Leonhard Wagner - Marketer
I have published and marketed >60 books and series from debut authors, more than 50% of which reached bestseller status on Amazon.
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Overview
I have been a self-publishing and marketing consultant for 6 years now and helped authors to publish more than 60 books of which more than 50% reached bestseller status on Amazon.
My journey began with writing my own book and trying to figure out how to market it. While the book itself wasn't any good and I eventually stopped writing altogether, I discovered the fascinating world of self-publishing.
After having some first successes with my own book I started to promote books of friends and eventually went on to train and consult authors. This experience allowed me to join Inkitt, one of the fastest growing online publishing house in the world years later to lead their publishing team. During the last 6 years, I worked on almost all aspects of publishing, including marketing, pr and content polishing. Most of the techniques I either developed myself or picked them up from some of the most renowned marketing gurus inside and outside the publishing world. I think I can say with confidence that there is hardly a marketing technique for selling books online that I'm not familiar with.
I can advise you on and help you with:
- distributing and selling books across all online channels
- running Facebook ads (spent around $200k there)
- running Amazon ads
- getting bloggers/booktubers to talk about you
- creating and publishing various formats (ebook, print, audio)
- creating your author website/blog
- researching keywords and categories for e-tailers
- getting reviews
- getting into bookbub
- getting cross promotion
- building your brand
- building and maintaining your email list and social media
- getting your book ready for publication
- building your author career
- not wasting money
Philosophy:
1. During years of working with authors and publishing their books I discovered, that while there are some basic things that need to be done for almost any book, every book needs to go its own unique path. In publishing there is no one size fits all solution for creating bestsellers.
2. Being a successful author is (in 99% of the cases) not about achieving an overnight success. It is about building a longterm career, that as any other career takes time to develop and is sometimes hard work but at the same time much more enjoyable than any other career.
My job is to train you and help you to achieve not only a lucky shot but steadily build your unique career as an author.
Services
Non-Fiction
Cooking & Food Wine & Spirits
Health & wellbeing
Fiction
Fantasy
Paranormal Romance
Romance
Science Fiction
Thriller
Young Adult & Teen
Awards
- More than 30 Amazon bestseller badges
Work experience
Head of Publishing
Inkitt
February, 2016
–
January, 2018
(almost 2 years)
Inkitt is the worlds first reader powered publishing house and one of the fastest growing online publishing houses of our time. The company is developing an algorithm that can predict bestsellers.
As Head of Publishing at Inkitt, I:
- Planned and executed marketing strategies for all of Inkitt’s books.
- Spent +$200k on Facebook ads to sell books.
- Learned latest marketing techniques from former top executives of Big 5 publishers and book publishing gurus.
- Established a reviewer club for our authors, to get +100 reviews on launch day for each book.
During these two intense years of working at Inkitt, I got deep insights into all aspects of publishing, from content preparation to marketing and pr. I also learned how to work with authors and what it takes to make them successful without having access to big offline retail channels.
Self-publishing Consultant
Self-employed
January, 2012
–
Present
(over 6 years)
Helping and teaching authors to market their books and build their careers.
I Started out by self-publishing my own book and after some first success cases went on to help some of my friends. Over time I figured out most of the marketing techniques that work for self-publishing.
Projects
Satans Sons Mc Series
Success:
- Reached Top 12 on Amazon.com on the first day
The Project:
The author was already well-known on Wattpad but had never published a book before.
Subsequently, I:
- helped the author to find an editor, proofreader and cover designer
- selected the categories and keywords for the book on Amazon and uploaded it to Amazon
- coached the author on how to maintain her social media
- grew the author's email list from 0 to over 5000 emails within 1 months, through Facebook ads, social media, and the author's blog
- got to Top 12 on Amazon.com on launch day, through the email list and social media promotion
- got the book more than 100 reviews on launch week
- helped the author to create an audio and print book
- created and maintained Facebook ads to sell the author's series
About the book:
The Satans Sons MC Series is a three-part mc romance series by Simone Elise. MC romance has a large following but the category is also quite competitive. Our advantage was that the author had already an established fanbase on Wattpad and Inkitt that we could build upon. When we launched, the first boost came from the author's fanbase who was eager to get their hands on the book and support her. What really turned the series into a bestseller, however, was running Facebook ads. Since there was quite a large audience for the book out there, it was easy to target them on Facebook and social media. This way we could sustain and even increase sales over a long timeframe.
Just Juliet
Success:
- Hit Amazon.com Top 50 on day one
- One of the bestselling LGBT YA books of 2016
The Project:
The author was new to publishing and looking for someone to take on the whole publishing process from polishing the content over getting it into the right distribution channels to marketing it.
