J.C. Janson

Category: Self-Publishing

  • Ready to Start Selling Your Ebooks?

    I stare at the dashboard. The progress bar for my ebook slides right. It’s quiet. The smell of cold coffee sits on my desk. Just the click of my mouse. Payhip is simple. On the free plan, they take a 5% cut. There are no monthly fees. If I sell a $15 ebook, I keep $14.25. Stripe and PayPal take their standard processing fees separately. When monthly sales pass $967, the Plus plan is better. It costs $29 monthly and drops the platform fee to 2%. The Pro plan is $99 a month with a 0% fee.

    My storefront looks like a custom site. I changed the headers and chose a sharp font. It reflects my brand. I sell ebooks, physical goods, and coaching sessions. The platform takes the same percentage cut regardless of what I sell. I can host video courses for an extra $9 a month. The platform manages EU VAT taxes automatically. This means I don’t have to study international tax law. I just upload my file and wait for the notification ping. It’s a small rush every time it happens. I think I’m addicted to that sound.

    I use the free version of Payhip because it fits my workflow without adding a monthly bill to my plate. They take a simple 5% cut of each sale, and that is the only platform fee I deal with. If I don’t sell an ebook one day, I don’t owe them a cent. It feels fair. I sell my books and coaching sessions there, but you can also list physical items or memberships. The storefront functions like a custom website where I chose my own fonts and layout to match my brand. It even handles the complicated EU VAT taxes automatically. I spent way too much time picking the exact shade for my buttons, but it was worth it. I love the sharp ping my phone makes when a sale goes through. It is a small rush that never gets old. You can start your own store and get your work out there using this link:

    Click Here!

    Seeing that first order pop up is a memory you will definitely want to keep.

  • Ready to Start Selling Your Ebooks?

    Ready to get your work out there? It’s time to stop overthinking and start selling. Payhip is the easiest way to get your ebooks into readers’ hands without the headache of massive platforms.

    Most sites take a giant bite out of your royalties, but Payhip keeps it simple. You upload your file—PDF, EPUB, whatever you’ve got—and you keep 95% of your sales on their free plan. There is no waiting for weeks for a “gatekeeper” to tell you your book is worthy. You decide when it is ready.

    I remember staring at my screen for hours, terrified to hit publish. My palms were sweaty and the room felt way too quiet. But once I did it, the world didn’t end. Instead, I finally had a link I could share with people. That rush of seeing your first sale notification is better than any caffeine kick.

    The setup takes minutes. You customize your store, link your PayPal or Stripe, and you are officially a professional author. No more “someday” talk.

    Go to Payhip today and create your account. Your stories don’t do anyone any good sitting in a hidden folder on your desktop. Get them out there and start building your own empire.

    GET PAYHIP NOW!
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  • The Ledger is OPEN!

    I decided I couldn’t wait. The stones in my chest were getting too heavy to carry for even one more day, so I’m opening the books early. The Scapegoat’s Ledger is officially available as an ebook starting right now. I spent years in a house that smelled like lemons and sharp bleach, waking up at 5 a.m. to a screaming alarm that felt like a threat. I sat in the nosebleed seats of my own life while everyone else took the floor. But today, the silence is over. I am putting the truth in your hands because I know what it’s like to feel invisible in your own home.

    If you have ever felt like the air turns to ice when you walk into a room, this is for you. I know it isn’t your fault. This book is a record of a debt I never owed and a childhood that was treated like a business transaction. I am releasing it today because the truth doesn’t like to wait for a calendar to catch up. You can download the ebook today and start reading the story that was never supposed to be told. And for those who prefer to shop on Amazon, the paperback will be live there on April 8th. 

    I feel a bit shaky as I hit the post button. It’s the same feeling I had when I stood on the driveway and realized I didn’t have to go back inside. My heart is pounding against my ribs like a trapped bird, but for the first time, the cage door is wide open. I’m looking at the screen of my computer and seeing my name on something that can’t be taken away or scrubbed clean.

    So, go get it. Stop carrying the shame that someone else poured into you. My mother is cheering from the rafters and my son is playing in the yard, and I am finally, finally done with the shadows. I think I might go sit on the porch and just watch the cars go by without checking the clock once. It’s a strange kind of freedom to realize the warden doesn’t have the keys anymore.

    Available Now: The Scapegoat’s Ledger (Ebook)

    DOWNLOAD NOW!

