Tips for Self-Publishing
“Sex, Death & Diane” was my first complete book that I put out, it was based on my life. I couldn’t imagine collaborating with an editor on something that was semi-autobiographical because it was too personal. I have never been good as a salesperson or promoting myself but it is something I need to get better at so I am learning that language now too. I have included my tips below for self-publishing, and I have to say that the process is getting easier now. “Sex, Death & Diane” is a reflection of my life. It is a story that I hold close to my heart, which led me to opt for self-publishing. This route felt much more personal to me, rather than collaborating with an editor. I was eager to self-publish another time around after finishing my second book, using what I learned from my first book.
My newest book release “The Base” introduces a unique set of characters and settings that blend seamlessly. While not as personal of a story, I still wanted to self-publish.
I’ve been asked frequently why I choose to self-publish and how other people can explore this as an avenue for publication. I firmly believe that self-publishing empowers authors to bring their stories to life independently, a journey I believe every author should experience. My book has such an unusual set of characters and settings, I doubt if I would have been able to explain it to an editor or cowriter in the writing process, but now that it is complete it can be understood by others. We are rooting for it to become a film one day because it is so visual and unique. I hope we can realize that goal.
Finding time alone when I can be uninterrupted is probably the most valuable part of the equation as a writer. I have to be able to focus on the story and let it flow without feeling pressured or judged. I have compiled a set of tips throughout my own experiences thus far for fellow authors embarking on their own self-publishing journeyto use. These insights emphasize the importance of editing, thorough proofreading, and research.
1. Read something every day and don’t make it the same thing new whenever you have the chance. I read every night, I am currently re-reading the diary of Anne Frank amazed at how much I forgot. I am also reading textbooks on flower arrangements, and good newspapers with good writers such as The New York Times and the Philadelphia Inquirer. I recognize that my kitchen work only uses a fraction of my vocabulary, and the conversations are very repetitive so that I can expand my world with books to perfect my craft as a writer. Reading more will help improve writing skills, expand vocabulary, and stay up to date on trends. It can even help build a reading community, which may connect you with people interested in reading your own work.
2. Proofread your book very carefully for mistakes and for problems with clarity and the timeline of your story. Pretend a Martian is going to read it. We as writers can see our own stories clearly as if they were a movie, please make sure that you can give the reader a complete picture of what you see also — no reader will finish a book full of typos. Even more important is to have a proofreader review your manuscript after you have done the proofreading. A professional editor will help check your book for flow and consistency. We all have things that are unique about how we express ourselves, and I know I don’t speak the King’s English, but a second set of professionally trained eyes was very important for me. I learned a lot about how I express my ideas by having someone tell me what things looked like from their viewpoint.
3. Copyright your work to protect what is yours. It is a simple process that is outlined on the U.S. Copyright Office | U.S. Copyright Office website.
4. Build social media platforms. These profiles will provide a direct and interactive way to engage with your audience. It is a place to share updates about your books, interact with readers through comments and messages, and build relationships that can lead to loyal followers. By sharing content regularly and engaging with relevant communities, an author can increase their brand visibility and reach a wider audience. This can even lead to networking opportunities with fellow authors, industry professionals, and potential collaborators. Look at the websites for companies that offer self-publishing and write up a comparison table of the features and benefits — costs and downsides. Choose the one that best suits your book and situation. It is important to consider their website traffic and promotional tools also.
5. Choose the size of your book and make sure your manuscript looks good in that format. Investing in a high-quality cover design will help attract new readers and increase visibility. Save the manuscript in that format so you can upload it to the website of your choice. Most companies will offer an author’s proof copy.
6. Do a book giveaway at community events to get feedback to refine your manuscript before publication. Ask your local library to put out your books and be available to meet the people who check them out. This will give readers the chance to connect with you on a more personal level. Include a request for a book review, not everyone will review it, but some will.
7. Build an author website. This will serve as the foundation of your author platform, allowing you to showcase your work, connect with your readers, and build your brand. It will also serve as a powerful tool for marketing and promotion. An author website can be used to share book updates, blog about topics related to your life and writing, and be a central location for all social media profiles. Determine the categories your book will fit in by looking at booklists, asking your readers, and using your own choices based on research.
9. Price your book competitively and develop a strategic marketing plan. This will allow you to reach your target audience more effectively and lay a foundation for long-term growth, so you can reach a wider audience.
10. Read, read, read… and write every day!
