Many writers—once they have a strong, well-developed, and edited manuscript—decide to self-publish instead of seeking a deal with a traditional publishing house. And that’s great, but new writers who are at that stage of deciding if self-publishing is the route for them should stop and seriously think about the time and energy that is involved in the process.
For this article, I called upon some lit friends of mine—Sammie Ward, King Dhakir, Electa Rome Parks, and Tamika Newhouse—to offer sound, real advice to those looking to self-publish. Each of these authors has started his or her literary career through self-publishing; some have gone on to traditional publishing success and some have stayed within the independent halls of self-publishing and have developed their own publishing houses that now successfully sell their and others’ works.
Across the board, these authors will tell you that self-publishing is not for the faint of heart, but it is doable if you are determined, if you have a plan, and if you have the drive to administer the plan.
Below are excerpts from each author based on one question I asked: What three pieces of advice would you give to someone interested in self-publishing?
To keep this article from getting too long, I have compiled full responses, bios, and latest books from each authors into a PDF titled “The Write Life for You Presents… Authors on Self-Publishing.” The link for the booklet is at the end of the article.
Sammie Ward, author, founder of Lady Leo Publishing, latest LLP release,
One thing Sammie emphasizes in her response is the importance of promotion:
Learn the Business – As a self-publisher, you are the company; therefore, you have to learn the business side of publishing. No one is going to see your product/s if you don’t do what it takes to get them noticed. Learn what channels it takes to get the titles reviewed, do print interviews, book signings, do radio interviews, get a website, emails blast, reach out to bookstores about consignments to place your books on their shelves, send out a newsletter, mailings. If you have a blog, promote! I can't touch enough on Promotion! Promotion! Promotion!
Stop Asking for Handouts – The truth is other authors don’t owe you spit, literally and figuratively.
We live in the Internet age, which means you can find out just about anything with the click of a button.
I negotiated my printing deal just by browsing the net and doing my own research. The time and energy is priceless, and worth it. Why rely solely on lawyers and agents when you can find the knowledge yourself? The knowledge is the life saver to know whether you’re getting cheated by folks who supposedly have your back.
If you can chat on social sites for hours and play games on them, then you shouldn’t have an excuse to cut corners in regards to learning the basics of the publishing business. Knowledge is everywhere, and you have to seek the jewels.
Instead of focusing on authors helping you out, focus on the THREE groups of people below to help your movement:
1) The Media – press
2) The Public – promoting
3) Bookstores – book your OWN signings
King Dhakir keeps it realer than real in his overall response on this question, so definitely check out the booklet to read further!
Initially, I used self-publishing as a vehicle to position my product, gain reader feedback, build my readership base, establish a sales record, learn the industry and key players, and hopefully, in the process, garner the attention of an agent/publishing house. I accomplished all of these goals through self-publishing.
Yes, I would definitely do self-publishing over in a New York minute! For me, self-publishing was like being in the trenches; I worked my butt off and learned such valuable lessons. Now, as a mainstream author, I can appreciate it all the more.
Treat It as a Business – Once you make the important decision to self-publish, you enter the realm of becoming an entrepreneur. You will wear many hats from publicist, marketing guru, bill collector, coordinator, editor, etc. during your venture. Go in with a concrete business and marketing plan in place. Have a vision, know your short and long term goals. Know your target audience and market. Be informed and most of all be professional.
This is your business and your product (book) represents who and what you are as an author. It can literally make you or break you.
Tamika Newhouse, author (latest book, The Ultimate No-No ), founder of Delphine Publications [website; book info]
Go Beyond Cyberspace – You cannot be successful by just advertising online. Build events around your book and get out there in the public and perform book signings. Also know and remember no one is going to promote you more than yourself, so invest in yourself. As long as you never give up, your investment will never go sour.
You can see all the authors’ advice and more by downloading the booklet, “The Write Life for You Presents… Authors on Self-Publishing.” You can download [here].
No comments:
Post a Comment