Thread by @NickDiFabio1

I just created an entire course on how I started an Amazon self-publishing business from 0 & grew it to $1,000,000 in royalties.

But screw it…

I decided to turn it into a thread.

Here's the full playbook I used: 🧵

Step 1: Find profitable niches (not passionate ones).

Most people pick topics they love.

Big mistake.

I use a simple criteria:

• High search volume on Amazon
• Books selling well but with poor reviews
• Room for improvement in covers/content
• Can be turned into a series

BookBeam makes this research take 5 minutes instead of hours.

Step 2: Create titles that sell themselves.

Your title is your storefront.

Formula I use: Main keyword + benefit-driven subtitle

Example: "Keto Diet" + "The Complete Guide to Losing Weight Fast Without Counting Calories"

The main keyword gets you found.

The subtitle gets you bought.

Step 3: Never write the book yourself.

Unless you're a subject matter expert, outsource it.

I use proven ghostwriting services with hundreds of writers.

Cost: $600-$1,200 for high-quality content.

ROI: Every book I've published has been profitable.

Some took 1 month, others took longer, but I've never lost money.

Step 4: Covers that stop the scroll.

Your cover needs to work as a thumbnail.

Most people can't even read titles when browsing on mobile.

I hire designers who understand Amazon's algorithm and what catches the eye in search results.

A great cover can double your sales overnight.

Step 5: Launch with intent, not hope.

My 80/20 launch strategy:

• Get 10-15 reviews in the first 30 days
• Run targeted Amazon ads

That's it.

No massive social media campaigns needed. No podcast tours required. No huge email list necessary.

Amazon's algorithm rewards relevancy + ads.

Step 6: Think in formats, not just books.

One idea becomes 5 income streams:

• Kindle ebook
• Paperback
• Hardcover
• Audiobook
• Translations (Germany, France, Spain)

I've had books that barely sold in English become bestsellers in German.

Step 7: Build a catalog, not single hits.

Random books in random niches = scattered income.

Strategic publishing in related niches = compounding income.

When someone buys one of your books and loves it, they'll buy your other books too.

That's how you build a real business.

Step 8: Automate everything you can.

My daily routine:

• Check dashboards (10 minutes)
• Reply to ghostwriters/designers (20 minutes)
• Plan next projects (30 minutes)
• Monitor ad performance (10 minutes)

Total: 70 minutes of work for a six-figure business.

The rest of my day? Family time.

Step 9: Position for an exit (even if you never sell).

I sold one pen name for $71,000.

Why? Because I built it like a real business:

• Consistent monthly revenue ($2,000+)
• Clear systems and processes
• Multiple books in the same niche
• Proven track record over 12+ months

Build to sell, even if you never do.

The biggest realization?

This isn't about being a great writer.

It's about being a great publisher.

Market research. Quality control. Systems thinking.

Anyone can learn these skills.

I had 30 jobs before 30 and was working night shifts when I started.

If you want the complete blueprint I use to build publishing businesses that generate $3,000-$10,000+ per month...

Follow me @NickDiFabio1 for everything I've learned in 8 years of publishing.