DNQ Ep. 15: Calvin Witcher on Launching Print and Digital Books

For the 15th episode of the DNQ Interview Series, I’d like to welcome Calvin Witcher! I met Calvin Witcher through a Facebook group around the time he was launching one of his books. Curious about his spirituality and personal development coaching business, I reached out asking if I could learn more about how he secured clients and what his book launch process looked like.

Sharon: Tell us about yourself!

Calvin: Simply put. I AM. More specifically, I’m a spiritual educator and development coach that works with existing and emergent conscious leaders to experience a more empowered life and business. My practice integrates accessible approaches and advanced strategies in philosophy, sociology, and psychology.

Sharon: How long have you been in the coaching business? How did you figure out you have a knack for what you do?

Calvin: I’ve been in the spiritual education and empowerment coaching industry for over twenty years. I’ve always known that I was called into the work of spiritual and personal development. Always. Now, I’ve “gotten off the path” over the years, like many people have. I think those moments have also been revealing times because they helped better clarify my love for the industry that I serve in now.

Sharon: How did you find your first clients? When did you start launching other products like books and courses?

Calvin: My clients have always come through those familiar with my work or through referrals. I prefer it that way because I believe coaching and mentoring is an intimate process that works best through personal connection. I wrote my first book in 2015 and since then have been writing other books and developing other programs to help people live their best life.

Sharon: I want to dive more into your book launches. How many books do you currently have published?

Calvin: Awesome, let’s talk books! I currently have four books that are a mix of printed and digital books. Three of these books are written by me and the other is a co-authored book.

Sharon: How long did it take you to write your books and how many pages do they average?

Calvin: Books are like people in that each is unique and develops at its on pace. Some of my books have taken weeks to write, others months and my first book took over a year to write. I’d like to think that as time goes on, I’m becoming more proficient in writing. My printed books range from 200-300+ pages.

Sharon: That’s awesome! Did you get your book cover designed for you, and if so, where?

Calvin: I actually designed all my book covers. It’s a little extra time and I don’t necessarily recommend it for new authors or someone that doesn’t have the graphic experience. I also love graphic and web design, so it was fun for me. Now, of course, I also ran it by several professional designers and got feedback from my audience because I always want to put out a quality product. For new authors, I usually recommend a service like Fiverr or 99Designs. Both platforms have their benefits.

Sharon: Which book is doing the best?

Calvin: As I mentioned, I have four books in total (at the time of writing this). I have three books I have exclusively written and one that I co-authored. Regarding, which one is doing the best…that’s not a simple answer as I have different strategies for every book. The co-authored book has the power of other authors helping to make it successful. Some books do better with my in-person speaking events and workshops and others do well exclusively online. Another thing to consider is that once someone has my book, it often leads them to my other products and services so the value is ever increasing.

Sharon: I noticed you have books offered on your website. Are they offered on Amazon as well?

Calvin: My books are available on my direct website and social media platforms. They are also available on Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Google Books, Indie Bound, Books-A-Million, Kobo, and where books are sold. I sell the most books on the Amazon platform and next from my website. Generally, if someone wants a signed copy of my book they need to purchase through my website or receive it at an event.

Sharon: I remember you created a landing page for your book. What did you use to create that, and did it receive many email subscribers?

Calvin: I currently use WordPress, LeadPages, and ClickFunnels for all of my landing pages. I did receive a good amount of subscribers but that’s due to the effort we put towards the marketing. One thing for others to know is that the whole, “if you build it, they will come” philosophy doesn’t necessarily work in business or marketing. People come when you compel them to come and when you have something they want.

Sharon: What are some marketing strategies you had implemented after you had launched your books?

Calvin: As far as marketing goes, I’ve done email marketing, partnerships with agencies, colleges and other individuals with congruent platforms, and I’ve also done buy-one-get-one, and free plus shipping strategies. I’ve also grouped my book with other products and events as a way of increasing sales.

Sharon: I am interested in launching a book in the future. What tips do you have for newbies?

Calvin: The first tip is to consciously and critically think about WHY you want to write a book. I believe knowing this aspiration is important prior to taking action. Knowing your ‘why’ helps to focus all of your efforts with your book and also your strategy.

Sharon: Do you have any last words?

Calvin: Thank you for learning more about me through this medium and I trust it has been insightful for you. I sincerely appreciate and honor your time. I’d love to connect with you, learn more about you and how I may support you on your journey.

I’d like for you to meditate on the reality that what you want is within your reach. You deserve it and are able to have it all. You only need to be guided along the path. I’m here to help, so let’s do it!

You may contact me at CalvinWitcher.com. Thanks again for your time.