INTRODUCING

Make a Splash Self-Publishing: Test the Waters Before Diving In

Uncover the secrets of self-publishing and develop a roadmap for creating, launching and selling your story. 

Make a Splash Self-Publishing: Test the Waters Before Diving In is the only program of its kind that not only shows you exactly how to create and promote your book like a pro before you start—but also how to get it into the hands of hundreds or even thousands of customers.

Through Make a Splash Self-Publishing: Test the Waters Before Diving In you will create your self-publishing plan and move from feeling apprehensive over the choices available and the costs involved to confident that you have made informed decisions about the path you will follow to reach your goals. 

Enroll in Make a Splash Self-Publishing Today 

INDEPENDENT STUDY

 

Make a Splash!

There are three modules in Make a Splash Self-Publishing: Test the Waters Before Diving In. ​

The first contains information on how to brand yourself as an author. This may seem strange and uncomfortable to you, however, whether you go the self-publishing route or the traditional publishing route, you will be required to promote yourself. It is widely suggested that you set up a website as a place for your audience to find you. You can then let people know about your website through social media. You will want to create an email list so that you can communicate directly with those interested in hearing about your book and writing process as you prepare to launch your book. How to do all this is contained in module one. ​

Module two teaches you how to prepare your book for an editor, how to find that editor, and what the process will be when working with him or her. I will show you how to find and work with both a cover designer and interior formatter, and all that is involved with that as well. There is also a lesson on market research. This explains how to research what readers in your genre like in terms of cover, style of writing, and what makes a good hook. In addition, you will figure out what keywords and categories are best for your book in preparation for uploading it to wholesaler platforms, like Amazon. ​

In Preparing for Launch, we will dive into how to set the stage in terms of reviews and book tours, both online and in-person. You will be shown how to upload your book to Amazon, build the buzz around your book launch, what you should do to get your book to climb up the Amazon rankings, and all the many ways you can promote your book long term. ​

As you can see, this course is jam-packed with useful information. ​

The Art of Author Branding

How to Craft a Quality Book

Preparing for Launch

Create Your Self-Publishing Plan

With each decision you make in Modules 1, 2, and 3, you will fill in your Self-Publishing Roadmap, so that at the end of this course, you will know where you are going, how you will do it, and how much it will cost. 

Check Out My Other Self-Publishing Tools

Testimonials

  • Rob Boyd

    MANAGER

    “I have worked with Cindy for many years and have always been impressed with her ability to reason through complex processes, understand the goal trying to be reached, and then put in the effort to achieve that goal. Cindy can do the work and get the job done with a character that others enjoy.”​

  • Shayla Raquel

    EDITOR

    “Working with Cindy Folk doesn't feel like work at all—it's just a genuinely wonderful experience. Her love for the written word shines bright through her work ethic and personality. Talented, smart, and creative, Cindy sets the bar high!”​

  • Beth Haven

    STUDENT

    “I took Cindy's course Make a Splash Self-Publishing: Test the Waters Before Diving In! when it was offered the first time. Even though I was nowhere ready to publish my book (since it wasn't even written yet), there is so much information packed into each module that, when my book is ready, I know what choices I will have. Cindy's teaching style is very easy to follow and she's always available to answer questions. Don't pass on this course, it's worth every penny!”

  • Victoria Ang

    STUDENT

    “I'm so thankful I found Cindy's course. It has everything a new author needs to be able to self-publish. This course is worth every penny, and saved me so much time. By telling me what to avoid, it saved me a ton of money too. I'd already half-written a book, but I haven't been able to get it published. I'd actually previously gone through a course (which was much more expensive and I had to wade through multiple hour-long videos!) - and Cindy's course provided so much more, at a fraction of the cost and in a fraction of the time. I could finally spend time actually working on my book instead of trying to find what I need, and right now my book is being formatted and about to be printed and put on Amazon. Her course has the exact steps laid out so clearly. Her PDF guides and resource links were also very helpful. She also gave me so many ideas on how to launch my book. I highly recommend this for anyone who has a book idea in their head but is struggling to get it out there to the world.”

  • Sharon Easton

    Cindy Folk gets the job done! It was a pleasure working with her.

