Successful Self-Publishing

I have self published two novels and many people have asked my advice on self publishing, especially while I was in partnership with Rae Lindley at Lavender Isis Publishing. Here are eight steps that are important to cover. I am in no way an expert but the following information was very helpful to me. I really hope it gets you on your way!

•Know your competition
Has this topic been covered? How? Is the market oversaturated with your idea? Besides perusing the latest releases on the shelves in the bookstore and local libraries, take a look in Books in Print Subject guide. This should help you to judge where your idea stands.

•Learn the business
Yes, I said business. Self publishing is just that and needs to be taken seriously in order to achieve success. Do your research and formulate a plan. Plan and network and you’ll be surprised with how well it can pay off.

•Look for the need
Again, study the market! Can I say how important this is? It’s VERY important! Know your audience and their needs. Combine that with your own personal strength and you have a winner.

•Have a vision
As part of your business plan you need to know exactly where your book is going to end up and how. Are you dealing with a non-fiction better targeted to professionals or is your target audience women from 20-50 who read sexy romances? Make a list of ideas from how to reach your audience and this is better done before the book is finished!

•Do NOT self edit!
If at all possible, acquire professional editing of your manuscript. Never attempt to edit yourself- it’s way to easy to overlook your own mistakes, grammar and otherwise. What makes sense to you may be confusing to the reader.

•Put your best face forward
What do I mean by face, you ask? Why your cover, of course! To get those books flying off the shelf, the cover is one of your main selling points. Not only is the design vital, your title is the bait and the hook. Make sure it’s good enough to reel them in!

•Remember all pertinent details
Make sure you have everything needed to get your book on the shelves. ISBN #’s, copyrights, LCCN, EAN Scanning Symbol, informative yet entertaining write up for the back cover and so on. Remember everything you’ve learned and check that all of your t’s are crossed and i’s are dotted.

•P-R-O-M-O-T-E!!!
This is the life blood of the whole deal. In order to be the trailblazer you’ve always imagined being, people need to know about you and your book! Promote in every conceivable way- bookmarks, calendars, website, contests, give aways, book clubs and more. The sky is the limit! Just make sure to stay within a budget so you don’t find yourself using all of your profit to pay off the debt at Kinkos!