Dane McBeth has the best online business for beginners to get started with this year. It has to do with Amazon, but don’t worry, it’s not FBA.
Dane tried that, along with countless other business models, from social media marketing to flipping Instagram accounts, and failed at all of them.
The one he’s about to reveal is by far the simplest and most profitable, at least if you ask him.
He’s been doing it for over two years now and Amazon’s paid him multiple six figures during that time.
In addition to the money, it’s fun and it’s fulfilling.
Okay, enough teasing, what is this unicorn business model, right?
It’s self-publishing books through Amazon, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Audible, and Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX).
So yeah, you write or outsource books, convert them into eBooks, paperback books, audiobooks, etc., and then list ’em for sale on these marketplaces that are chock-full of buyers.
But how’s it work? And how do you get started with it, especially if you suck at writing?
Self-Publishing 101, according to Dane:
- Find keywords in a non-fiction niche that’s not only in demand but also potentially something you’re interested in. Self-help, business, parenting, fitness, stuff like that.
- Build the foundation of your book. Come up with a title, an outline, description, cover art, and so on.
- Hire an expert ghostwriter in your niche to write and edit the book for you, based on your outline. Or write it yourself (but you certainly don’t have to).
- Format the book and get it ready to be published.
- Go live and start marketing and selling your book on Kindle.
- Make a paperback and audiobook version, and begin selling on Amazon and Audible as well. That way you squeeze the most money from each book.
That’s the mile-high overview.
In terms of revenue, Dane’s bestselling books bring in $1- or $2k a month.
Imagine having dozens of little income streams like that. They add up.
“Don’t get me wrong,” Dane says, “even though that seems like a lot of steps, it is very simple to get started with.”
“And it’s not nearly as many steps as what it would take to get started with those other business models,” he points out.
“So this is perfect for someone who is a beginner looking to get into online business this year.”
Dane recommends either long form books: 25,000 words or more; take a little longer (three to four weeks) and cost more to create (about $500).
Or you can do DIY-style books: around 7,000 words; can have ’em made quickly (maybe a few days) and for cheap (probably $100 or so).
Actually, ideally, you’d do both. Long form and do-it-yourself guides.
This makes you more diverse and evens out your monthly income so it’s not so up and down.
“Pairing the two together is just the ultimate force when it comes to publishing books, in my opinion,” Dane says.
“This is what I’ve done since day one, and it’s been the best strategy for me in my self-publishing business.”
Much like investing in stocks, it’s a business that compounds over time.
Even if you did one book a month, that’s 12 new mostly-passive income streams by the end of year one.
And once you’re listed on Kindle and Audible and whatnot, you’re on there forever.
As long as Amazon stays in business (pretty safe bet), each book could, in theory, represent lifelong residual income.
Want Dane’s help with all of this?
Consider enrolling in his Publisher Supremacy course.
Cost is $2,500. Pay plans available.