Self publishing your bookmay be the fastest way to get your book on the market. Advancing technology has made self-publishing a viable alternative to the traditional method of publishing, and far more profitable!
Editorial Quality Is Key in Self Publishing
Many first-time authors fail to recognize the importance of this step. If your book is intended for family and friends or as an autobiography to share with others, quality editing is not as critical. But if you want to compete with the best titles out there, finding a good editor is a must.
As a writer, you’ve spent hours and hours putting together your manuscript and you know it intimately. But you only have one perspective on the effectiveness of the copy. A good editor can make your book more concise, clear, and readable. And they can help you organize it in a logical and sensible way. Just as important are the basic mechanics of editing including maintaining the proper tone and tense, fixing errors in grammar and spelling, and eliminating repetitive material.
Cover Design
A book’s cover is critical to its success and should be left to an experienced professional. Your cover must be appropriate for the subject matter, be somewhat striking in appearance and specially prepared for printing. Along with your book’s title (and subtitle), your cover is your number one marketing tool. Most printers will help you by providing a cover template and a template for the content as well. (Some require you use their template and will not accept your book otherwise.) Keep it relatively simple but make it as effective as possible.
Don’t Forget the Back Panel.
The back panel (back cover) of your book is a great place to create immediate interest and curiosity about your book. Typically, the back cover includes a picture and/or bio of the author, testimonials, and compelling reasons to buy your book. Don’t overlook it as a powerful marketing tool.
Printing Options For Self Publishing
As a self published author, you have a number of options. First is to work with a local printer. There are many advantages to this including the ability to keep a close watch on the printing process. Many authors, however, find local offset printers too expensive, the process requiring a higher number books to be produced than most authors want to bankroll or store. Sir Speedy Walnut Hill can produce your manuscript digitally keeping the initial quantity necessary to a manageable number.
Some online printers also act as “publishers” in the sense that they help with the marketing of your book (getting it placed on Amazon, etc.). Their help in this regard is very limited however and not a substitute for an effective marketing campaign.
Most online printers offer POD (print on demand) services where books are printed only when purchased (ordered). This saves the author from maintaining inventory or buying books in large quantities. The trade off is higher per-copy prices. Time and money can be saved up front by preparing your book to the printer’s specifications and requesting a proof copy before giving the go ahead to print your books.
Marketing Your Book
This is the area where a lot of self-published authors come up short. Unless you have resources to hire someone to market your book, the job of promoting and selling your book is up to you. It’s difficult for many authors to generate the energy and discipline required to effectively market their book. You may have spent untold hours writing and refining your masterpiece, and have little energy left to “get out there” and promote your book. But no one will buy your book if they don’t know about it.
Successful authors put a successful marketing program in place during (or even before) the writing of their book. Developing a marketing platform of a book-specific website, blog, mailing lists and press release is critical to the success of your book.
Goodwill
In order to be a successful, self publishing, author, it’s important that you live up to your commitments and be as kind and cordial as you can to anyone involved with your success. If you have a speaking engagement or book signing, keep it. Take advantage of any opportunities to promote your book and talk about it to everyone you meet. Get involved with your website and blog and write a personal note when possible. Help other authors reach their goals and provide advice and support when needed.
Sir Speedy Walnut Hill is a fully digital provider of document services including book production for self-publishing authors. The Walnut Hill location is owned and operated by Phillip and Mary Crum and their two sons, Tyler and Preston Crum. They provide a full range of marketing services to authors and other small business operators, from business cards to websites, marketing plans to direct mail. Call 214-213-7445 right now and let's discuss your marketing needs.
