In this candid episode of the Six Figure Author Experiment, Russell and Lee discuss navigating significant financial and business changes, the reality behind income and profit, and the crucial systems authors need to succeed long-term. Russell shares the ups and downs of his recent financial rollercoaster, the closure of Writer MBA, and how unexpected challenges ultimately led to growth and newfound financial stability. Lee highlights the importance of building sustainable systems, prioritizing ...
Jul 14, 2025•49 min
In this emotionally insightful episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment , Russell returns from a whirlwind European tour through Prague, Vienna, and Bratislava with a personal story that carries a deeper lesson. He shares a moment of panic when he thought he lost his expensive SLR camera and how, instead of spiraling into stress and ruining the trip, he chose peace. This unexpected act of mindfulness—of staying present despite looming loss—sparks a conversation about growth, mindset, and how ...
Jul 07, 2025•28 min
In this deep and emotionally resonant episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment , Russell and Lee go beyond marketing strategies to talk about what really holds authors back: fear of being seen, fear of momentum, and the resistance that shows up when we’re close to success. Lee opens up about launch avoidance, the anxiety of visibility, and the physical effects of pushing through emotional blocks. Together, they explore the tension between doing the “right things” and sabotaging yourself at th...
Jun 09, 2025•58 min
n this episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment, we sit down with Erin Wright—bestselling romance author and founder of Wide for the Win —to unpack the real differences between wide publishing and Kindle Unlimited. Erin joins co-hosts Russell and Lee to explore how author archetypes, release strategies, international markets, and even dopamine hits from Amazon rank can affect your success depending on the path you choose. We dig into the psychology, practicality, and sustainability of both pu...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 14 min
In this episode, Jennifer Hilt, author of The Trope Thesaurus series, joins Lee and Russell to break down the true power of tropes in fiction writing—not as clichés, but as emotional shorthand and marketing gold. Together, they explore how tropes function in storytelling, why they’re the secret weapon of bestselling authors, and how to twist them in ways that honor your voice and resonate with readers. Whether you’re writing epic fantasy, spicy romance, domestic thrillers, or cozy mysteries, thi...
May 12, 2025•1 hr
In this episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment , we sit down with Oriana Leckert, Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, to dive deep into how authors are leveraging Kickstarter to hit six-figure goals, build powerful communities, and take full control of their careers. Oriana shares insider stats, success strategies, and powerful examples of how direct-to-reader models are reshaping the publishing world. We explore why crowdfunding is more than just funding—it’s about creating unforgettable ex...
May 05, 2025•49 min
In this high-impact episode, former Amazon insider Janet Margot drops truth bombs about what really moves the needle on Amazon—and it’s not just tweaking your ad bids. After a decade helping build the Amazon ads platform specifically for books, Janet has seen the game from the inside. Now she’s out in the wild, coaching authors to not just run ads, but to think strategically about their entire Amazon ecosystem. 💡 What You’ll Learn: * Why most ad problems aren’t ad problems —they’re product prob...
Apr 27, 2025•55 min
Episode Summary: Live from New Orleans – Six Figure Author Experiment In this episode, recorded live at a conference in New Orleans, hosts Monica Leonelle, Lee Savino, and Russell Nohelty reflect on a uniquely energizing experience. Unlike typical conferences that leave attendees drained, this event fostered connection, collaboration, and genuine breakthroughs. Key Takeaways 1. Surprisingly Energizing Experience • Despite two full days of activities, the hosts felt energized instead of exhausted...
Mar 31, 2025•41 min
This episode features a presentation Russell gave in Lee’s Facebook group tht breaks down a crucial lesson for authors: success isn’t about picking the “best” platform, whether it’s Kickstarter, Substack, or direct sales, but about how they work together to amplify each other. The focus isn’t on chasing the next big thing or worrying about industry collapse. It’s about simplifying, optimizing, and integrating existing strategies to create a sustainable sales ecosystem . Key takeaways include: * ...
Feb 10, 2025•36 min
Summary: In this episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment , hosts Monica and Russell welcome co-host Lee Savino and guest Ines Johnson, a prolific romance author and Kickstarter powerhouse. Ines dives deep into the art of crafting page-turner pacing, drawing from her background in screenwriting and television. She shares insights into the structural techniques that keep readers hooked, such as adapting episodic storytelling methods to novels and mastering subplot integration. Key highlights i...
