today’s competitive landscape, simply offering a "become a bestseller" program isn’t enough. We’ve realized that authors need more than just the dream of what Best Seller can mean, they need a comprehensive marketing strategy that extends beyond the bestseller launch.
Because I am a 37-year marketing expert, we are making sure to help authors know that they need to not only reach bestseller status but also understand the purpose behind their book and how it fits into a larger marketing plan. This holistic approach is crucial for sustaining long-term success and making a lasting impact.
Our philosophy revolves around creating a synergy between the book’s content and its marketing strategy. It’s not just about hitting the bestseller list; it’s about leveraging that success to build an author’s brand, expand their reach, and engage their audience in meaningful ways.
We work closely with our clients to define the purpose of their book from the outset, ensuring that it aligns with their broader goals and resonates with their target audience. By doing so, we help authors create books that not only sell well but also serve as powerful tools for their ongoing marketing efforts and personal or professional growth.
What have been your biggest lessons learned in the last year?
I don't want this to sound like I am bragging but the biggest lesson I have learned this year is that I haven't shared the "why" behind what I do as effectively as I should. While our results speak for themselves—thousands of authors achieving bestseller status most people do not know this.
More than that even, I’ve not been good in communicating the deeper reasons driving my passion for this work. It’s more than just about making books hit the top of the charts; it's about empowering authors to share their unique voices and stories with the world.
Each book represents a dream, a message, or a mission, and my goal is to help authors not only realize their potential but also make a meaningful impact through their writing. But they can do that if they don’t know who I am, what I do, or even that I exist.
Moreover, I’ve also discovered that I haven’t clearly differentiated my extensive experience and expertise in marketing from all the people that now have a program (often based on the one I created more than 17 years ago) for helping authors achieve bestseller status.
My journey spans decades in the industry, with deep insights into the nuances of effective marketing strategies tailored specifically for authors. It's not just about hitting a sales target—it's about crafting a compelling narrative, building an engaged audience, and creating a sustainable marketing plan that extends well beyond the initial launch.
My background in both creating bestsellers and comprehensive marketing allows me to offer a uniquely holistic approach, ensuring that every author’s success is not only immediate but also long-lasting. And it is on me to share this, not to have it but be hidden and unseen.
What’s in the plans for the upcoming year, and the next 5 years?
Having a thriving community is going to be a game-changer for our company and our clients. At Thriving Best Sellers LLC, we understand that real impact goes beyond just social media posts; it’s about building a dedicated tribe of fans who engage deeply with you and your message. We are creating a central hub where this community can flourish.
It allows authors and readers to come together, learn, grow, and stay in direct contact through all the posts, games, courses and other things we are creating to engage with them —all in one place. This centralization not only streamlines interactions but also strengthens the bond between the authors and the readers, fostering a loyal and engaged community.
But more than that, this thriving community is going to make a huge impact in the world in an immense way, especially in giving voice to the voiceless. Increased visibility and enhanced reputation come naturally as you establish trust and credibility within your niche. This dedicated platform not only serves as a primary space for selling books, courses, group programs, and merchandise but also empowers community members to participate in meaningful ways.
By engaging deeply, they can help amplify the messages of those who might not have the resources or platform to share their powerful stories. This collective effort ensures that impactful messages reach a wider audience, creating a ripple effect of positive change and awareness.
Our commitment to the long-term success of everyone we work with is reflected in our approach to community creation and ongoing support. The real power of our community lies in its ability to rally together, helping those who lack the means to share their message.
By providing a space where everyone can contribute, we enable a diverse range of voices to be heard, fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment that amplifies your reach and impact.
What’s the best thing you read in the last year?
Reading "Unemployable: How AI Transformed My Work and Life" by Alysia Silberg has profoundly impacted my life and approach to business. Alysia's journey from the hardships of her early life in South Africa to becoming a successful entrepreneur and AI expert in Silicon Valley is nothing short of inspiring.
Her story of resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of technology resonated deeply with me. It challenged me to rethink my limitations and embrace the limitless possibilities that AI and modern technology offer. The book’s emphasis on harnessing our unique brilliance and using technology as a great equalizer has inspired me to not only push my own boundaries but also to empower the authors I work with to do the same.
Moreover, having Molly Mahoney as my coach has been instrumental in translating insights into actionable strategies. Molly's Social Selling Circle™️ and GLAM: Go Live And Monetize programs have revolutionized the way I approach client engagement and business growth. Her expertise in leveraging AI and automation to attract and convert ideal clients without the heavy reliance on ads has been a game-changer.
Through her coaching, I’ve gained invaluable tools and templates to streamline my business systems, and the supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs has provided a rich environment for learning and collaboration. Molly's guidance has not only helped me grow my business but also allowed me to create a life that aligns with my vision and goals.
Her impact, combined with the lessons from "Unemployable," has truly set me on a path to limitless possibilities.
Advice for other entrepreneurs who might be struggling to grow their business?
Achieving the status of a bestselling author is a pivotal milestone that can profoundly transform your business. I understand that you might be struggling right now, feeling like you’re the best kept secret in your industry and not reaching the growth you desire. I want you to know that I care deeply about your success, I know EXACTLY how you are feeling, I have been there far too many times myself. I’m here to help you make a meaningful impact in the world.
Being a bestselling author isn’t just about the prestige and recognition; it’s about leveraging that newfound credibility to open doors and create opportunities that were previously out of reach. This enhanced visibility can attract more clients, speaking engagements, and media opportunities, all of which contribute to the growth and success of your business.
Without embracing the journey to becoming a bestselling author, you're leaving a significant amount of potential growth untapped, and I’m committed to helping you unlock that potential.
Furthermore, the process of writing and marketing a bestselling book forces you to clarify your message, refine your brand, and connect with your audience on a deeper level. It’s a comprehensive exercise in personal and professional development that pays dividends far beyond book sales.
The strategies and insights you gain through this experience can be applied across all areas of your business, leading to more effective marketing, stronger customer relationships, and sustained long-term success. I genuinely want to see you succeed and make a lasting impact with your unique voice and message.
Embracing the journey to becoming a bestselling author is not just a milestone—it’s a transformative step that can propel your business to new heights, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Where can we go to learn more?
If you have any questions or comments, drop a comment below!
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
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