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As a fledgling writer, I've learned the world of publishing can prove very daunting. Traditional publishing involves sending out query letter after query in hopes of finding an agent, and even if one does take your novel on, there's no guarantee a publisher will. For this reason, many authors have decided to take matters into their own hands. While self-publishing does ensure a book will make it into the market (how successful it will be is another matter), it can seem an insurmountable process with so many companies and methods to choose from. The tips I'm sharing below barely scratch the surface of what needs done and are meant to serve only as a starting point. This list is by no means complete, as I'm still wading through the quagmire myself. Here's what I've learned so far:
1) Make sure your novel is eye-catching!
The time, effort, and money involved in self-publishing is overwhelming to everyone at first, and so much information exists on the topic that it starts to get mind-boggling. This is my attempt to organize some of it and keep track of the resources I have found helpful. If you have started the process and feel discouraged, remember many others have gone before you. Learn from them. You've already scaled the mountain by completing the novel. Countless unfinished manuscripts exist in the world, but yours is no longer one of them. It's ready to go. Time to capture your dream and get your story out there!
As a fledgling writer, I've learned the world of publishing can prove very daunting. Traditional publishing involves sending out query letter after query in hopes of finding an agent, and even if one does take your novel on, there's no guarantee a publisher will. For this reason, many authors have decided to take matters into their own hands. While self-publishing does ensure a book will make it into the market (how successful it will be is another matter), it can seem an insurmountable process with so many companies and methods to choose from. The tips I'm sharing below barely scratch the surface of what needs done and are meant to serve only as a starting point. This list is by no means complete, as I'm still wading through the quagmire myself. Here's what I've learned so far:
1) Make sure your novel is eye-catching!
- Hire a professional cover artist, since this is what will draw attention to your book. If your cover doesn't perform, neither will your sales. Elance and Fiverr are good places to begin looking for someone. Costs can vary tremendously, as can level of skill. Keep in mind high cost doesn't necessarily mean better for your project. Look at portfolios and find someone who has a style you like and will fit your needs.
- Novel must be formatted correctly for each form of distribution (various types of ebooks as well as print editions require different formatting. More to come on how to do this later).
- Create a name for your company and make it sound professional.
- In some cases, it might be wise to obtain a small business license (for more information on how, click here.)
- Build your "platform" through social media like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Develop a blog or other content site. In short, give yourself a brand and get your name out there.
- If publishing both ebook and printed copies, learn how to approach local bookstores, libraries, and distributors about purchasing your novel. Your success depends on you!
- Research the companies carefully beforehand. The amounts you can make per sale vary greatly from one company to another, and some will want the rights to your book as well. I just purchased a book called The Fine Print of Self-Publishing by Mark Levine, and I believe this book will provide valuable insight into the companies as well as a lot of beneficial information concerning the entire process.
The time, effort, and money involved in self-publishing is overwhelming to everyone at first, and so much information exists on the topic that it starts to get mind-boggling. This is my attempt to organize some of it and keep track of the resources I have found helpful. If you have started the process and feel discouraged, remember many others have gone before you. Learn from them. You've already scaled the mountain by completing the novel. Countless unfinished manuscripts exist in the world, but yours is no longer one of them. It's ready to go. Time to capture your dream and get your story out there!
© Copyright 2015 E. J. Willis
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