    My first manuscript was complete with great reviews from my readers, my writing community and my editor! I needed to publish my story!

    The self-publishing world was a far more complex place than I thought. My lack of knowledge, quickly took me in the direction of self-publishing companies which charged an exorbitant upfront cost — I was at their mercy. The day before I was scheduled to sign a publishing contract, I found Cindy’s workshop, Make a Splash Self-Publishing: Test the Waters Before Diving In. The self-publishing company went on hold, and I never looked back.

    Make a Splash is an accessible, well-organized workshop. The guides and resource links are easy to follow, and the self-publishing plan is truly achievable. Cindy’s social media strategy and marketing provides a step-by-step guide. Clear instructions include how to create an author’s online presence by weaving together a professional website, author Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter.

    During the weekly workshop sessions, Cindy is always professional, well prepared and provides valuable question-and-answer time. She offers choices for do-it yourself publishing, or finding the right professionals to work with you — all with the consideration of an individual’s budget. This workshop delivered on every aspect.

    After completing Cindy’s workshops, I went from feeling apprehensive to confident in my decisions to create, launch and sell my story. My budget included funds for support so I promptly hired Cindy as my Self-Publishing Consultant. The daunting task of self-publishing my book became fun and exciting! With the knowledge I had previously learned in Make a Splash, and Cindy’s assistance, I felt empowered to make the many decisions needed in self- publishing my story.

    I’m presently promoting my book on social media, and I should be holding my author’s copy in my hands within seven weeks! My book launch is on schedule for spring 2023, followed by book readings and speaking engagements.

    I highly recommend Cindy’s workshops Make a Splash Self-Publishing: Test the Water Before Diving In — and if your budget supports a Self-Publishing Consultant, include Cindy Folk too.

    Cindy thank you! My confidence in the publishing and marketing world has soared because of you and your workshop.

    Sharon Easton, Author

    A creative nonfiction; Beach Moose & Amber: Finding My Jewish History

  • Gail Madjzoub

    “I can warmly recommend Cindy Folk as a website designer who is knowledgeable and easy to work with. She has a good sense of esthetics and worked with me until we found the right elements for setting up my site. I was impressed with her helpful blend of flexibility and timely turnaround to meet my needs.”

MODULE 01 

The Art of Author Branding

Here’s why it pays to learn from someone who’s gone before you - I know exactly where people get stuck when they think about becoming an author. I’ve been there. What do you do when you have done everything you can with your story? You’ve written and revised and edited and shared and incorporated and you still aren’t sure it is ready for the bookstore shelves. In this module, we’re going to take a step back from writing and master the 4 most important elements authors need to tackle that could prevent hitting your sales targets if left to the last minute. 

We’ll start setting you up for success by getting some big decisions out of the way with the end goal of helping you achieve TOTAL clarity about where you’re going and HOW you’re going to get there. 

You’re going to get on the fast-track to deciding your domain name, hosting company, website platform, and even your email name. You’ll get the inside scoop on how to create a landing page if you aren’t ready to spend the money so that your future readers can find you (getting comfortable with putting yourself out there will take time, but if you put one foot in front of the other, you will). 

You will create a lead magnet that contains so much value that people will be willing to give you their email address in exchange for that content. 

Finally, you’ll map out and schedule your entire social media strategy (it’s simpler than you think!) so that you have a crystal clear picture of what you’ll be working towards throughout the rest of the program. 

 

Highlights: 

  • Understand author branding. These 4 elements of author branding will serve as the sparks that eventually become a full-blown bonfire on the beach (aka your future successful book launch). Who knew creating momentum could be as easy as making a few smart choices BEFORE getting started? 

  • Create content. Not only will creating content motivate you into action, it’ll eliminate the dreaded wavering and second guessing that often sets in if you ignore engaging with your followers and potential readers until AFTER you’ve launched your book. 

  • Learn the technology behind how to set up a website or landing page, find your way around the various social media channels, create and set up a lead magnet, and learn how to create and deliver a monthly newsletter. 

