SELF-PUBLISHING FOR DUMMIES—PART 2

It seems we are all dummies when it comes to self-publishing. Two decades ago I was a key player in a small traditional publishing house. When I discovered print on demand, I resigned. Knowing the pitfalls of traditional publishing, I was excited by the implications of print on demand publishing. ​I understood a new day had arrived in the book publishing world!

Self-publishing had always been snubbed by the academic world and traditional publishing. The strong bond between traditional publishing and academia assured the success of scholarly writers of a certain social standing. ​Now, because of print-on-demand publishing, so called normal people may circumvent the traditional publishing route. The new bond between self-publishing and print-on-demand has given rise to democracy in publishing. This means, self-publishing is doable and affordable for other types of writers aside from scholars and celebrities.

Another decade later, I am a publishing coach, a new profession that helps multitudes to write and publish their books using print on demand and other methods. As digital publishing matures, more of my clients arrive from the academic world. Subject to the law of the land, “publish or perish;” where self-publishing was previously embarrassing; scholars are now jumping on the digital publishing bandwagon.

What are the Benefits of Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing?

Consider the following positive aspects of self-publishing versus traditional publishing.

1. Creative Control. When you self-publish, let your creativity run wild and coordinate the interior with your cover.
2. Publish Instantly. Including content editing, front and back matter, as well as, copy editing, and proofreading, publish a book in as quickly as 3 months from your manuscript.
3. Avoid Rejection. Talented writers are often rejected in favor of celebrities and scholars by traditional publishing houses—mostly for financial reasons. Avoid the rejection process of old-school publishing if you have not published before.

​What is POD & How Does it Relate to Self-Publishing?

This YouTube video simply explains in-depth what print-on-demand is in the context of the history of publishing. Learn the types of printing which came before digital printing. Receive a great overview of book printing before you into the realm of self-publishing.

Self-publishing means you are the the general contractor and includes much more than just printing. Consider book cover and interior design, sales copes for the back cover, front and back matter as well as many other items necessary to publish your book.

What are the Steps to Self-Publish a Book?

1. Create Book Cover. First, draw a sketch of your book cover concept and write a few words about how the look and feel you wish to achieve. Write a compelling synopsis for back of book. Then, hire a designer who specializes in book cover design. A normal graphic arts designer is not good enough. Visit Dream to Publish to find those who specialize in various publishing services.
2. Structure Your Book. An excellent workbook and journal resource to learn book structure is Publish Your Book Blueprint by Deborah S. Nelson. To complete your manuscript, add front matter and back matter. This includes the copyright page, title page, acknowledgements, preface, foreword, Table of Contents, resources, and more. 
3. Create Book Interior. Hire an inexperienced designer and you could face endless rounds of corrections before the printer approves the files. Book interiors require design files made according to detailed specifications.
4. ​Create Title for Printing. Create the title with ISBN number once the book cover and interior design files are approved, then upload to the printer.
5. Select a Distribution Outlet. Brick and mortar bookstores primarily buy books from Books in Print catalogues. Look for niche distribution outlets such as specialized companies for health, wealth, motivational books, etc. In addition, since 75% of books are bought online, be sure to select an online distribution network.

How Can I Sell My Self-Published Books?

Selling self-published books includes: 

1. In Person: Schedule readings in your local books stores, as well as book speaking engagements to sell your books at various events. Volunteering for speaking events usually will net in quite a few books sales.
2. Book Reviews: Work hard to get book reviews by sending an advance PDF copy to key reviewers. Ask friends, family, and fans to review your new book on Amazon Books, if you book is listed with them. Reviews sell books. 
3. Distribution. Make books available at Amazon Books, or other online networks and local bookstores. Additionally, if you initiate your own publishing label and ISBN number Bowker Books, your books will be listed in Books in Print and made available at bookstores, schools and libraries. Presently, only 1700 brick and mortar bookstores remain open in the USA. 
4. Marketing: Identify your target market and reach out to them. This includes doing YouTube videos, podcasts, interviews, social media, and connecting with fans. Social media is a great tool, especially because over 80% of books are sold online.
5. Advertising: Create an ad campaign to target potential readers in certain niche magazines, TV, radio or online venues. 

​What is a Book Coach?

Save thousands of dollars and hours of time by hiring a good publishing coach who understands the chronological order of the process of publishing a book. Book publishing is a full-time job for months or years, depending on the size of the manuscript. Picture a publishing coach who is similar to a general contractor who builds a structure. Without a publishing coach, you will fill the role of a general contractor for your book project.

​Your book coach coordinates, schedules, and budgets all services and activities to construct your book. However, most people cannot do these technical tasks and often hire notice works which may result in major delays and complications. Instead, hire specialists who are experiences in the world of book publishing. Remember, your book coach is already connected with a network of book service experts.

Notably, print on demand makes publishing a book inexpensive. Since this process is technologically challenging, consider hiring a book coach to help you create professional and accurate files for your printer.

For more information on self-publishing, read Wikipedia's article on the subject.

SELF-PUBLISHING FOR DUMMIES—PART 1