Subsequently, I:
- helped the author to find an editor, proofreader and cover designer
- built the authors blog
- selected the categories and keywords for the book on Amazon and uploaded it to Amazon
- coached the author on how to maintain her social media and blog
- grew the author's email list from 0 to over 2000 emails within 2 months, through Facebook ads, social media, and the author's blog
- got the book to be selected for Amazon's "Powered by Indie" landing page
- got into Top 50 on Amazon.com on launch day, through the email list and social media promotion
- got the author 5 book signings and 3 press articles
- created a book trailer
- got more than 15 blogger and booktuber mentions
- got the book more than 100 reviews on launch week
- helped the author to create an audio and print book
- helped the author to get into Barnes & Noble
About the book:
Just Juliet is a sweet coming of age, LGBT romance about two girls falling in love. The minute I got the book into my hands I realized that its content was unique and had huge potential. The challenge was that it targeted a niche audience. We realized, however, that already before launch, the target audience seemed to be really excited about it and once the book hit the market the niche status proofed to be a big advantage. The young members of the LGBT community spread the word about the book within and beyond their community and sales numbers exploded within days of publication.
Inkitt Exclusive Reads
I created Inkitt Exclusive Reads for Inkitt. This reviewer platform connects readers and books in pre-publication stage and gets around 100 reviews on launch day for every book that's distributed to the community.
Portfolio (24 selected works)
Just Juliet: An LGBT Love Story
Charlotte Reagan
The coming out story that will completely change the way you look at love, now available for free on Kindle Unlimited. Juliet represents the road less traveled. Will Lena take it?Lena Newman is 17, her best friend’s a cheerleader, her boyfriend’s a football player, and as far as everyone is concerned, her life is sorted. But that’s before she befriends the new girl. Juliet is confident, slight... read more
Volume Two of the #1 bestselling MC Romance Series.In my motorcycle club I’ve earned the name ‘Reaper’ and now I have my claim on Abby Harrison.Reaper: I didn’t know what love was, but I knew what want was, and I wanted Abby. When I walked out of the club and saw her I was stone cold sober. She was quietly beautiful and unlike any other woman I’d had before. But she was the daughter of the pre... read more
As war looms between the two species, the Demon Lord is determined to find Annabelle – little does she know, the truth behind his sinister actions is about to unravel. When Annabelle discovers that she is not the true daughter of the Alpha in her pack, her world, as she knows it, comes crashing down and she finds herself running to hide from the tyrannical Demon Lord who is hell-bent on findin... read more
Mine
A. N. Senerella
Life: Average. Status: Teenage. And now you're accidentally dating the biggest player in school. Thing's can't get too complicated... right?"I could feel his eyes on me, and I did my best not to look at him. His eyes were burning holes into me; I could feel it. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. "Stop. Looking. At. Me," I growled between my teeth quietly to the boy less than three feet from ... read more
Tainted Romance
Simone Elise
It was never about love. It was never about want. It was only about need.Zane needs Allie. It is in his blood, an obligation coursing through his veins, and when you’re being pulled by a force as powerful as being mated to another, there isn’t much you can do to stop it. No matter how much you want to. Allie is counting down the days to her 21st birthday when she can leave town and be freed fr... read more
Black Mark Series Boxed Set: Books 1 - 3
Ebony Olson
Get the #1 bestselling Black Mark Series in an exclusive and complete boxed set, including Black Mark's Resistance, Black Mark's Secrets, and Black Mark's Heart. This collection of steamy and thrilling romance series is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat!You've never been wanted. You've never been loved. You release your emotions by bleeding and having sex. But now, the hottest person ... read more
Mateo Santiago
Katlego Moncho
Could Juniper be the key to unlocking not only Mateo’s family’s deepest and darkest secret, but also his stone cold heart? Fans of Twilight and The Mortal Instruments are howling for Mateo Santiago. He rules the most powerful pack in the world. She has been outcast by her family and forced to go rogue. When their paths cross, it could be the beginning of something wonderful - or the end of the... read more
Alpha Series: Alpha Kaden
Midika Crane
"Lock your doors. Hold them tight. Close your windows. Every night. Don't go out, in case he's there. Always live in total fear."Everyone knows of Alpha Kaden, a man of twisted riddles and cryptic puzzles. His identity is one of them. His touch, another. He is feared throughout all 13 packs for his reputation of stealing young women out of their beds. And tonight he has come to steal Mara to m... read more
Tainted Romance
Simone Elise
It was never about love. It was never about want. It was only about need.Zane needs Allie. It is in his blood, an obligation coursing through his veins, and when you’re being pulled by a force as powerful as being mated to another, there isn’t much you can do to stop it. No matter how much you want to. Allie is counting down the days to her 21st birthday when she can leave town and be freed fr... read more
Catalyst Moon: Incursion: A New Adult Fantasy Series
Lauren L. Garcia
Winner of Inkitt's Dreamlands contest, this is the first book in an exciting new adult fantasy series.In Aredia Mages are feared, and kept like prisoners by sentinels - Warriors sworn to protect the world from magic. So what happens when a mage and a sentinel are forced to rely on each other to survive? Kali, a crippled mage who longs to escape her painful past, travels to meet a powerful heal... read more
Catalyst Moon: Breach (Catalyst Moon Saga Book 2)
Lauren L. Garcia
