I just started a new project that I hope to have completed by the end of the winter – I am self-publishing an animal tracking book, which will serve as a guide to beginners who want to get outdoors and learn how to track.
I’ll talk more about the book itself in future posts, but I’m really interested in getting feedback from bloggers and authors who have already self-published, or are in the process. What did you learn about the publishing process? What worked for you? What would you do differently if you publish again? Pros and cons of self-publishing as opposed to going with an established publisher?
Additionally, I’d love feedback from readers. What’s your opinion of self-published titles? Do you avoid them? Love them? Willing to pay for one? Why or why not?
This will be my second self-published title, but the first one that will be for sale only – no free downloads! (I promise I do have a free e-publication come soon as well!). And unlike my first book (which is in dire need of a second edition with corrections…), I’ll have an ISBN attached to this book, and hope to sell it in other online book selling venues (Amazon, etc.) in addition to my bookstore.
Please share your thoughts in the comments on reading self-published books, and the process of self-publishing, if you’ve ever been through it, or are contemplating it. I’d love to hear what people think!
I haven’t self-published but I like to support those who and I will support your efforts…Michelle
You’re sweet – thanks Michelle. 🙂
Smashwords was recommended to me by a literary agent. Have you check them out?
Good luck with your book! Sounds like a good one.
I haven’t. I used Lulu for my first book, and liked their pricing structure, which is kind of a ‘pay as you go’ deal. I’ll check out Smashwords as well – thanks for mentioning it.
I’m a professional eBook designer, I’ve worked with many authors to get their books out. If you’re still looking for assistance in getting your book out, let me know, I can help!
Some basics: you want to get your books up in as many places as you can, in the right formats, and remove any objection that a potential customer may have. If you’re self publishing, the current Holy Trinity is:
– Createspace for dead-tree books.
– Kindle Direct Publishing to get your books up on the 10,000 gorilla in the publishing room: Amazon.
– Smashwords to get your book up on ‘everywhere else’ that you might get a sale – including Barnes and Noble.
For Createspace, you’ll need a PDF, a cover, a spine and a back cover. Createspace can print in many different sizes, and there’s a bit of math involved in making sure your spine is the correct width. When I say ‘bit of math’ I mean “educated guess.”
For KDP, your book should be a mobi format. Other formats can be submitted, but the best looking one right now is still the MOBi.
For Smashwords, it used to be you had to go through the Meatgrinder with a Word doc to get an output that was best described as “good.” They have recently updated, and you can now submit epub format directly. This is a Godsend if you want to have your book look it’s best.
There is also the Kindle Select program which you can be a part of, which will lock your book into a 90 exclusive period with Amazon. For some, this is great, for others … well, they don’t use it because they don’t understand it.
You’ve already got a pretty spectacular marketing base with your site and media, but there may still be a few places you want to improve before you put your books out.
Lulu is good, and there are certainly other self-publishing options. But, as the market evolves, we’re (indie authors) having to pay close attention that we don’t get sucked into some kind of vanity press scam. Random House has something called Hydra you should stay away from, Author House is another one, Xlibris, and a few more. Check out the Writer Beware blog, and ask people like me if you need any advice on what NOT to do. Personally, I’ve pulled a few author’s fat out of the fire, and I’ve helped quite a few get their books out.
If you’d like any help, I’m always around, and I’m a damned fine self-publishing sherpa (if I do say so myself!).
You have my email, my website is: shawnebell.com. Advice and coaching is free (well, mostly … I want a copy of your book!), and for everything else, there’s a price card for services on the site.
Wow – thanks for all the helpful info Shawn, much appreciated! My project is on a short hiatus while I deal with some family concerns, but I anticipate getting back to work on it in the next few weeks. You’ll be hearing from me with questions, I’m sure!