If you are considering self-publishing a book, be prepared. The reality is different from what the “free” self-publishing companies listed online would lead you to believe. Before you dive in, understand the real obstacles these companies are not talking about. As a self-publishing coach for the past decade, I have coached multiple first-time writers to become self-published authors. This article explores common obstacles you might encounter to help decide if you will be successful in self-publishing a book. Obstacle Number 1—Digital Savvy Required for Self-PublishingThese days, the fastest, easiest, and least expensive way to self-publish a book, is to use print on demand. Print on demand requires a detailed digital file of the book cover and layout, and is a system that prints just one book at a time. If unfamiliar with digital files, digital art, Drobox for sending big graphic files, and general digital terminology, this will be a huge frustration for you. If this is the case hire a good book coach or professional ghost publisher. Obstacle Number 2—Self-Publishing Takes TimeSelf-publishing a book can take from three months to three years. This of course, depends on the complexity and size of the book project. The time from start to finish also depends on how often you can work on the project. Throughout the many phases of book publishing, you will need to devote time and attention to various processes. These include creating an ISBN number, bar code, copyrighting the book, creating the front and back matter to complete your manuscript, plus designing a front and back cover. Obstacle Number 3—Self-Publishing Editorial ProcessThis one phase is perhaps the most expensive and time-consuming aspect of publishing a book—aside from the writing phase. Mostly likely you will want to hire a professional editor. A writer is not able be effective with self-editing because of “word immunity”—a term coined by myself. This describes the situation where after writing, and re-writing, the author forms an immunity to errors. This is because the focus has been on content. A good copy editor and proofreader are also important. Many self-published books contain thousands of errors due to the lack of professional editorial staff who complete the book. Although, costly and time-consuming, do not skip this editorial process or your book will scream “self-published.” Obstacle Number 4—Author Branding to Stimulate Book SalesOnce your book is published, you will need to build an author brand. This actually starts during the publishing process. In order to sell your book, you will need to create a few well-crafted basics. First, you will need headshots of the author, longer and shorter versions of an author bio, and a well-written sales synopsis for the back of the book. Indeed, the marketing and branding phase also requires an author website, as well as social media accounts such as Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and more. Think of self-publishing a book as a part-time or full-time job. You will need to set up your title on Amazon Books or other online book sales networks. This will require 3D book covers, and descriptions with keywords, to encourage books sales. Obstacle Number 5—PerfectionismIf you tend towards perfectionism you will need to overcome this obstacle in order to self-publish your book. Many of my authors have been frightened to actually publish, even though writing a book has been a lifetime dream. The fear of bearing your soul in print to the entire world is terrifying to many. However, if you want everything perfect, the book will most likely never be published. I have seen this happen with a few of my clients and a close-call with many of my clients. Do not let perfectionism keep you from your dream to publish. You can always republish with updates at a later date. Are You a Candidate for Self-Publishing a Book?If you find that you are weak in three or more of these areas you are likely to be unsuccessful with self-publishing a book. Hire a good book coach, to teach you, or to ghost publish for you. Go to Publishing SOLO Magazine to learn all the aspects of how to publish a book. For more information, explore Self-Publishing in 2021: A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing Success by Angelica Hartgers as well as What is Ghostwriting?—Part 1 and 7 Payoffs of Becoming a Published Author by Deborah S. Nelson.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
ArchivesCategories |