From Stay-at-Home Mom to Self-Publishing Success: How I Make $7,000 a Month Empowering Aspiring Authors
By Ren Lowe
In the annals of self-publishing success stories, the journey of Ren Lowe stands out as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams. Once a stay-at-home mom with a burning desire to become a children’s book author, Ren has transformed her passion into a thriving self-publishing empire, Brown Unicorn Publishing, and now earns a remarkable $7,000 a month empowering aspiring authors to bring their stories to life.
The Genesis: “My Magical Brown Unicorn” Series
The spark that ignited Ren’s entrepreneurial journey was the birth of her daughter, Kameryn, in 2021. During her maternity leave, Ren found herself yearning for a creative outlet and decided to co-author seven children’s books with Kameryn. These books, collectively known as the “My Magical Brown Unicorn” series, became the cornerstone of her self-publishing venture.
The “My Magical Brown Unicorn” series quickly gained traction, generating a steady passive income stream from various platforms, including Amazon, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, online bookstores, schools, and museums. This early success fueled Ren’s ambition to expand her publishing horizons and empower other aspiring authors to achieve their literary dreams.
Expanding Horizons with Brown Unicorn Publishing
In October 2021, Ren took the bold step of establishing Brown Unicorn Publishing, a company dedicated to providing comprehensive “done for you” publishing services. Aspiring authors could now turn to Brown Unicorn Publishing to transform their book ideas into polished, ready-to-publish manuscripts.
Ren’s publishing services encompass a wide range of tasks, from editing and illustrating to typesetting and formatting. Authors can choose from a variety of packages, priced between $3,000 and $4,500, tailored to their specific needs and budget. This personalized approach has resonated with authors seeking a seamless and hassle-free publishing experience.
Harnessing the Power of Social Media
In today’s digital age, social media has become an indispensable tool for authors to connect with their audience and promote their work. Ren has embraced this reality, leveraging platforms like TikTok and Instagram to organically market her books and services.
Ren’s social media presence is characterized by engaging content, valuable insights, and a genuine connection with her followers. She shares her publishing journey, offers writing tips, and provides behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of self-publishing. This authentic approach has garnered Ren a loyal following of aspiring authors eager to learn from her expertise and achieve their own publishing dreams.
Creating Signature Coaching Programs
Recognizing the need for comprehensive guidance and support among aspiring authors, Ren launched her signature self-publishing group-coaching course and one-on-one coaching services in October 2021. These programs provide a structured roadmap for authors to navigate the complexities of self-publishing, empowering them to independently publish their books.
Ren’s coaching services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each author. She offers personalized guidance on everything from crafting a compelling story to selecting the right publishing platform. Her one-on-one coaching services range from $1,000 to $1,600, while book publishing services start at $1,500 and ghostwriting services begin at $1,600.
Achieving Financial Success
Since expanding her services, Ren’s monthly income has skyrocketed. From November 2021 to August 2023, she earned over $30,000 solely from publishing services. Combining her book sales and coaching revenue, Ren now consistently earns around $7,000 per month, a testament to her dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to her craft.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Flexibility
Ren’s journey to self-publishing success was not without its challenges. She emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong “why” to stay motivated during the inevitable setbacks and rejections that aspiring authors face.
Ren also highlights the significance of outsourcing tasks to skilled professionals, such as editors, illustrators, and book cover designers. This allows authors to focus on their core strengths and ensure high-quality book production.
Furthermore, Ren stresses the need for flexibility in setting book deadlines, acknowledging that unexpected events can disrupt the publishing process. She encourages aspiring authors to be adaptable and patient, understanding that the journey to publication may have unforeseen twists and turns.
The Significance of Cover Art and Platform Selection
In the competitive world of self-publishing, Ren emphasizes the importance of creating a compelling book cover that aligns with the genre and appeals to potential readers. She recommends researching similar books and comparing cover features to design an effective and visually appealing cover.
When it comes to selecting a publishing platform, Ren suggests utilizing print-on-demand platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, BookBaby, Lulu, and Barnes & Noble Press. These platforms allow authors to sell their books without worrying about inventory management or distribution.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Empowerment
Ren Lowe’s journey from stay-at-home mom to self-publishing success is an inspiration to aspiring authors everywhere. Her dedication to empowering others, her commitment to providing high-quality publishing services, and her unwavering belief in the power of storytelling have enabled her to not only achieve financial success but also make a meaningful impact on the lives of others who share her passion for writing.
As Ren continues to expand her publishing empire, she remains grounded in her mission to help aspiring authors bring their stories to life. Her legacy will undoubtedly be one of empowerment, innovation, and a profound love for the written word.
Ready to embark on your own self-publishing journey? Connect with Ren Lowe and Brown Unicorn Publishing today to turn your writing dreams into a reality.
