Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

In Episode 60 of the Coloring Book Creator Podcast, we dive deep into common fears surrounding the creation and sales potential of your coloring books, planners, and journals.

I share 10 actionable strategies to help you release those fears and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Whether you're brainstorming your first book or trying to improve sales on existing titles, these insights will guide you toward success.

Key Takeaways:
1. Conduct Thorough Research:
Understand the market demand before you create your book. Just because a subject has been covered doesn't mean there isn't room for your unique perspective.

2. Align with Your Passion:
Choose a book topic that you are genuinely interested in, as it will require a significant amount of your time and energy to bring to life.

3. Mindset Adjustment:
Prepare to learn from the process regardless of the outcome. Challenges will arise, but persistence will teach you invaluable lessons.

4. Pre-Sell Your Book:
Start marketing your book before it’s complete. This approach not only validates your idea but also generates early interest and potential sales.

5. Leverage Community and Collaboration:
Engage with communities and collaborate with others to expand your reach and credibility. Shared interests can lead to powerful partnerships and opportunities.

Episode Highlights:
- Discussion on the importance of market research and finding a niche within popular genres.

- Tips for mentally preparing for the hurdles of book creation and sales.

- Strategies for pre-selling and marketing your book early in the creation process to gauge interest and secure early buyers.

- Importance of community support and collaboration in spreading the word and enhancing your book’s success.

Listen and Engage:
Tune in to learn how to navigate the fears of book creation and sales with strategic actions that can lead to success. Engage with us through comments or on our social media to share your experiences and insights.

Additional Resources:
- Link to the full video discussion on YouTube for visual insights.

- Access to a free audio course to help validate your coloring book ideas.

038: After The Rain with Surface Pattern Designer & Illustrator Now Coloring Book Creator Lisa Dolson

019: The #1 Mistake Coloring Book Authors Are Making That's Killing Sales On Social Media

051: You’re Leaving Money On The Table If You Aren’t Doing This

047: 10 Steps to Pre-Launch Your Book (Without Ads or Being on Social Media All Day)

Bonus Episode: The Passive Income Myth (what nobody tells you about selling your book on Amazon)

We’re committed to supporting you in turning your creative vision into reality. Join us to learn, grow, and succeed together in the world of coloring book creation!

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

Looking to an idea for your first or next Coloring Book, Planner/Journal but don't know where to start?

If you answered YES, then you're in luck because in episode 59 of the Coloring Book Creator Podcast I dive into the world of AI with my new GPT Unlock Your Coloring Book or Planner Idea I'll show you how AI can be a powerful tool for creators of coloring books, planners, and journals.

This episode is all about leveraging AI, specifically ChatGPT, to assist with ideation, research, and even content creation, helping you bring your creative visions to life.

Key Episode Takeaways:

1. Turn AI Into Your Creative Assistant: Discover how ChatGPT can be used not to replace traditional artists, but as a tool to enhance and support your creative process, from idea validation to content generation.

2. Validate Your Book Idea: Learn how to use AI to validate your book ideas before investing time and resources into creation, ensuring your project resonates with your target audience.

3. From Ideation to Execution: Coming up with an idea for your book can be challenging especially when you have so many to choose from. That's why I'm thrilled to announce a new tool designed to help creators brainstorm and refine ideas for books, providing suggestions on layout, content, and even cover design.

4. Join the Live Workshop: Get the chance to participate in a live workshop where Rodney will walk you through the ideation process, offering real-time feedback and support to help you bring your project to fruition.

5. Start Your Journey Today: With access to my new custom GPT and upcoming live workshops, you have all the tools and support you need to start creating and marketing your next big project.


Links & Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

- Access the GPT Tool and Watch the Demo
Side Note: When you access the Unlock Your Coloring Book or Planner Idea with the power ofAI 🤖 includes an invitation to join me for new Live Workshop TBA

- Share your ideation results inside Coloring Book Creator Facebook Group for Creators

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

In this episode, I dive into a recent conversation with one of my digital planner mentor students about the challenges and opportunities in publishing, particularly when using print-on-demand services like Lulu.

We discuss the beauty and quality of her newly created planner, but also the significant pricing differences that arise, especially with international shipping.

Using print-on-demand services often results in higher costs per unit, particularly for full-color books. These expenses can be daunting, especially when you factor in shipping, which can drastically increase the overall price.

However, there are strategic ways to position and sell these products to ensure profitability.

I share my experiences and insights on how to creatively bundle your book with other offerings, such as courses, workshops, or membership communities, to provide additional value and justify a higher price point.

The key takeaway?

In the nonfiction space, the book is rarely the sole income source. Instead, it's an entry point into a broader ecosystem of experiences and services that truly drive revenue.

