10 Things You Should Know Before Self Publishing Your Book
Posted: Friday, February 26, 2010
by Terence Tam
Bookpal
1. Self publishing is painless and inexpensive.
Contrary to the popular belief among new authors, self publishing isn't hard to break in to. A lot of self publishing firms offer cover design, proofreading, editing services that goes along with the package you may opt thus making it easier for you. And since self-publishing is an evolving industry with lots of competitors, publishers are continually upgrading their facilities, offering higher quality services, and affordable pricing at your convenience.
Know your objective for writing a book. Is your goal is to simply have a book to give to family and friends or you are serious about your career and have your mind set on a commercial venture with bigger ambition? In that case, quality design work, a comprehensive edit, distribution and a promotional plan are essential. This will help you to decide which service to go with when choosing self publishing company to publish your book.
3. Quality is better.
Today, the quality of self published books is getting pretty solid. Gone are the days of poorly printed books with mediocre edits, which can hinder a powerful message and a potentially successful book.
4. Distinctive title is essential.
Basically, you want to get the maximum SEO for your title when marketing it online, so if and when someone's really looking to buy it they'll find the link for your book and not an older one with the same title.
5. Design a great-looking book cover.
With Amazon becoming a leading bookseller, your book has to be noticeable as a thumbnail image online since that's how a good number of people are going to come across it. If you're mainly selling through Amazon, think small and work your way up.
6. Learn to negotiate.
Self publishing firms frequently offer special deals on their various packages and services. It doesn't harm to ask for free copies of your book and don't hesitate to inquire about deals that have officially expired. Don't forget these companies have quotas and they are more likely to give in to your wishes. In sales, everything is negotiable.
7. Ask questions.
You can get through to your sales or customer service representative with the company you choose so make use of it. Don't be afraid to ask anything.
8. Getting your book in bookstores.
Your best option as a new writer is to ask local, independent book sellers to sell your book. List down independent bookstores around your area, and give them a visit. Even then, don't have high expectation that bookstores will automatically want to promote your book purely because it has been published. The initial contact is important, dress nice to make an impression, and at all times be modest as a self promoter.
9. Marketing and publicity.
Your success as an author who is self publishing a book depends on your commitment to and involvement in publicity and marketing efforts. Try to secure to as many book signings in your local bookstores and book fairs as possible. Using professionally designed posters, postcards and bookmarks can help make for a very successful event. They can draw people's attention effectively at these events.
10. Self publishing firms are established.
Self publishing companies has been in business for quite sometime now and are continually changing for the better offering high-quality services for new authors like you.
2010 Bookpal Australia Pty Ltd - All Rights Reserved Worldwide
http://www.Bookpal.com.au/ is helping self publishers all around the world to successfully self publish and market their books with cost effective solutions to create bestsellers. The website offers a free book for budding self publishers, and many other free resources. Terence Tam is the founder of Bookpal , he previously spent 6 years as an academic and was a contributing author for several academic books. Frustrated with the level of service he was getting with traditional publishers, he set up his own self publishing company to help other authors publish and market books with cost effective yet efficient solutions.
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More commentsYour article was informative, easy to read, and your ideas were easy to follow. Great organization and presentational format. You included information relevant to your article topic and main idea. You did everything right!Thank you very much Sherry for your compliments! I do appreciate it and inspires me more to give the same attention on details on my next article.Bests,Terence
Hi Terence,Thank you for sharing this helpful information. Marketing ourselves in thie highly competive world of self publishing is very important.Blessings to you! TeresaThanks Teresa! You might like to check out my other articles here in searchwarp about marketing as well.Bests,Terence
This is great information. Thank you sharing it.Thank you Jenn! I am glad you like this article. It is my pleasure sharing this information to everyone.God bless!Terence
Great start, but rather broad a topic for one article. I would prefer each topic in more detail over a course of time or related articles.I will keep that in mind James! Thank you for your insights, I really appreciate them!Terence
Sorry, this might sound rude, but it just seems like you're pure advertising.
I enjoyed reading this article and agree that self publishing is helping aspiring authors realize their dreams. The Internet is another great resource for helping authors sell their books. Authors can have pre-launch events/sales on Amazon and other sites, email campaigns, syndicate podcasts and articles on their blogs regarding their books. Right now, self-publishing and Internet marketing are options that an author can use to materialize their dream without the acceptance of major publishing houses.Glad you enjoyed reading this article Eelctra and you are exactly right, internet is a source of information in selling books. I have written articles about that subject and you can find them here in searchwarp too! Thank you very much for your interest and I really appreciate your inputs as well!Cheers,Terence
Thanks for sharing your information. Someone I know is writing a young adult book and is wondering which way to go with publishing.Hi Lorie,Thanks for finding this article interesting! I have articles on this site that tackles about publishing and other options. You can refer these articles to your friend. There's more information too on the link provided on this article. Thank you!Regards,Terence
Thank Terence for this article. Your doing great thing here by offering writers a chance to publish their book!It is my pleasure helping other writers David to get themselves published! Cheers.Terence
Very informative. Great information and worth sharing. I have some friends who are independant writers, older in age and haven't really known where to start. I plan on sharing your article with them.Thank you Paul! I am glad you find my article informative and worth sharing. I will continue writing articles such as this.Terence
Thank you everyone for your wonderful comments on this article. I am truly inspired to share my knowledge in publishing. I appreciate your suggestions too and I will keep those in mind on my coming articles!Bests,Terence
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