About publishing

Sometime during 2013 I decided to self-publish my first novel, Borderliners.

I may not self-publish everything I write, but I believed it was the right route to market for that particular novel. I came to the decision through a long process of reading up on the industry, following industry professionals’ blogs, Twitter handles, Google + profiles and Facebook pages.

I looked into what happened between the first draft and the publication of the final product and tried to research everything from editing to formatting and cover design. With great glee I read up on digital marketing – something I already do in my day job – and how it was specifically applied to the marketing of books.

My thoughts on publishing

• Why I am encouraged by the possibility for writers to take a more business-like approach to publishing.
• How the market has opened up to provide writers with multiple routes to market.
• An eye on the other side of the business – what agents look for.
• A realistic approach. How long does it really take to publish a best seller.
• Why it is important to analyse what agents and traditional publishers do.
• What about innovation in publishing?

My thoughts on production

Drafting

• Dirty drafting.
• Life after the first draft

Editing

• Ten editing tips to try whilst you’re drafting

Marketing

• My best recommendation for authors: the very useful book, ‘Let’s Get Visible’ and this article to understanding Amazon’s algorithms.
• Read up on what expert indie authors say. Rachel Abbot’s marketing plan is a great place to start.
• Find readers and reviewers using this very resourceful post about tools which help indie authors with their marketing.
• About KDP select and the free price promo.
• All about Goodreads and why this readers’ community trumps many others.
• Leverage: Bookbub, Pixel of Ink, Whizzbuzz and others.
• Why email is still the killer app.
• Facebook pages, Google +, Twitter and Pinterest.