 
  
 

MODULE 02 

How to Craft a Quality Book 

 
Now that you have begun to engage with your followers and future readers, you can get back to your comfort zone, writing. Once you have made your story the best you can on your own, it will be time to bring in the big guns and surround yourself with a team of trustworthy professionals. In this module, we’re going to find those individuals that have the skill and expertise to answer your questions and create a quality product, a book that will sell. 

Learn how to take a deep breath and count 5-4-3-2-1 and press send on the email you have written to the editor of your choice. By choosing wisely, you will know that you are working with an ethical professional who will be forthright with their prices and their process. 

You’re going to get to work with your cover designer in a collaborative manner that will allow you to create the cover of your dreams. You’ll get the inside scoop on how to research the designs that you love best that contain your qualities appropriate for your genre. 

Finally, you’ll learn all that is involved when working with an interior designer (there’s more to it than you think!) who has the expertise to balance the pages and help you to choose the font and format that appeals most to you. 

 

Highlights: 

  • Feel confident as you approach any of the recommended professionals or learn how to research others for your own peace of mind. 

  • Discover other more affordable options if you aren’t quite ready to spend the dollars involved with going the professional route. There is no wrong answer. Learn about the options available and decide for yourself. 

  • Learn about metadata and ISBNs so that you are prepared and ready to go after that final proofread is complete. 

  • Master how to do market research for your book so that you can give it it’s best chances for success. 

MODULE 03 

Preparing for Launch 

 
I spent months mentally preparing for my book launch. I was nervous, but in the end it turned out great! In this module, we’re going to learn all the tips and tricks around preparing for your book launch. 

 

We’ll prepare and guide you on what information you will need to upload your book to Amazon as well as how to do it with minimal errors. In addition, we will look at other sales platforms and why they may or may not be worth considering. All this will set the stage for your book release and those first sales! 

 

Before you launch you will need to know where to go for reviews and how to get maximum exposure the week of your book launch. You’ll love watching your novel climb the Amazon rankings as the sales start rolling in. With just a little planning (getting your audience engaged early is critical) your launch will be a ton of fun! 

 

Finally, you’ll map out and schedule your entire course creation and launch strategy (it’s simpler than you think!) so that you have a crystal clear picture of what you’ll be working towards throughout the rest of the program. 

 

Highlights: 

  • Get your step-by-step guide to your book launch. This will set you up for a super fun and successful launch, no matter how nervous you are. 

  • Determine your promotional budget for long term sales. Books don’t sell themselves. Learn the long game and know where you are going before you even start. 

  • Map out your entire promotional plan so that you know right off the bat how you’re going to sell your program instead of letting the looming fear drain all your energy and motivation. 

  • Finally, pull together all that you have learned into your Self-Publishing Roadmap, and then decide if you are ready to move forward with this dream of writing and publishing a book!

Burning Q’s your fellow digital course owners asked 

before grabbing their access 

 

  • All you need to do inside of Make a Splash Self-Publishing is observe. It is where you will learn what you will need to do if you move forward with self-publishing. If you do decide to continue with your journey afterwards, learning the technology involved will take some time, but if you persist, you can do this.

  • That is up to you. There are aspects of self-publishing you can hire out and aspects that you can do yourself. What Make a Splash Self-Publishing: Test the Waters Before Diving In provides are the steps involved and the information about the costs associated with each step BEFORE YOU START. This course could save you in the long run because I will provide inexpensive options to self-publishing as well as the more expensive (professional), but (sometimes) worth it options.

  • You don’t need any tech skills for this course beyond comfort with a computer and software packages such as Word. If you choose to dive in to self-publishing afterwards, you will need to create accounts and remember your passwords. There will be some things that you will need to take away and learn on your own, but I will give you as many tech tips and tricks as I can along the way. What I don’t teach can be learned through free YouTube videos or training provided by the owners of the tools or apps (ie. Social Media, Website platform, email provider, etcetera).

  • Not at all. This course provides bonus materials to get you started and inspired to write, but it is not a writing course. It is simply a course to learn what steps are required when self-publishing. You can observe, and then choose to move forward with your writing afterwards.

    Remember, we are all at different stages in our writing. If you are new to writing, that’s okay, we can’t improve if we don’t start!