Self-publishing your own written work can be greatly beneficial, but can also be a very daunting task. The key to making self-publishing work for you is to not sway from quality in your efforts to save money; here are five tips to get you on your way.
1. Editing is Crucial
Good editing plays a strong role in the image you project. When you do things yourself you don’t have a team of editors eager to make sure typos and grammar errors don’t tarnish the public’s view of your work. You’ll need to extend effort to protect your reputation.
- Hire a freelance editor you can trust. You can’t do it all on your own; having an unbiased professional editor is a must. Be careful though, not all proclaimed editors have exceptional skills. Investigate the satisfaction of their previous clients beforehand.
- Don’t settle for the results of initial edits. Your editor is only human and has likely missed a few things. Have a few other readers, with a keen eye and a good education, read the piece for overlooked errors.
2. Keep Expenses to a Minimum
The whole idea behind self-publishing is to maximize profits; however, some avenues can be unnecessary costly.
- Plan on a soft cover. You may think hard covers impress more, but in reality your reader cares more about what’s between the covers than the construction of the book itself.
- Have a local artist design the cover. You can even hold a contest in your area to find the perfect one. Artists will jump at the chance to be featured on the cover of a published book, and you’ll enjoy some exposure as well as a nearly free design.
- Get quotes from at least ten printers that specialize in book production before deciding on whom will get your business. You will be surprised at how much pricing can vary when you shop around.
- Having a black and white cover can be cheaper, but it can also cost you buyers. Most people buy books based on the intrigue created by their cover. Make sure that cutting costs doesn’t have you forgoing saleability.
3. Ensure your Book is Highly Promoted and Easily Accessible Online.
In today’s digital age, promotion and sales has gotten much easier; however the avenues available are more numerous; making choices more difficult.
- Identify your target market. Advertising heavily in online areas that your target market tends to frequent is key to getting noticed by potential readers. Make sure your not staying inside the box too much though, or you’ll miss out on drawing new interest.
- Make sure your book is today’s hot topic. Start an author’s blog that includes the story behind the book, interesting facts, sales information, and other relevant topics that will draw attention to your work.
- Sell and publish your book online. Locate the most popular e-book providers and check into the requirements for publishing in an online format. You can also list printed copies for sale in buyer communities.
- Communicate with your readers. Readers who enjoy your book may enjoy a chance to speak with its brilliant creator. Join numerous social networking sites, and create a website about yourself and your works.
4. Promote Within your Community.
You don‘t need to spend money on expensive bookstore signings, but don’t leave behind the community that knows and loves you. You’ll pull most of your readers’ right from your own neighborhood.
- Volunteering or hosting community events can do wonders. You’ll shine up your reputation and gain a chance to self-promote while helping other groups. Talk to local schools, youth centers, libraries, and other organizations where you can giveback and get the word out.
- Don’t be afraid to give away a few hundred copies. It may seem fruitless, but you’ll definitely reap the benefits. Set up a stand in your local park or at community events in which you give away free copies to the first 20 or so customers; you’ll be known all throughout the area in a matter of days.
5. Seek Out Reviews
Book reviews enhance advertising and intrigue potential buyers. Bloggers and other online sites as well as newspapers and magazines offer free book reviews for writers. Securing positive reviews will ensure your increased publicity and readership.
Self-publishing can be intimidating; however, with effort and dedication it can also be rewarding. A writer that not only creates quality written work, but can successful publish it, has truly accomplished their dream. These tips will surly help you pave the way to success.
Deborah Smith is a freelance writer for websites that are able to compare car insurance, home insurance, and credit cards. She has been known to write some great books on her free time and knows self-publishing like the back of her hand. When she isn’t helping people save money on their necessities, you can find Deborah helping up and coming writers have their books published!
Good info, Deborah. This is applicable even if published traditionally, as marketing budgets have been cut to the bone. I’ve done some great sales locally and my community has and continues to be very supportive.
But this caught my eye:
“Artists will jump at the chance to be featured on the cover of a published book, and you’ll enjoy some exposure as well as a nearly free design.”
I imagine you mean art students. Professional artists prefer to get paid for their work (I’m married to one) or at least to swap services. It can take hours to create cover-worthy art.
Laurie Boris recently posted..So You Want To E-Pub Your Novel?
I agree with you that Deborah tells us a good info. This really is applicable even when published traditionally, as marketing budgets are already cut for the bone. I’ve done some terrific sales locally and my community has and remains very supportive.
Lots of thanks for sharing such good article. Before you publish anything, it is important to have a strong relationship with your community. Their trust on you will make your successful.