    Paperback Coming to Amazon: April 8th, 2026

    “Unintelligent people always look for a scapegoat.”

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  • Dark History They Left Out of Textbooks

    YOUTUBE

    History isn’t always erased — sometimes it’s quietly edited.

    In this video, we explore powerful examples of overlooked or suppressed history, from the Tulsa Race Massacre to Cold War experiments and the systems that shape collective memory.

    Why do some events become headlines while others fade into silence?
    How do institutions, media cycles, education systems, and political priorities influence what we remember — and what we forget?

    This video breaks down the hidden mechanisms behind historical narratives and challenges viewers to think critically about the past we’re taught.

    If you’re interested in untold history, historical truth, and deeper conversations about how history is shaped — this video is for you.

    📚 Subscribe for more history content they didn’t teach you.
    💬 Comment your thoughts — what historical event do you think deserves more attention?

    Leave a comment

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  • A Day in the Life of an Indie Author (It’s Not as Glamorous as You Think)

    If you’ve ever imagined an indie author’s life as sitting in a sunlit café with a perfectly aesthetic latte, typing out bestselling novels while soft piano music plays in the background…

    I hate to be the one to break it to you.

    It’s not quite like that.

    Okay — sometimes there is coffee.
    But it’s usually reheated.

    Being an indie author means wearing about fourteen different hats in a single day. One minute you’re deep in an emotional scene, crying over fictional characters like they’re real people. The next minute you’re trying to figure out why your website layout suddenly looks like it was designed by a raccoon.

    There are days when the words flow effortlessly and you feel unstoppable — like maybe this is finally the book that changes everything. And then there are days when you stare at the same sentence for two hours and somehow make it worse.

    You celebrate small victories that most people wouldn’t understand.

    A new subscriber.
    A kind comment.
    One unexpected book sale.
    A review that makes you sit there smiling at your screen like an absolute weirdo.

    But here’s the truth no one really talks about:

    Being an indie author isn’t just about writing.
    It’s about believing in something you created when no one else can see the vision yet.

    It’s late nights.
    Learning marketing.
    Rewriting chapters.
    Posting content.
    Doubting yourself.
    Trying again anyway.

    And somehow… still loving it.

    Because every story written is a small act of courage.

    So if you’re a writer too — or dreaming of becoming one — just know you’re not alone in the messy, beautiful chaos of it all.

    What does your creative routine look like? Are you a morning writer or a midnight chaos goblin like me?

    Jenn
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  • How I Wrote My First Book in 45 Days

    When people ask me how long it took to write my first book, the honest answer is… a lot longer than 45 days.

    For a long time, I was stuck in the thinking about writing a book phase.

    You know the phase.


    The one where you:

    • Come up with ideas
    • Open a document
    • Write a paragraph
    • Reread it 12 times
    • Decide it’s terrible
    • Close the document
    • Repeat the cycle a week later

    I spent months in that loop.

    Not because I didn’t have ideas. Actually, it was the opposite… I had too many ideas and overthought everything. I wanted the book to be perfect before it even existed.

    Eventually, I realized something important:

    A book can’t improve if it doesn’t exist yet.

    So I stopped overthinking and finally committed to just writing. And once I actually started…
    I finished the entire book in about 45 days.

    The Moment Things Finally Clicked

    The biggest shift wasn’t a magical productivity trick.

    It was simply deciding that the first version didn’t have to be perfect.

    I stopped editing every sentence while writing it.
    I stopped worrying about whether people would like it.
    I stopped trying to sound like a “real author.”

    Instead, I focused on getting the ideas out of my head and onto the page.

    Once that happened, the writing started flowing much faster than I expected.

    The Truth About Writing a Book

    Writing a book isn’t necessarily about talent.

    It’s mostly about discipline and consistency.

    There were days I didn’t feel inspired.
    Days I didn’t feel like writing at all.

    But I kept showing up anyway.

    Some days I wrote a lot.
    Some days I wrote very little.

    But progress is progress.

    And the amazing thing about writing a book is this:

    Once it’s finished… it’s finished.

    You now have something that didn’t exist before. Something you created from nothing.

    That feeling alone makes the work worth it.

    Tips That Helped Me Finish My Book

    1. Stop editing while you write

    Editing while writing is one of the fastest ways to get stuck.

