n this episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment, we sit down with Erin Wright—bestselling romance author and founder of Wide for the Win—to unpack the real differences between wide publishing and Kindle Unlimited. Erin joins co-hosts Russell and Lee to explore how author archetypes, release strategies, international markets, and even dopamine hits from Amazon rank can affect your success depending on the path you choose.
We dig into the psychology, practicality, and sustainability of both publishing approaches—from mental health and burnout to long-tail income and international reach. This isn’t about one path being better—it’s about helping you choose what actually works for your books, your audience, and your life. Whether you’re in KU, thinking about going wide, or just trying to future-proof your author business, this conversation is full of insight, humor, and real-world experience.
Topics Covered:
Erin Wright’s journey from librarian to bestselling wide author
Founding Wide for the Win and growing to over 18,000 members
How KU limits access to libraries and international markets
Author archetypes: Forest, Grassland, Aquatic, and Phoenix
The psychological toll of KU’s treadmill and algorithm dependence
Why KU can be detrimental—not just neutral—for some authors
How wide platforms reward longevity vs. KU’s focus on newness
Preorder mechanics: Apple and Kobo vs. Amazon
Bank over rank: why chasing rank won’t pay your mortgage
Wide publishing as “choose your own adventure”
Transitioning to wide with foreign translations
Real examples of burnout, bounce-backs, and big wins
Hiring help for wide distribution (and knowing when to do it)
Tips for sustainable author careers in an unpredictable market
Links:
Six Figure series case study: https://millionaire-author-coaching.teachable.com/l/pdp/six-figure-series-case-study
Book marketing bootcamp:
https://millionaire-author-coaching.teachable.com/p/bookmarketingbootcamp
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