4 Top Outcome-Based Management Tips for Indie Authors
“Outcome-based management ensures that activities are directly linked to measurable results and that adjustments can be made to maximize success as conditions change.” USAID Learning Lab.
For many new indie authors, managing the process of writing, publishing, and marketing a book can feel overwhelming. But Outcome-Based Management tips can help. They focus on helping your defining specific, measurable outcomes you want to achieve and then organizing your efforts around reaching those goals. Outcome-Based Management (OBM) has long been used in business and project management. Still, you as a new indie author can benefit from applying its principles to their creative work.
In this fifth part of our writer’s guide series, we’ll provide Outcome-Based Management Tips on how applying OBM can transform your indie publishing journey.
What is Outcome-Based Management (OBM)?
Outcome-based management is a framework that emphasizes focusing on the results you want rather than getting lost in the day-to-day processes. According to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), “Outcome-based management ensures that activities are directly linked to measurable results and that adjustments can be made to maximize success as conditions change” (USAID, 2017).
This principle has been crucial to business success for decades. In fact, Robert Kaplan and David Norton, in their influential 1996 book The Balanced Scorecard, argue that “What you measure is what you get. Senior executives understand that their organization’s measurement system strongly affects the behavior of managers and employees” (Kaplan & Norton, 1996). As an indie author, when you define and measure your outcomes, you’re more likely to take meaningful actions that lead to success.
Applying OBM to Your Indie Publishing Journey
Here’s how new indie authors can apply OBM:
- Define Clear Outcomes: Instead of vague goals like “sell more books,” focus on specific, measurable outcomes, such as “sell 1,000 copies in the first six months of release” or “gain 500 email subscribers before launch.”
- Set Milestones: Break your outcomes into smaller, manageable goals. If your goal is to sell 1,000 books, determine the marketing activities that will lead to achieving that, such as building a social media presence, leveraging email marketing, or setting up virtual book tours.
- Measure Progress: Continuously measure how close you are to achieving your desired outcomes. This could mean tracking sales, monitoring social media engagement, or gathering feedback from early readers. Regularly reviewing your progress ensures that you can adjust your tactics if necessary.
- Adjust Strategies: OBM is flexible, meaning you’re free to change direction if something isn’t working. If a marketing strategy doesn’t produce the desired results, assess the data, tweak your approach, and try again.
Real-World Example: Achieving Success as an Indie Author
A report by USAID from 2017 highlights how OBM fosters success: “Organizations using outcome-based management are better able to adapt to real-time feedback, continuously improving their results through data-informed decision-making” (USAID, 2017). Similarly, Kaplan and Norton emphasize that “Measurement must go beyond controlling to be part of the management system” (Kaplan & Norton, 1996). For you as a new indie author, this means actively using data and feedback to refine your approach and stay on track toward your goals.
Applying Outcome-Based Management Tips
For more information on OBM, indie authors can check out the following resources:
- USAID’s Learning Lab
- Books like The Balanced Scorecard by Kaplan & Norton and The Lean Startup by Eric Ries explain how outcome-based thinking can drive success through continuous iteration.
- Indie author forums and communities that share practical advice on setting and achieving specific goals.
By using OBM in your publishing journey, you can take control of your creative career and steer it toward the outcomes you truly want. By combining these sources, the article bridges foundational OBM concepts from the 1990s with more contemporary research, making it relevant and robust today.
We hope you’ve found the strategies valuable and motivating. We hope they’ll equip you with the insights and tools needed to help you succeed as a new author.
See our other parts of this series for more guidance on writing, publishing, and marketing your first book. Start with Outcome-Based Management: 7 Steps to Writing Success AND First Principles and the 5-Step Process for Book Publishing.
Writing is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. You don’t have to go it alone. We’re excited to continue the journey with you, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way. Our goal is to provide basic insights and practical advice to help you navigate the writing world with increased confidence.
If you have a draft you want to publish and wonder how AI can help, read, Is Your Book Ready to Self-Publish? Lastly, for help writing a non-fiction book, read Write Your First Non-Fiction eBook: a 30-Day Workbook for Getting It Done.
Don’t wait. Start today! How can we help? To let us know, please fill out our contact form. Happy writing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Outcome-Based Management (OBM)?
Outcome-Based Management (OBM) is a strategic framework that aligns all activities to specific, measurable results. It emphasizes the importance of defining clear outcomes and using feedback to continuously adjust and improve strategies.
How can new indie authors benefit from Outcome-Based Management?
New indie authors can use OBM to focus on achieving specific goals, such as increasing book sales or growing a fanbase. By setting clear objectives and measuring progress, authors can avoid getting lost in day-to-day tasks and ensure their activities are aligned with their success.
What types of outcomes should new indie authors focus on?
New indie authors can focus on outcomes like book sales, email list growth, social media engagement, or securing reviews. The key is ensuring these outcomes are specific, measurable, and relevant to the author’s broader publishing goals.
How can I measure progress as a new indie author?
You can measure progress through critical metrics like book sales, email subscribers, website traffic, or social media engagement. Using data from platforms like Amazon, social media dashboards, or email marketing tools can help you stay on track with your goals.
How often should I adjust my strategies using OBM?
Adjusting your strategies should be a regular part of your process. OBM encourages ongoing evaluation of your progress. You should review your data frequently and tweak your efforts as needed, whether after a book launch or at key milestones in your marketing plan.
