Before, During, and After You Write: Self-Publishing Resources
Just because you're not publishing with a big, traditional publishing house does not mean you shouldn't take most of the same steps that the 'professionals' do. That's one of the things that pulls down the credibility of your other independently published brothers and sisters.
Find enough value in your work that you commit the extra time and resources to make it the best possible product for your readers, and yourself. That doesn't mean you have to go crazy. There are plenty of free things out there that just take some time.
Find enough value in your work that you commit the extra time and resources to make it the best possible product for your readers, and yourself. That doesn't mean you have to go crazy. There are plenty of free things out there that just take some time.
PlanningThe more organized of us, the 'Plotters', will benefit from getting organized before they even start writing any of the story. The links below may help.
Time/Effort Sorter 5 Book Series Worksheet Publisher Rocket Aid Helps sort and guide your Publisher Rocket data for best use. |
WritingBuild your Website.
Pick 1-3 Social Media sites that should be most effective for your target audience. Plan how to use them, and be consistent. Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn Instagram | Youtube |
PostAlways, ALWAYS have a professional, unrelated editor work on your manuscript. I advise finding a local person if you can.
However, Grammarly or similar services can help with a lot of issues if used correctly. This can save your paid editor time, and you money. Marketing Is your work movie-worthy? Option Option 2 |
Publishing
Like it or not, Amazon is the biggest player in the business. KDP Select gets you more exposure and subscription-model revenue potential. Kindle Paperback is a viable Print on Demand option with a fairly easy to use interface. You can use the same easy to format kpf file with Kindle Create for both e-book and paperback.
Recent updates include the Kindle Vella program, a token purchase Webnovel-esque option where Kindle splits profits with the author, and the Kindle Deals and Prime Reading nomination systems currently in Beta here.
New Hardcover Beta Cover Calculator!
Others have had luck 'Going Wide', spreading the love beyond Amazon. Here is an example of one author's journey.
Recent updates include the Kindle Vella program, a token purchase Webnovel-esque option where Kindle splits profits with the author, and the Kindle Deals and Prime Reading nomination systems currently in Beta here.
New Hardcover Beta Cover Calculator!
Others have had luck 'Going Wide', spreading the love beyond Amazon. Here is an example of one author's journey.
Other Resources
You don't have to do this on your own. No matter who you are, what you're writing, someone out there will help.
Be cautious. There are a lot of businesses out there that prey on the neediness and vulnerability of neophyte authors. If something sounds fishy, run the other way. Remember, money should always flow toward the artist.
Be cautious. There are a lot of businesses out there that prey on the neediness and vulnerability of neophyte authors. If something sounds fishy, run the other way. Remember, money should always flow toward the artist.
CritiqueLook for, or form your own critique group, like I belong to here in the Treasure Valley We have a small, eclectic group of authors in a range of genres that offer shared expertise and encouragement, along with much needed constructive criticism.
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ConnectionsAuthor Organizations, such as the Idaho Writer's Guild, provide a more formal venue, with higher tier instruction, guest lectures, etc.
This comes with a price, that can be a good investment if you're serious about it. |
MentorshipWriting can be a business. Don't be afraid to treat it as such.
Your local SBDC has experienced advisors that can help with networking, marketing, financial planning, and whatever else you may need to take your writing further. |
