Ever thought about starting a sweet little side hustle publishing public domain works? If not, this newsletter is gonna open up a whole new world for you!
This business model provides the opportunity to earn passive income, with essentially zero start-up costs.
Now what are public domain works I hear you asking…well basically they’re classic books whose copyrights have expired, making them freely available for everyone to enjoy. Think Lewis Carroll, Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgereld.
And because they’re free to enjoy, they’re also free for you to make money off them too. How cool is that?
Platforms like Kindle and Apple Books Store offer the perfect marketplace for revamped editions of classic literature, where eager readers are willing to pay for the convenience of having these literary gems right at their fingertips.
And the best part?
Since the books you’ll be republishing are already free, your upfront costs are significantly lower. Gone are the days of hefty printing and distribution expenses.
So, whether you’re looking for a part-time gig or a creative side project, public domain publishing offers a fantastic opportunity to earn a steady stream of income while sharing literary treasures with the world.
That’s why in this week’s newsletter, we’ll explore the ins and outs of public domain publishing and how it can be a fantastic side hustle for anyone looking to make some extra cash. Let’s get started!
This week’s newsletter brings you:
- Strategies – Keep reading for a deep dive into the world of self-publishing public domain books.
- Tool of the Week – This week we bring you a free tool that will make light work of reformatting your books for upload on Kindle!
- Strategies
- Understanding the public domain publishing business model
- Getting started in public domain publishing
- Setting your public domain titles apart from competitors
- Promoting and selling public domain titles on Amazon
- Understanding public domain and copyright laws
- Selecting profitable public domain publishing projects
- Step by step process for public domain publishing
- Launching and promoting your public domain book
- Tool of the Week
Strategies
Alrighty side hustlers, in the following sections we’ll delve deeper into the mechanics of public domain publishing.
We’re gonna take you through how to differentiate your books (a necessary step), promote them effectively, and navigate the rules and restrictions set by platforms like Amazon. So without further ado, let’s dive in!
Understanding the public domain publishing business model
Public domain publishing thrives on the enduring popularity of classic literature. By tapping into the existing demand for these beloved works, side hustlers can offer readers a convenient and accessible way to enjoy timeless stories.
While these works may be available for free online, many readers are willing to pay for the convenience of having them delivered directly to their devices, creating a market ripe for exploration.
Digital platforms such as Kindle and Apple Books Store serve as the primary avenues for public domain publishing. These platforms provide a massive audience of avid readers actively seeking new titles.
By leveraging these platforms, you can easily reach a wide range of potential customers, showcasing your republished classics and capitalizing on the convenience of digital reading.
Kindle sales form the core revenue stream for many public domain publishers, given Amazon’s dominance in the e-book market.
By pricing your publications attractively and ensuring quality formatting, you can make a profit from each sale.
Amazon also makes it easy to experiment with different pricing strategies, bundling options, and promotional efforts to maximize revenue generation.
Getting started in public domain publishing
One of the greatest advantages of public domain publishing is the accessibility of the content.
Numerous websites and online resources offer a vast collection of public domain works, ranging from classic literature to historical texts. These resources make it easy to find and access a wide array of titles to build your inventory.
Once you have identified the titles you want to republish, finding and downloading digital copies is a straightforward process. Websites like Project Gutenberg provide a treasure trove of free e-books in various formats. By utilizing these platforms, you can quickly obtain the digital copies of the public domain works you wish to publish.
To ensure a polished and professional presentation of your public domain works, proper formatting is essential. Most raw files you acquire may be in plain text (.txt) or HTML format. Formatting them for publishing involves converting them into suitable e-book formats, such as EPUB or MOBI, which are compatible with e-readers and digital platforms.
While formatting, pay attention to consistent styling, proper chapter divisions, and appropriate use of fonts. Correcting any errors introduced during the digitization process is crucial, and a thorough proofreading is recommended to ensure a high-quality reading experience for your audience.
Remember, the presentation of your public domain works is crucial in attracting readers and differentiating your editions from others available for free. Taking the time to properly format and present these works will enhance their appeal and increase their market potential.
Setting your public domain titles apart from competitors
Here’s the thing about publishing public domain work – anyone can do it, and many do. So you’re gonna need to do a little work to make your titles stand out. In fact, Amazon demands it.
