This article was taken from the June 2015 issue of WIRED magazine. Be the first to read WIRED's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
1. Pick a genre
Software such as KindleSpy can help you spot underserved sub-genres. "Look for those that are searched often but return few results," says Dawson.
2. Beta test
Dawson gives early access to 500 readers who provide feedback and a fact-check. Their early reviews are vital, too: "My last book had 150 reviews within a day of coming out," he says.
3. Iterate
The beauty of Kindle writing is you can tweak to optimise sales. "You can change the cover and the blurb," says Dawson. "You can even change the title."
4. Keep in touch
Dawson has a 10,000-strong mailing list: "Because each book has its own call to action, I know where they've signed up from." He can then target his emails.
5. Wag the long tail
Target the millions of readers signed up to discount mailing lists such as BookBub. The sales boost will kick-start your best-seller ranking, making you more visible.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
