Self-publishing provides an easy way for authors to get their books out there. However, the process can be daunting for first-time authors. Although platforms like Amazon allow authors to self-publish books easily, you may need hand-holding.
Also, with millions of books published yearly, you need a professional to help market the book. Self Publishing School is one such platform that helps authors write, publish, and market books.
But before I get any further into my review, I need to be up front with you: I have major concerns with the business model laid out by Self Publishing School. I have PERSONAL experience selling on Amazon, and I don’t recommend it to beginners.
Why? If you are new to making money online, you really need a more beginner friendly business model. It takes serious marketing chops to succeed on Amazon, and it is much more difficult than it once was. You you need a business model that pays you on autopilot without having to continually hustle to find new products to promote, deal with sales tax, refunds, shipping, etc. Check out this video that shows you how to setup an autopilot business using google maps.
Here’s a video of my daughter’s business using this :
Click Here to Get The Course My Daughter Used.
The course my daughter used above is much better than the Self Publishing School. But since you are here to learn about Self Publishing School, lets get back to our review of that. Here’s an overview of the school to help you decide if it’s worth a try.
Who is Chandler Bolt—the Brains Behind Self-Publishing School
Chandler Bolt is the Chief Executive Officer of Self-publishing.com. He established the company in 2015 after dropping out of the College of Charleston, where he studied business administration.
Bolt realized his passion for helping others write and publish books from his experience. Having written six best-selling books, Bolt found self-publishing incredibly challenging and created a company to help other authors achieve their goals.
Self-Publishing School helps authors write, publish, and market. So far, the company has generated more than $42 million in revenue, making Chandler a young successful entrepreneur.
Chandler Bolt was recently featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list that recognizes young entrepreneurs in their fields. His company has also appeared on the Inc 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies five times consecutively.
What Does Self-Publishing School Offer?
Self-Publishing School helps authors write and self-publish books. To achieve this, Chandler works with a team of industry experts and authors who support authors through private sessions during the publishing process. However, writers must enroll in one of the school’s three programs:
Program #1: Become a Bestseller
The program provides a step-by-step guide on self-publishing through personalized sessions and tutorials.
Become a Bestseller is an excellent program for beginners because it’s self-paced. Once you subscribe to the program, the coach helps you write the book, produce and launch it.
This comprehensive approach helps authors learn the ins and outs of writing and self-publishing a book and eBook quickly. It’s also a great pick for non-fiction writers.
Program #2: Fiction and Story Program
The program is a relatively new addition to the school and is designed for fiction authors to market already-published books. Students learn how to create and implement a marketing plan and generate income through one-on-one coaching and an online course.
Program #3: Author Advantage Accelerator Program
In addition to helping authors self-publish books, SPS enables them to hold book launches. If you’ve already published the book but want to go all out to sell more books, then this program should come in handy.
Self-Publishing School coaches will provide all the materials required to hold the book launch. From training videos to email and social media marketing tools.
Self-Publishing School Reviews: What Do the Users Say?
Chandler’s Self-Publishing School may come off as pricey for many authors. I mean not many first-time publishers can afford $6000 for the basic program. So is it worth it? Customers have mixed reactions about the school’s programs.
One customer says, “With the help of our coach, we were able to finish the story in six months. If it were up to us, it would have taken years. I sold over 3000 books in the first month and have appeared on TV twice. I had self-published a book before without much success, but with the Self-publishing school course, we’re on the path of success.”
The customer is grateful for the school’s services as she managed to finish writing the book within a short period. Also, having self-published previously without much success, she finds the course helpful. Its self-publishing and marketing sessions have certainly paid off, having sold over 3000 books in the first month.
One Reddit user says, “I paid $5990 for the premium package but felt short-changed. Although it’s a VIP package, the coaches only instruct you to watch YouTube videos while pressuring you to finish the book. The package only lasts a year hence the pressure to finish it. The coaches also teach you to manipulate Amazon algorithms to become the best seller. The biggest bummer was that the school doesn’t offer refunds. I have filed complaints with Consumer Affairs and BBB and haven’t had much help.”
This user is certainly disgruntled, having spent $5990 on the premium package. While publishing costs money, he should get his money’s worth. Well, the coaches helped him learn how to manipulate Amazon algorithms in his favor and finish the book in record time. However, the fact that he can’t get a refund on his investment makes Chandler’s Self-publishing school appear ingenuine. The website goes to great lengths to explain what each program offers. Thus, getting little to none of the services highlighted feels like he got ripped off.
Should You Invest in Self-Publishing School? My Verdict
So is Self-Publishing School legit? From what I’ve heard, the school’s programs is quite resourceful. Authors learn how to write and publish books as well as the nitty gritty of appearing on Amazon’s best-seller list. However, I would advise you to be cautious when making a large financial investment because the company has a no-refunds policy.