Tune in to learn how to effectively position your book, create meaningful experiences around it, and build a sustainable income stream that goes beyond just book sales.

Don't forget to check the show notes for links to valuable resources:

Join the conversation in my free Facebook group, the Coloring Book Creator Club

052: Beyond Amazon Creating Profitable Bundles That Sell with Vervante's Cindy Tyler

Book a 30 Min 1:on:1 Discovery Session With Rodney
(Please Note: Just $20 to secure your spot and can be applied to any of my paid programs)

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

In this episode of the Coloring Book Creator Podcast, I'm diving into a topic that's close to my heart: what to do when you're just not feeling it in your business.

As someone who's been an entrepreneur for nearly two decades, I've faced my fair share of burnout and low motivation.

Today, I want to share some personal insights and practical strategies that have helped me reconnect with my passion and realign my work with where I am now.

Whether you're struggling to find your spark or simply feeling stuck, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

1. Acknowledge When Something Feels Off: Recognizing and admitting that you're feeling disconnected or unmotivated is the first step to making necessary changes in your business or creative projects.
   
   
2. Take Time Off to Reflect: Whether it's a day, a week, or even longer, stepping back from your routine can offer fresh perspectives and help you recharge. This time off might involve unplugging from content consumption or simply changing your physical environment.
   
   
3. Experiment and Try New Things: Sometimes the solution to feeling stuck is to inject new energy into your work by exploring different approaches, projects, or technologies. Don't be afraid to play and experiment.
   
   
4. Seek Professional Support: If the pressure of entrepreneurship feels overwhelming, consider speaking with a therapist or counselor. It can provide invaluable clarity and emotional support, allowing you to navigate challenges more effectively.
   
   
5. Be Willing to Change Direction: If after deep reflection, you realize your current path no longer aligns with your goals, don’t be afraid to pivot. This might involve rebranding, targeting new clients, or even a complete career shift.

Tune in for an honest conversation about the emotional realities of being an entrepreneur and how to navigate them with grace and resilience.

Links Mentioned:

• BetterHelp Counseling Service
• Explore Rodney's New GPT Tool
• Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan

Contact Rodney:

• Email: rodney@rodneywashington.com

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

Growing your email list is crucial for staying connected with your audience, and we’re sharing innovative strategies to help you do just that.

From creating engaging shopping guides and offering sample templates to hosting impactful workshops and utilizing quizzes, these tips will help you build and nurture a thriving email list.

Plus, we have a bonus idea that involves leveraging custom ChatGPT for personalized engagement.

Tune in to discover how these techniques can elevate your publishing business and keep your audience engaged. The video iteration of this episode is available on YouTube

Don’t miss out on these actionable insights and start growing your email list today! 🎧✨

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:
📺 Watch This Episode On YouTube
🧑‍🏫 Validate Your Coloring Book Idea Before You Make It Mini Course
👨🏾‍💻 Contact Me For Workshop Updates

Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share. Check the links above for more resources and stay connected!

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

In this insightful episode, we delve into the critical role of book covers in driving sales, especially on platforms crowded with competitors like Amazon.

I'm joined by LaKeshia D Walton, a talented designer and author, to discuss what makes a book cover stand out and how it can influence potential buyers' decisions.

We explore several book covers, discussing what works and what could be improved. This episode serves as an introduction to a more detailed visual discussion available on YouTube.

Key Takeaways:

1. First Impressions Count: Your book cover is often your first opportunity to grab a potential buyer's attention. It needs to be striking enough to stop the scroll and compelling enough to encourage further exploration.

2. Research and Inspiration: Before designing a cover, research competing books on platforms like Amazon. Use a swipe file to collect covers that catch your eye and analyze what draws your attention to them.

3. Use High-Quality Visual Tools: Tools like Pinterest and Unsplash can be invaluable for gathering inspiration and high-quality images that resonate with your book’s theme.

4. Engage with Your Audience: Early in the design process, share mock-ups of potential covers on social media to gauge audience preferences and gather feedback, helping you refine your cover design.

5. Iterate and Improve: Continuously refine your cover design by experimenting with different elements like fonts, colors, and images to find the perfect balance that represents your book best.

Additional Resources:
- Full video discussion on YouTube - Dive deeper into our cover design discussion with visual examples.

- Book a Book Cover Consultation with LaKeshia D. Walton - Get professional advice on your book cover design.

- Blooms Of Hope Planner & Journal by LaKeshia D. Walton

- Validate Your Book Idea Before You Make It - Access a free audio course that includes a 10-step roadmap to refine your book concept before you publish.

Final Thoughts:
Remember, the right cover doesn't just attract eyes—it can significantly impact your sales. Spend time crafting a cover that truly represents your book and appeals to your target audience.