Amazon has rules in place to prevent the flooding of the marketplace with identical public domain works.
To publish your own version of a work, it must be differentiated from existing editions. This rule also applies if there is already a free version of the work available. Amazon aims to maintain a diverse and unique selection of public domain titles to offer readers.
So how do you differentiate your public domain work from others then?
One approach is translating the works into different languages, offering a wider audience access to these timeless stories.
Another popular option is annotating the texts with insightful commentary or historical context that can provide readers with a unique and enriching reading experience.
Or you could enhance the books with original illustrations, breathing new life into the familiar narratives.
Another effective way to differentiate your public domain titles is to offer additional value to readers.
For instance, you can include links or instructions for downloading free audio versions of the books, making them accessible to those who prefer to listen. This small but valuable addition can attract more attention and satisfy different reading preferences.
You might also consider incorporating other enhancements such as author biographies, discussion questions, or bonus content related to the works, enhancing the overall reading experience and setting your editions apart from others.
By implementing these differentiation strategies and adding value to your public domain titles, you can create unique offerings that appeal to readers and establish a distinct brand within the public domain publishing landscape.
Side hustler success story
Aaron Kerr, a fellow side hustler, found remarkable success by applying differentiation techniques to the Anne of Green Gables series.
By improving formatting and offering the books at a lower price point than competitors, Aaron created a version that quickly became a bestseller on Amazon. His story illustrates the power of identifying areas of improvement and providing readers with a more appealing edition.
Promoting and selling public domain titles on Amazon
When publishing your public domain titles on Amazon, take advantage of their preference for new releases.
By timing your releases strategically, you can benefit from increased visibility and exposure in Amazon’s algorithms. This can lead to higher rankings and better discoverability among readers actively searching for fresh content.
To attract potential readers and improve your chances of sales, compelling and descriptive copy is essential.
Craft concise and persuasive book descriptions that highlight the unique aspects of your public domain titles.
It’s also a good idea to conduct thorough keyword research to identify relevant terms that potential readers are likely to search for. Incorporate these keywords strategically into your book titles, descriptions, and metadata to improve discoverability and ensure your titles appear in relevant search results.
While Amazon provides a vast marketplace for selling public domain titles, it’s essential to go beyond mere listing.
Explore promotional opportunities to boost visibility and increase sales. Consider participating in Kindle promotions, such as Kindle Countdown Deals or Kindle Select Free Promotions, to attract readers and generate interest.
Setting up targeted advertising campaigns within Amazon’s advertising platform can further amplify your book’s visibility to the right audience.
Outside of Amazon, leverage social media platforms, author websites, and book blogs to build an online presence and create a buzz around your public domain titles.
Engage with readers, offer special promotions or discounts, and seek out collaborations with relevant influencers or book reviewers to expand your reach.
Understanding public domain and copyright laws
Public domain publishing revolves around works whose copyrights have expired, allowing them to enter the public domain. Copyright terms vary depending on the jurisdiction and the year of publication.
For example, in the United States, works published before 1926 are generally in the public domain. Understanding copyright expiration dates is crucial to ensure that the works you publish are legally free to use and distribute.
Every year, on January 1st, a new batch of works enters the public domain. This occurs when works’ copyright terms expire, typically 70 to 95 years after the author’s death or a fixed term after publication. These annual additions to the public domain provide a fresh pool of content for public domain publishers to explore and republish.
With a growing number of works entering the public domain each year, evaluating competition and identifying opportunities is vital.
Researching and analyzing the market can help you identify popular genres, untapped niches, or gaps in the availability of certain titles.
By understanding the competitive landscape, you can tailor your public domain publishing projects to stand out and cater to readers’ preferences.
Another idea is to consider exploring complementary works, such as adapting public domain books into other formats like audiobooks or creating merchandise related to popular titles. These avenues can expand your offerings and capitalize on the enduring appeal of public domain works.
By staying informed about copyright expiration, tracking annual additions to the public domain, and evaluating competition and opportunities, you can make informed decisions in your public domain publishing ventures.
