Mastering the Art of Sustainable Rapid Releasing

In the fast-paced world of indie publishing, the idea of rapid releasing books can seem both exhilarating and daunting. The concept of publishing multiple books a year has become a popular strategy for authors looking to build momentum and increase their readership. But how do you maintain your passion, creativity, and well-being in the process? In a recent Written Word Media Speaker Series, indie author and CEO of Author Revolution, Carissa Andrews, shared her insights on how to embrace a sustainable approach to rapid releasing that fosters both productivity and book sales.

The Origin of Rapid Releasing

The origins of rapid releasing traces back to the early 2010s when indie author Amanda Hocking burst onto the scene, popularizing the idea of publishing quickly to gain traction on Amazon. This strategy was further developed by Michael Anderle and Craig Martel with their “20 Books to 50K” movement, which emphasized the importance of publishing frequently to keep your books in front of readers and Amazon’s algorithms.

But while rapid releasing can be a powerful tool, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. The key is finding a release strategy that aligns with your creative process and personal well-being.

Seven Rapid Release Strategies

Here are seven different rapid release strategies, each catering to different author needs and goals:

1. Drop 1-2-2: Drop your first book, publish the second a week later, and then release the next two books two weeks apart.
2. The 2 All-Around: Writing a book and publishing it every two weeks. Crazy? Yes! But if you’re an author who chooses to write your books and THEN release them once you have multiple ready to go, this can really juice the Amazon algorithm and help you make a big splash in a new genre.
3. Four Books a Year: The classic book-a-quarter approach, popular among many indie authors.
4. More Than Four: Usually one book per month. The focus here is on consistent, reliable releases.
5. Netflix Style: Write your entire series upfront and release all books on the same day to encourage book-binging.
6. Never-Ending Story: A series that continues indefinitely, with no planned endpoint.
7. Wide Rapid Releaser: Catered to wide distribution channels, focusing on retailers other than Amazon, or selling directly to readers.

Finding Your Sustainable Rhythm

Choose a strategy that feels good to you rather than one that leads to burnout. For many authors, publishing four books a year—one each quarter—is a sweet spot that allows for steady growth without overwhelming your creative process.

And don’t underestimate the importance of planning. Whether you’re writing a series or standalone books, having a clear plan and editorial calendar can help you stay on track and maintain momentum. And remember, it’s not just about writing quickly—it’s about writing well. Understanding your genre, audience expectations, and constantly improving your craft are essential components of success.

Building a Prolific Author Career

To build a prolific author career, it’s important to treat your writing like a business. This means setting clear goals, learning continuously, and engaging with your audience in meaningful ways. Embracing AI tools to help with planning and brainstorming can make the process more efficient and less stressful.

The Power of Community

Whether it’s engaging with your readers or finding support from other authors, building a network can help you stay motivated and inspired. And as you grow your backlist and your brand, that community becomes an invaluable resource for feedback, promotion, and encouragement.

Conclusion

Rapid releasing can be a game-changer for indie authors—especially for those looking to turn a profit from their writing. But it’s essential to approach it in a way that aligns with your creative rhythm and life balance. By finding a sustainable strategy that works for you, planning carefully, and staying engaged with your readers, you can build a successful and fulfilling author career.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into the world of rapid releasing, check out Carissa’s Rapid Release Roadmap course which offers a comprehensive guide complete with tools, techniques, and strategies to help you find your momentum. And for those interested in exploring the role of AI in their writing process, Carissa also offers a course on utilizing ChatGPT for planning and strategy. Both courses are available with a special discount using promo code “WWMROCKS”. For more insights and inspiration, check out Carissa’s Author Revolution podcast, where she covers everything from indie publishing to AI.

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