Jan 20, 2025•51 min
In this episode, we dive into the messy, exciting world of building a six-figure author career. Joined by the incredible Katie Cross, we explore how she’s turned direct sales into a thriving business for her fantasy novels and why connection with readers matters more than following every trend. We talk about the "need" trap and how authors pile unnecessary pressure on themselves by chasing shiny objects like Shopify stores or TikTok shops. Instead, the real magic happens when you focus on what l...
Dec 30, 2024•54 min
In this lively episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment , hosts Russell and Lee dive into the intricacies of success, mindset, and manifestation alongside guest Renee Rose. Together, they explore the philosophies and practices that have propelled them to creative and financial milestones. Key Highlights * The Power of Manifestation and Mindset: * Renee and Lee emphasize aligning your intentions with an open mindset to receive opportunities. Renee shares her journey of clearing mental blocks, ...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 6 min
In this episode, Heather Hildenbrand joins the Six Figure Author Experiment to share her journey as an author, coach, and advocate for embracing success. Together, we explore the intersection of mindset, nervous system regulation, and actionable strategies for authors aiming to achieve their next $100,000 milestone. Highlights : * Manifestation 101 :Heather discusses the importance of accepting abundance, training your subconscious for success, and why saying “yes” to money signals the universe ...
Dec 16, 2024•48 min
In this episode, guest Willow Winters dives deep into the challenges and strategies of independent publishing, offering valuable insights for writers looking to grow their careers. She shares her journey with Kickstarter, self-publishing, and creative marketing, providing actionable advice for authors seeking long-term success. * Stay Persistent and Take Risks : Willow’s early Kickstarter campaigns barely met their goals, but persistence led to six-figure successes. Writers should embrace the id...
Oct 28, 2024•55 min
In this episode, the speakers dive into the realities of building a sustainable career as an author, touching on marketing, conference experiences, and different strategies for long-term success in the writing world. Key Takeaways: * Conference Networking Over Information : Traditional writing conferences are often information-heavy, but true value often comes from networking. Focus on connecting with peers and industry experts who can share real-world applications and strategies. Don't be afrai...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Launching a book as an indie author often feels like a make-or-break moment, but there are different approaches depending on your goals, bandwidth, and long-term strategy. Some writers follow an aggressive, high-frequency launch schedule, while others treat their book launches as supplementary to their overall income. The key is finding a method that aligns with your energy and business model. * Adjust Your Launch Expectations: Not every book launch has to be a major event. If your primary incom...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 6 min
This episode of The Six-Figure Author Experiment features Lee and Russell discussing the power of building leverage, the long-term strategies behind creating profitable book series, and overcoming the pressures of success. They emphasize the importance of loving the writing process and staying consistent, while also balancing creative freedom with business goals. Here are the key takeaways: * Build Leverage Over Time : Success often comes after years of building a strong catalog. Russell discuss...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 1 min
In this episode of The Six-Figure Author Experiment , Lee and Russell share their insights on the realities of being an author, discussing everything from book launches to the challenges of sustaining a long-term career. Their candid conversation provides actionable advice for writers navigating both the creative and business sides of publishing. Here are five key takeaways: * Prioritize Collaboration Over Immediate Sales : While events like Comic-Con can feel exhausting, Lee emphasizes the real...
Sep 30, 2024•51 min
This episode of the Six Figure Author Experiment podcast focuses on post-launch strategies and marketing techniques for indie authors, featuring a detailed discussion with guest Mike from Written Word Media. The conversation explores the effectiveness of various advertising strategies, including the use of Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon ads, with an emphasis on the importance of testing different ad creatives and understanding the nuances of different platforms. Key Discussion Points: * Post-La...
Sep 23, 2024•35 min
This episode dives deep into strategies for authors to make their books more marketable while staying true to their creative vision. The hosts, including Russell, Lee, and Monica Leonelle, discuss the "bullseye method," a strategy where authors start with core, often niche, ideas that are closest to their hearts but might not be widely marketable. Over time, these ideas are gradually expanded to appeal to a broader audience, aligning more with market trends without losing the essence of the orig...
