Self-Publishing 5/22/2015

Since self-publishing my first novella; I’ve had about 12 people tell me I have encouraged them to want to get their own books out here. At least 2 of them want to do their life story. Now this is still new to me and I would tell anyone who is interested in self-publishing to research online because there is a wealth of information, but it is still learn as you go at least for someone like me starting out.

I went through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) through www.Amazon.com .

For E BOOK

• Free to use

• Easy to follow steps

• They will even let you preview before you publish

• If you use their cover designer it is free, and who doesn’t like free? But their options are rather bland.

 

So I opted to have my cover created by a graphics company which can be costly depending on who you go with. If you have a friend who does amazing Photoshop or can do it yourself that is a definite bonus-cost wise.

 

For the Paperback

www.Createspace.com

 

This option is mostly free as well; though to get physical proofs is about $2.15 each per copy, at least for my books. It might depend on the thickness of the book. To proof your book online is free. To do a physical copy of your book is pretty easy too. My problem came with uploading the image for my cover just right, but doesn’t mean it has to be your issue. I ended up having the graphic company do it for me.

 

Another bit of advice I see a lot is: Start promoting and marketing your book in advance. Build your readership up before publishing. I didn’t do this, so I can’t say it if works or not, but I’m sure it’s helpful. I do plan to promote my 2nd book at least 2 months in advance, definitely on www.goodreads.com. (I’m presently waiting on my cover, otherwise I would be promoting now)

 

Other self-publishing sites

Kobo

Nook (Barnes and Noble)

Smashwords

Googleplay books and many more…

 

Get your e books on as many outlets as possible. When I first e published I went with KDP select where I locked myself in with Amazon exclusively for 90 days (this is optional) Some people swear by this, I think it was helpful in the early days of my book, but then I felt trapped and had to wait out my 90 days-meaning I couldn’t go to any other publishing outlets until my time was over. So with this you have to weigh the pros and cons of it.

 

If you don’t already have one, create a blog and create a fan base. I’ve had blogs over the years. One dedicated to

 

Michael Jackson-www.blameitontheboogiemjforever.webs.com I had a small following.

I have a dedicated FB page for Destinee Romance Novella, though some people suggest I should turn it into an author page instead; maybe in the future.

My blog site is

www.keepinitrealbwtoday.webs.com

I try to post things daily to keep it current.