    Your first draft is supposed to be messy.
    Let it be messy.

    You can always improve it later.

    2. Write even when you don’t feel like it

    Motivation is unreliable.

    If you only write when you feel inspired, your book will take forever.

    Instead, treat writing like an appointment with yourself.

    Show up. Even if it’s just for 20 minutes.

    3. Don’t try to write the whole book at once

    Thinking about writing an entire book can feel overwhelming.

    Instead, focus on one section at a time.

    One page turns into ten pages.
    Ten pages turn into chapters.
    Chapters turn into a finished book.

    4. Accept that the first version won’t be perfect

    No one writes a perfect first draft.

    Not beginners.
    Not experienced authors.
    Not bestselling writers.

    The goal of the first draft is simply to exist.

    You can always make it better later.

    The Biggest Lesson I Learned

    The hardest part of writing a book isn’t the writing itself.

    It’s getting out of your own way.

    Overthinking, perfectionism, and self-doubt can keep people stuck for years.

    But once you finally start and commit to finishing, the process becomes much more manageable.

    And before you know it, you’ll look up and realize something pretty incredible:

    You wrote a book.

    If you’ve been thinking about writing a book, consider this your sign to start.

    You don’t have to be perfect.
    You just have to begin.

    FREE GUIDE

  • 8 Mistakes First-Time Authors Make (And How to Avoid Them)

    Writing your first book is exciting… but it can also feel overwhelming. Many new authors start their journey with passion and big ideas, only to get stuck along the way. If you’re thinking about writing your first book, here are 8 common mistakes first-time authors make and how you can avoid them.

    1. Waiting for the perfect idea

    Many people spend months (or years) trying to come up with the perfect book idea before they even start writing. The truth is, your first book doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be written. Start with an idea you’re interested in and allow it to evolve as you write.

    2. Overthinking everything

    New writers often get stuck trying to make every sentence perfect. This slows down the writing process and makes finishing a book harder. Your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to exist. Focus on getting the words on the page first.

    3. Editing while you write

    Editing while writing is one of the fastest ways to lose momentum. Instead of moving forward, you keep going back and fixing earlier sections. A better approach is to write the entire draft first, then edit once the book is finished.

    4. Trying to write too much

    Some new authors try to write a massive 300-page book for their first project. That’s a lot of pressure. Many successful self-published authors start with shorter books or focused guides. Finishing a smaller book builds confidence and experience.

    The truth is, most beginner writers make the same mistakes… and the good news is that they’re completely avoidable.

    5. Not creating an outline

    Jumping into a book without a plan can quickly lead to writers block. Even a simple outline can make writing much easier.

    For Example: Introduction, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Conclusion

    A basic structure keeps you moving forward.

    6. Comparing yourself to other authors

    It’s easy to look at successful authors and feel like you’re not good enough. But every author started somewhere. Your first book is part of your learning process.

    7. Waiting for motivation

    Motivation comes and goes. Successful writers build simple habits instead of relying on motivation. Writing even 300-500 words a day can lead to a finished book faster than you think.

    8. Thinking you need to be an expert

    Many people believe they need to know everything about a topic before writing a book. But readers often appreciate books written by people who are learning, exploring, and sharing their experiences. Your perspective matters.

    Writing your first book can feel intimidating, but it’s completely possible, even if you’ve never written one before.

    Every published author started with a blank page. The key is to start writing, keep going, and finish what you begin.

    Want To Write and Publish Your Own Book?

    My beginner self-publishing course walks you step-by-step through writing, formatting, and publishing your first book.

    DOWNLOAD

  • How to Write a Book for Beginners

    How to Write a Book for Beginners

    Writing a book might seem overwhelming at first, but the truth is that anyone can do it with the right approach. Every author starts with a simple idea and builds from there.

    If you’ve been thinking about writing a book, here are a few simple steps to help you get started.

    Start With a Clear Idea

    Every book begins with an idea. Think about what you want to write about and who your book is for. Your idea doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be something you’re excited to write about.

    Create a Basic Outline

    Before you start writing, it helps to create a simple outline. This gives your book structure and makes the writing process much easier.

    For example:

    • Introduction
    • Key ideas or chapters
    • Conclusion

    Your outline doesn’t have to be detailed—it just needs to guide you as you write.

