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
Editing
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.
Kirsten,
Thanks for paving the way and creating this guide as you go along. You have been a great inspiration to me and helped me in many ways.
Pat
Well, we may as well share good practice. I’ll fess up to anything which I’ve found (in retrospect) doesn’t work!
This publishing lark is quite complex. I’ll be writing a lot more on the subject soon.
Kirsten