Listen and Leave Feedback:
Don’t forget to watch the detailed YouTube session for a comprehensive breakdown of book cover design, and let us know your thoughts either there or in the podcast comments!

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

Welcome to Episode 54 of the Coloring Book Creator Podcast!

In this special milestone episode, I'm celebrating a milestone of 3000 downloads!

Join me as I share the lessons learned along the journey and how these insights can benefit you, even if podcasting isn’t your goal.

Episode Highlights:
1. Milestone Celebration: Join me as I reflect on reaching 3000 episode downloads and what it means personally and for the future message of the podcast.

2. The Journey: Including the creation of the Coloring Book Creator Program, its development, and the success stories that inspired the podcast.

3. Lessons from the Past: Insights from previous podcast experiences and how they shaped the current show’s format and focus.

4. Consistency and Passion: Emphasizing the importance of consistency, alignment, and passion in content creation.

5. Future Directions: Exciting upcoming plans, including my latest program focused on creating and publishing digital and physical planners.

Key Takeaways:
1. Align Your Content with Your Passion: Find a content creation method that resonates with you and your audience. Whether it’s podcasting, video, or writing, choose the platform where you feel most comfortable and inspired.

2. Consistency is Crucial: Stay committed to your content creation schedule. Even if the initial traction is slow, consistency will help you find your voice and build an audience over time.

3. Focus on Your Audience: Create content that serves and inspires your audience. Shift the focus from personal gain to providing value, and you’ll build a loyal following.

4. Test and Iterate: Experiment with different content types and platforms to find what works best for you and your audience. Don’t be afraid to pivot if something isn’t resonating.

5. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate milestones, no matter how small they may seem. Each step forward is progress and helps maintain motivation and enthusiasm.

Tune in to this episode for a heartfelt discussion on the ups and downs of podcasting and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting, there’s something here for everyone!

Thank you for listening and supporting the Coloring Book Creator Podcast!

Let’s continue to inspire and create together.

*Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and join our community to stay updated with the latest episodes and news.*
---
Resources Mentioned In This Episode:
Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan with Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Validate Your Book With My 10-Step Roadmap And Get Your Coloring Book, Journal, or Planner Idea Out Of Your Head And Into Your Hands

Never Too Late To Make It Happen Adult Coloring Book

To inquire about 1-on-1 Book Creation Consulting with Rodney - Text Me at 415-851-1222

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

In this episode, we delve into a fundamental yet often overlooked aspect of online entrepreneurship: ensuring that potential customers know about your products.

Especially for creatives, talking about and promoting our work can feel daunting, but it's crucial for achieving the sales and success we desire. Join us as we explore why staying top of mind is essential and how to effectively engage your audience without feeling spammy.

Five Key Takeaways From This Episode:

1. Visibility is Crucial:
- People can't buy what they don't know exists. To capture attention, you must consistently promote your work so that it stays top of mind for potential customers.

2. Content Creation Strategies:
- Content doesn't always have to be about direct selling. It should inspire and engage your audience, making them feel connected to your work without feeling like they are being sold to constantly.

3. Consistent Engagement:
- Post regularly on social media to ensure your audience sees your content. Posting once or twice is not enough. Frequent posting increases the chances of your content being seen by a larger portion of your audience.

4. Interactive Content Ideas:
- Share different aspects of your book, like a page or an inspirational quote. Use various formats such as videos, reels, written posts, and images to keep your content fresh and engaging.

5. Overcome Perfectionism:
- Focus on consistency over perfection. Don’t let worries about your appearance or production quality prevent you from creating content. Your audience cares more about the value and authenticity of your content than its perfection.

Additional Insights:
- Develop a content creation habit by posting daily for 30 days. This will provide valuable data on what types of content resonate with your audience and help you refine your strategy.

- Use engagement strategies like calls to action to build an email list and create a community around your work.

- If you're developing a book, share your journey and involve your audience in the process. This builds interest and anticipation before your book is even published.

**Join the 30-Day Content Challenge:**
I'm inviting you to participate in a 30-day content creation challenge. Join our Facebook group, the Coloring Book Creator Club, where I’ll be sharing tips and strategies to help you develop a consistent content creation habit.

**Connect with Us:**
- Join the Coloring Book Creator Club Facebook Group
- Book a 30-minute Strategy Call with Rodney (Please Note: A $20 deposit is required to confirm your session, it is refundable if we find we're not a fit to work together otherwise the fee can be applied to any of my paid programs)

Until the next episode stay creative and keep engaging with your audience.

Remember, people can’t buy what they don’t know exists!

Tune in next week for more insights and strategies on The Coloring Book Creator Podcast.