Selecting profitable public domain publishing projects
Here are a few ideas to help you learn how to identify profitable public domain works to publish:
Analyzing bestsellers in brick-and-mortar bookstores
Observing the popularity of classic works in brick-and-mortar bookstores can provide valuable insights into potential profitable public domain publishing projects.
Bestselling titles indicate ongoing demand and reader interest, making them excellent candidates for republishing. By examining sales trends and identifying genres or authors that consistently perform well, you can identify lucrative opportunities within the public domain realm.
Exploring popular titles on Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg, a vast online resource with over 60,000 free books, can be an invaluable tool for research. By sorting through the most downloaded titles on Project Gutenberg, you can gauge the popularity and relevance of specific works.
Pay attention to genres, themes, and authors that consistently rank high, as they are likely to have a built-in audience and potential for profitability.
Capitalizing on upcoming movies based on public domain works
Upcoming movie adaptations based on public domain works can provide a unique opportunity for profitable public domain publishing projects. Anticipating the release of films that draw inspiration from these classics allows you to align your publishing efforts with increased public interest.
By releasing your version of the book before or around the movie’s premiere, you can tap into the buzz and excitement, attracting readers who want to engage with the source material.
By combining these research methods, you can identify profitable public domain projects that align with reader preferences and market trends.
Remember to consider factors such as reader demand, genre popularity, and upcoming media adaptations to make informed decisions about the titles you choose to publish.
With thorough research and strategic selection, you can increase the likelihood of success in your public domain publishing endeavors.
Step by step process for public domain publishing
Step one – Differentiate and proofread the work
Some raw files may contain spelling errors or formatting inconsistencies. It’s essential to meticulously correct these errors and proofread the text to ensure a polished final product. Utilize proofreading tools, conduct a thorough read-through, or consider employing professional proofreaders to catch any lingering mistakes. High-quality content free of errors enhances the credibility of your public domain publication and contributes to a positive reading experience.
Next it’s time to differentiate the work by using one of the methods we mentioned earlier in the newsletter!
Step two – Convert the files
Once you have obtained the raw files of public domain works, you’ll need to format and edit them to ensure Kindle readiness. This formatting process involves adjusting font styles, paragraph spacing, and other elements to ensure a seamless reading experience on e-reader devices. Pay attention to maintaining consistency in formatting throughout the book for a professional appearance.
Step three – create an eye-catching cover
The presentation of your public domain publication plays a crucial role in attracting readers. Design an eye-catching cover that reflects the essence of the book and captures readers’ attention amidst a crowded marketplace. Consider incorporating original artwork, illustrations, or high-quality stock images to create an appealing visual representation. Additionally, pay attention to typography, font selection, and overall layout to ensure readability and aesthetic appeal.
Remember that readers often judge a book by its cover, especially in the digital realm. A well-designed and visually appealing cover can significantly impact a potential reader’s decision to explore your publication further. Strive for a professional presentation that aligns with the content and genre of the public domain work.
Launching and promoting your public domain book
Now that your book is uploaded and ready for sale it’s time to start promoting it!
Reviews are essential for launching and promoting your public domain book. Consider offering free or discounted copies to potential reviewers in exchange for their feedback.
You may also want to engage with book bloggers or influencers in your genre who may be interested in reviewing your work. Their endorsements can boost your book’s credibility and attract more readers.
Potential buyers often rely on the opinions and experiences of others before making a purchasing decision.
Promoting your public domain book goes beyond just launching it. Engage with your target audience through social media, author websites, or newsletters.
Share snippets, host giveaways, or provide exclusive content to create buzz and attract attention. Actively participate in relevant online communities, book forums, or reader groups to connect with potential readers who may be interested in your specific genre or subject matter.
By implementing strategies to obtain reviews and prioritizing quality in your public domain book, you can effectively launch and promote your work, building credibility, attracting readers, and increasing the success of your public domain publishing venture.
Tool of the Week
Amazon provides a free tool called Kindle Create, which allows users to format their books specifically for Kindle devices and apps.
It offers a user-friendly interface that assists with layout, formatting, and adding interactive elements like images or tables. Kindle Create supports both EPUB and DOCX files, making it convenient for authors to transform their manuscripts into Kindle-ready formats.