Sep 16, 2024•34 min
Overview The conversation is hosted by Russell and Lee, with guest Nick Erickson, an expert in running ads for authors. The main focus is on understanding and implementing effective ad strategies to boost book sales, particularly through platforms like Facebook, Amazon, and BookBub. Key Discussion Points * Challenges of Advertising for Authors: * Many authors are reluctant to engage with advertising due to the complexity of ad platforms and the mindset that writing should be their primary focus....
Sep 09, 2024•56 min
This episode is the continuation of the live stream event discussing the launch of The Godsverse Chronicles . In this session, the focus shifts to more detailed strategies around multi-format book releases, direct sales, and the importance of building a supportive team. The discussion also includes practical advice on balancing personal life with professional responsibilities. Key Points: * Multi-Format Launch and Its Impact : * The conversation opens with a discussion on the benefits of launchi...
Sep 02, 2024•49 min
This episode is the first part of a live podcast focused on the launch of The Godsverse Chronicles series. It covers the journey of relaunching the series, marketing strategies, and lessons learned from the experience. Key Points: * The Journey of The Godsverse Chronicles : * The series has been in development since 2017, evolving through multiple launches and rebrands. * The podcast discusses the challenges faced in the initial launch, including low sales and poor market reception, which led to...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Introduction and Guest Overview: * The episode features Malorie Cooper, a well-known figure in the publishing community, who has written over 100 books and is an expert in Facebook ads for authors. * Malorie discusses how Facebook ads significantly boosted her book sales, taking her from selling 300 books a year to 300 books every two or three days. Key Discussion Points: * Facebook Ads for Authors : * Facebook ads were crucial in scaling book sales for Malorie and her business, "The Writing Wiv...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr
Welcome to the Six Figure Author Experiment Podcast. Hosts Russell Nohelty and Lee Savino dive into a colorful mix of personal anecdotes, book marketing strategies, and insights on making book launches successful. This episode is packed with practical advice and lively discussions. Key Highlights: * The Art of Personal Style : * Russell kicked off the episode by showcasing his new Keith Haring jacket and Russell from "Up" hat, sharing a fun story about his Disneyland trip and how he ended up buy...
Aug 12, 2024•1 hr 8 min
Hosts Russell Nohelty and Lee Savino delve into the highs and lows of book marketing, offering practical advice and personal insights into what makes a successful book launch. This episode focuses on strategies to make necessary marketing tasks more enjoyable and effective. Key Highlights: * Balancing Fun and Function : * The episode opened with a discussion on finding the balance between enjoyable activities and essential tasks in the author business. Russell and Lee emphasized that while not e...
Aug 05, 2024•38 min
Hosts Russell Nohelty and Lee Savino return with a fresh episode of the Six Figure Author Experiment podcast, focusing on the importance of audience building, consistent marketing strategies, and the challenges authors face in breaking through financial barriers. Key Highlights: * The Power of a Growing Audience : * Russell and Lee discussed how building a substantial audience over time can significantly ease the process of book launches and sales. Lee highlighted her journey from struggling to ...
Jul 29, 2024•48 min
Lee and Russell are joined by Steve Pieper who teaches click-test advertising and direct sales strategy to authors. Opening credits and editing by the amazing Jim Wilbourne. Hosts Russell Nohelty and Lee Savino kicked off the latest episode of their Six Figure Author Experiment podcast with special guest Steve Pieper, a.k.a. Lars Emmerich, discussing the ins and outs of click testing and direct sales for authors. Key Highlights: * Introduction to Steve Pieper : * Steve Pieper, writing thrillers ...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 15 min
Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Six Figure Author Experiment, where we guide you through breaking your first or next $100,000 goal. This week’s episode dives deep into the unpredictable world of hiring and firing in the creative industry. Another “Mess-ipode.” Lee and Russell discuss leveling up in your author business by failing bigger and failing forward. Opening credits and editing by the amazing Jim Wilbourne. Do you like this free form (Squirrel!) conversation or do you pref...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr 13 min
This week Russell and Lee talk about everything. We’re calling this style podcast a “Mess-ipode.” Do you like this free form (Squirrel!) conversation or do you prefer a more structured episode? Or do you not notice a difference? :P Opening credits and editing by the amazing Jim Wilbourne. * Lazy launches or Do as Lee says, not as she does * “Life is so lifey” * How do you level up as a creator? * Delegating and firing or how Russell blew $30,000 on marketing but learned a lot * Lee’s conference ...
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr
