So you want to self-publish a book?
As many of you know, recently I self-published my own book. I wanted to share with everyone embarking on the same adventure some tips and things I learned in the process.
Join me as I hop into my time machine to visit my past self with these tips and for the most random musical soundtrack for my journey. Some of these tips may seem obvious, but when you are smack dab in the middle of a major project it can be easy to lose your perspective.
Identify Your Audience & Purpose:
Maybe your book is finished or you are still working on it. You need to ask yourself a few questions. Why are you writing your book? Who will want to buy this book? And most importantly – how does your book benefit the reader?
Knowing this information will help inform your thinking in all of your planning. Whether you are writing a book for a niche audience or the mass market, you need to understand this information.
Identify Your Projects Value:
You may be thinking you are writing your book just for you. And maybe you are, but if you want other people to buy it you need to know what value it brings to a potential reader’s life. It might be as simple as bringing beauty to their lives. Maybe it is to entertain, educate or inform? You are going to need to articulate this information succinctly and repeatedly if you want people to buy your book.
Take the Time to Make a Project Outline:
Writing a book is a major undertaking. Many writers will create an outline for their book, which helps many immensely. I have news for you. You are going to need an outline for your adventure in self-publishing too. Be sure to include all critical milestones, deadlines you have, and any promotional opportunities you have identified. Make sure you have a clear timeline for your project and build in some extra time, because there is a good chance you will need it.
Money, Money, Money:
Unless you live in a rich man’s world and that rich man is you or a friend of yours you are going to need a budget for your project. Make sure you get a quote for the printing of your book and any services you may require to get the job done. Set up a full and comprehensive budget for your project that includes printing costs, design and layout costs, shipping and and any promotional costs you may have. Most important – figure out your profit margin so that you can calculate your break even point, which is where you start to make more money than you spend. This may help you identify your sales goals.
Know When to Take Break:
Self-publishing can be full of challenges, particularly if you are new to it! You need to be on your game, which can be hard when you are mired down in deadlines and work. The more relaxed you are the better your work will be. There is a balance you will need to find between the place where you can do the most work effectively and staring at your computer screen struggling to lift your fingers and not break into sobbing. Find yours!
Celebrate Milestones, But Keep on Keepin’ On!
So with any luck, your book is printed and copies are on there way to you and those first readers! Take a moment to pat yourself on the back. Remember it is not everyone who can write their own book and even fewer who can get it published. You should be proud! There is nothing like the feeling of holding your first self-published book in your hands. You can count on seeing a few things you may want to change in future printings, and that is okay.
Once you have cleaned up the confetti and recycled the champagne glasses, know it will be time to roll up your sleeves again. You will know need to promote your book and gain readers.
I hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below and I will answer. If there is sufficient interest in this post, I will do another one about book promoting a self published book. If you are interested in learning more about my journey as an artist and things I have learned along the way, you can subscribe to my newsletter here.
And since I need to follow my own advice, here is where I add a shameless plug for my own book!
Printed copies of my book are now ready for order on my website as well, and you can get your copy here! Have a wonderful week!
Good advice and I wish you much success with your book! 🙂
Thank you so very much for your kind comment! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!
Thank you so much for the tips. I really want to start writing my book, but feel completely overwhelmed by my lack of knowledge. Today I wrote about my personal glitches and mistakes since beginning my blog. I know how important it is to take the advice of people who have already succeeded in their artwork! I am grateful, so thank you. Brain storming, her I come. Also, love your artwork!!!
Thank you so very much for your very kind comments! I can so very much relate to what you are saying about mistakes, but mistakes are good as long as you learn from them. I have only been blogging for just over a year, and I have learned so much and imagine there is much more for me to learn. Just take your time and be open to learning and you will do fantastic with your book. I am wishing you much success in the coming year with all of your artistic endeavours!
Thank you so much! What a beautiful message of encouragement! ❤
You were way to generious Jay. Thank you for the extra pottery and necklace. I wish all the best witht he book and the holiday season. 🙂
It was my pleasure. The way you rallied to support my work meant so much to me and I wanted to send you a few goodies. I hope you enjoy everything and I am happy Homer has a good home. Wishing you all the best for the season! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
These are great advice worth taking note of. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your kind comment! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
What a wonderfully informative post, Dear! Thank you for sharing.
I admire your work so very much and wish you every success. 💞
I am glad you found the post informative, as I very much find so many of your posts informative as well! I appreciate your kind comment and wish you all the best for a wonderful year ahead!
Thank you, Jay! May you and yours have a Blessed Holiday Season. 💞
Thank you for this. I have been thinking about this for some time now and this really helps.
I am really glad to hear that! I wish you much success with your book/publishing project and I hope you have an incredible week ahead!
What a helpful post, Jay. Thank you for sharing.
I am honoured you found it helpful! I may do some more in-depth posts on specific aspects in the new year 😉 I hope you have a wonderful week ahead and have some wonderful things planned with those you love 😉
Love how you paired song with your main points! Very nice post!
I am glad you enjoyed that! For me it was one of the most enjoyable parts of creating that post. I hope you had a beautiful weekend and wish you much joy for the year to come!
Thank you for sharing the tips, Jay.
My pleasure Linda! I hope that you found something useful among them! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and wishing you and yours much joy in the season!
Based on my experience, your tips are spot-on! Self-publishing a book (can’t believe I’ve done this three times) is quite an adventure. An excellent editor and graphic designer are also a must.
Good tips! I was just looking up this information not to long ago 🙃
Thank you so much! I am glad you thought so. I hope it helped you out in some way. I hope you have a wonderful week and enjoy the holidays!
Indeed this was very helpful. Have a great rest of week. Enjoy the holidays with your loved ones. Enjoy.