In an uncertain world on the brink of chaos, can love and destiny prevail?When Kalinda parts ways with Stonewall at Whitewater City, she has no idea if she will ever see him again. But when their paths cross once more, they find themselves in the middle of impending turmoil.Fear is consuming the land as the body-snatching thralls are multiplying and destroying everything in their path. Meanwhi... read more
Eric Olafson: Space Pirate (Eric Olafson Series)
Vanessa Ravencroft
It's the year 5019, and the Milky Way Galaxy is teeming with exotic species.The majority of the known civilizations have formed a multi-cultural mega organization called the United Stars of Galaxies.This Union is protected by the brave men and women of the United Stars Space fleet against external threats.Eric Olafson, born and raised under harsh conditions of the traditional and inward lookin... read more
Chosen
Lauren Chow
Clara has been chosen and her fate will be fulfilled.Clara Evans’ needs a fresh start. Exhausted from the taunts of her classmates and the neglect of her careless foster parents, she is counting down the days until graduation when she can move away and leave her miserable life behind. When swoon-worthy Jay Woods transfers to Ford High School, Clara’s eyes are opened to a universe she never kne... read more
Fake
Haley Ladawn
If your head and your heart are pulling you in opposite directions - which path do you follow?The day that Lilly walked into Elliot’s office, her life changed forever. Robbed of her identity and confidence, Lilly is desperately trying to rediscover her true self and move on without the depraved man who stole her heart. A task that is easier said than done.Needing to clear her head, she plans f... read more
The Rogue's Fate
Missy De Graff
Absolutely loved this book; I couldn’t put it down. Loved the plot twists. Wonderful character development. If you like books like Twilight, The Hunger Games, Divergent, etc it tv shows like The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, etc, this book is right up your alley! - Amazon ReviewerIf your life hung in the balance, would you choose to make your own destiny or leave your life to fate?Lucinda Ra... read more
Twisting You
Simone Elise
What happens if you are meant to be, but life is getting in the way of love?Every werewolf has one mate, their perfect counterpart. Chloe is mated with her teacher Xavier; they are meant to be together for life. But when Xavier denies her on her 18th birthday, Chloe’s entire world crumbles into pieces. Xavier doesn’t want to let Chloe go, but being married to a human and with two children isn’... read more
Silent Embrace
Hayley Cyrus
Fans of The Hunger Games are going wild for Silent Embrace!He went into the Running never planning to find a mate. She was frightened, with no idea what to expect...Ready. Set. RUN.Blythe has been summoned to be in the Running; an annual event where shifters are let out of their jails for twelve hours and released into an arena to find a mate. Every year, ten human girls are placed in the stad... read more
Alpha Series: Alpha Malik
Midika Crane
Two girls from each Pack have been selected to represent themselves and their pack’s morals, to determine who is best suited for Alpha Malik.After being kidnapped and abused by an unruly rogue organization, Aria is forced to enter a competition where the prize is a man who has given up all hopes of finding his mate.Malik is known as the Alpha of Love, and now Aria must compete against girls fr... read more
Story Of A Girl
Grace Chikwem
“Sid Sullivan is just your average teenaged girl next door” - No One Ever!Sid excels at exactly three things: fighting, breaking noses, and getting into trouble. After her latest fight lands her in the emergency room, Sid finds herself getting shipped off to Llewellyn Academy for Girls. She begrudgingly agrees, with one tiny little adjustment to her mom’s perfectly laid out plans to get her th... read more
Satan's Sons Monarchy Series Book 2: Timeless
Simone Elise
The steamy and dramatic sequel to Tattooed Love by Simone Elise. A lot can change in six years. Jax’s sentence is coming to an end, and Amber has been a ghost since the day she walked off the prison grounds. With Jax on the outside, and their son becoming more like his father every day, will Amber be able to stay away? Amber:When I left Jax behind bars I made a promise to myself. I would never... read more
I Dare You To Love Me
Becca Fox
It’s senior year. He rules the school. She just wants to make it to graduation. With prom only six weeks away, and his reputation at stake - will Brian be able to get “Scary Pants” out on a date?Brian Royland is the golden boy of Palm Beach High. He’s smart, handsome, athletic, and charming. He could get any girl in school - but he procrastinated and is now dateless for the most important danc... read more
Satan's Sons Monarchy Series Book 1: Tattooed Love
Simone Elise
When your heart rules your mind, you don’t get to choose who you love. But what if that love could lead to your own destruction?Amber is a rebellious high school senior and the only girl in a family of outlaw bikers. Her four brothers left when she was young to keep her away from their style of life, but despite their efforts, she’s wrapped up in criminal activities and her life is rapidly spi... read more
Loving Lakyn
Charlotte Reagan
Lakyn James is sixteen years old and hating every second of it. He was supposed to be done, he'd tapped out. End of story, unsubscribe here. Suicide "attempt", they said. His intentions had no "attempt" in them. Re-entering normal life after ‘trying’ to take his own is weird. Especially when the world keeps going like it never happened. He still has to eat breakfast, go to school, and somehow ... read more
Evil comes in all shapes and sizes. It's up to three kids, brought together by extraordinary circumstances, to save their school from a monster hiding in plain sight...before it finds them.When Theo Aldrige loses his family in a gruesome murder, he sinks into a bottomless pit of depression. After a failed suicide attempt, he meets Sally and Reuben - classmates of his who are also in dire strai... read more
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