    Focus on Finishing the First Draft

    One of the biggest mistakes new writers make is trying to make everything perfect the first time. Instead, focus on getting your ideas on the page.

    Many writers set small daily goals like writing 500 words per day. Over time, those small writing sessions turn into a finished book.

    Tools like Google Docs make it easy to organize chapters and keep your writing in one place.

    Publishing Your Book

    Once your manuscript is finished and edited, the next step is publishing. Many new authors choose to self-publish through Amazon using Kindle Direct Publishing.

    If you want to learn the exact steps to publish your book, my guide Self-Publish Your Book walks beginners through the entire process from writing to publishing.

    Check Out The Book Below

    BUY NOW

    Final Thoughts

    Writing a book may seem intimidating at first, but it becomes much easier once you break the process into simple steps.

    Start with an idea, create a basic outline, and focus on finishing your first draft. The most important step is simply starting.

  • The Truth About Writing Your First Book

    The Truth About Writing Your First Book

    Writing your first book sounds exciting… until you actually sit down to do it.

    Suddenly you’re staring at a blank page wondering:

    Where do I even start?
    What if no one likes it?
    What if I’m not a good enough writer?

    If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone.

    Almost every writer — even experienced ones — feels intimidated when starting a new book. The truth is, writing your first book isn’t about being perfect. It’s about starting before you feel ready.

    Why Writing a Book Feels So Intimidating

    Most people grow up thinking authors are somehow different from everyone else.

    We imagine writers as people with perfect grammar, incredible vocabulary, and unlimited creativity. But the reality is much simpler.

    Authors are just people who decided to sit down and write — even when they felt unsure.

    When I started writing my first book, I didn’t feel like an expert. I didn’t have everything figured out. I just had an idea and the determination to see it through.

    And that’s really where every book begins.

    Common Mistakes New Writers Make

    One of the biggest things that slows down new writers is the belief that their first draft has to be perfect.

    It doesn’t.

    In fact, the first draft of almost every book is messy.

    Here are some of the most common mistakes beginners make:

    Trying to edit while writing


    Constantly stopping to fix every sentence makes it hard to move forward.

    Overthinking the entire book before starting

    You don’t need every detail planned out. Many writers discover the story as they go.

    Waiting for motivation
    Motivation comes and goes. Discipline is what actually finishes a book.

    Comparing yourself to experienced authors
    Every published writer started exactly where you are right now.

    How I Wrote My First Book

    When I wrote my first book, I kept things simple.

    Instead of focusing on perfection, I focused on progress.

    I set small writing goals each day and committed to showing up, even when I didn’t feel inspired. Some days the writing flowed easily. Other days it felt like pulling teeth.

    But slowly, word by word, the book came together.

    That’s the secret most people don’t realize about writing a book:

    It isn’t written all at once.

    It’s written one page at a time.

    You Don’t Have to Be an Expert to Write a Book

    Many people believe they need special credentials, degrees, or years of experience before writing a book.

    But some of the most powerful books come from people who simply had a story, an idea, or a perspective they wanted to share.

    Writing a book is less about expertise and more about commitment.

    If you stay consistent and keep writing, the pages eventually turn into a manuscript.

    And that manuscript can become a published book.

    The Truth Most People Don’t Realize

    Finishing a book isn’t about talent.

    It’s about persistence.

    There will be days when writing feels easy and days when it feels impossible. But if you keep going, the progress adds up faster than you think.

    Before you know it, the blank page you started with turns into a finished book.

    Want to Write Your Own Book?

    If you’ve ever dreamed about writing a book but didn’t know where to start, I created a beginner-friendly course that walks you through the entire process.

    From organizing your ideas to publishing your finished book online, the course is designed to help new writers turn their ideas into a real, published book.

    —->Want to write your own book? Check out my beginner self-publishing course.<—-

    FREE GUIDE

  • History They Didn’t Teach You

    History They Didn’t Teach You

    Most of us grew up learning the same version of history.

    A few famous names. A few important dates. A handful of stories repeated year after year.

    But the truth is, history is much bigger than what ends up in textbooks. There are countless innovators, heroes, and world-changing moments that many of us were never taught about in school. Some stories were overlooked. Some were ignored.
    And some were simply lost over time.

    That realization is what inspired me to start writing.

    Learn more HERE <—-

    History They Didn't Teach You. Learn something new
    History They Didn’t Teach You by J.C. Janson