How to Sell a Million Copies
Hi, it’s Mike from Author Coaching and I’ve got a confession for you: I’m a sucker for a BOLD subject line—something like, how to sell a million copies. Just for example. 🙂
Selling a million copies can be a really great goal. I want you to achieve your big, hairy, audacious goals. So, in this email, let’s discuss how to do that today.
First, a story.
Recently, Curtis and I were with Jon Acuff in Franklin, TN, for his Remarkable You conference. It was his first-ever solo conference - a packed room, two full days of wisdom and stories. At one point, we got to stand on stage with Jon to celebrate his recent achievement of selling a million copies of his books. It was an amazing moment.
And the whole time, I kept thinking about you.
Because Jon didn’t start with a million readers, he started with a blog in 2008—no audience, no stage, just the discipline to show up and write. Now he’s built a career of influence. And he did it one step, one post, one leap at a time.
If you’re where Jon was back then, full of ideas but unsure anyone's listening, I want you to know: there is a way forward. There’s a path from where you are to where you want to be. And we’d love to help you take the next step.
It’s important for you to know this: It’s the same start line for you, me, and Jon. Whether you are starting an email newsletter, writing a book proposal, or creating a sermon.
The thing about zero is that most people never get past it. It’s like an anchor. Here are three things Jon Acuff has taught us about getting past the start line.
One, you need to set the bar lower. I bet you weren’t expecting that. So many times it feels like the answer is more, more, more. Nope. Lower your expectations and create achievable milestones. A lower bar will help you create momentum.
Two, neglect the unimportant. I asked a friend recently how his book was coming along. He replied, “My house has never been cleaner.” Small tasks get loud when we start thinking about goals. The only way to silence them is by prioritizing what’s important and delaying the things that can wait, like cleaning your house.
And third, you have to kill “until.” That sounds awful for the word “until,” but think about how many times it has delayed you from getting after your writing career. There’s an ancient proverb that says, “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second-best time is now." I love that because it reminds me to get started right now.
I hope someday that I get to hear about your achievement, whether it’s publishing your first book or sending your first email newsletter or, in Jon’s case, selling a million copies. I’m here for it! Remember: Everyone starts somewhere, but you have to start today.
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In your corner,
