Sure Fire Ways To Ensure Self Publishing Success!
by Melissa Wathington
• Know your competition
Has this topic been covered? How? Is the market oversaturated
with your idea? Besides perusing the latest releases on the
shelves in the bookstore and local libraries, take a look in Books
in Print Subject guide. This should help you to judge where
your idea stands.
• Learn the business
Yes, I said business. Self publishing is just that and needs to be
taken seriously in order to achieve success. Do your research
and formulate a plan. Plan and network and you’ll be surprised
with how well it can pay off.
• Look for the need
Again, study the market! Can I say how important this is? It’s
VERY important! Know your audience and their needs.
Combine that with your own personal strength and you have a
winner.
• Have a vision
As part of your business plan you need to know exactly where
your book is going to end up and how. Are you dealing with a
non-fiction better targeted to professionals or is your target
audience women from 20-50 who read sexy romances? Make a
list of ideas from how to reach your audience and this is better
done before the book is finished!
• Do NOT self edit!
If at all possible, acquire professional editing of your
manuscript. Never attempt to edit yourself- it’s way to easy to
overlook your own mistakes, grammar and otherwise. What
makes sense to you may be confusing to the reader.
• Put your best face forward
What do I mean by face, you ask? Why your cover, of course!
To get those books flying off the shelf, the cover is one of your
main selling points. Not only is the design vital, your title is the
bait and the hook. Make sure it’s good enough to reel them in!
• Remember all pertinent details
Make sure you have everything needed to get your book on the
shelves. ISBN #’s, copyrights, LCCN, EAN Scanning Symbol,
informative yet entertaining write up for the back cover and so
on. Remember everything you’ve learned and check that all of
your t’s are crossed and i’s are dotted.
• P-R-O-M-O-T-E!!!
This is the life blood of the whole deal. In order to be the
trailblazer you’ve always imagined being, people need to know
about you and your book! Promote in every conceivable way-
bookmarks, calendars, website, contests, give aways, book clubs
and more. The sky is the limit! Just make sure to stay within a
budget so you don’t find yourself using all of your profit to pay
off the debt at Kinkos!
The last thing you can do to ensure success is believe in yourself
and your work no matter what. No one can offer what you can--
know it and believe it! Continue reaching for the stars; who
know, you just may snag one!!
by Melissa Wathington
• Know your competition
Has this topic been covered? How? Is the market oversaturated
with your idea? Besides perusing the latest releases on the
shelves in the bookstore and local libraries, take a look in Books
in Print Subject guide. This should help you to judge where
your idea stands.
• Learn the business
Yes, I said business. Self publishing is just that and needs to be
taken seriously in order to achieve success. Do your research
and formulate a plan. Plan and network and you’ll be surprised
with how well it can pay off.
• Look for the need
Again, study the market! Can I say how important this is? It’s
VERY important! Know your audience and their needs.
Combine that with your own personal strength and you have a
winner.
• Have a vision
As part of your business plan you need to know exactly where
your book is going to end up and how. Are you dealing with a
non-fiction better targeted to professionals or is your target
audience women from 20-50 who read sexy romances? Make a
list of ideas from how to reach your audience and this is better
done before the book is finished!
• Do NOT self edit!
If at all possible, acquire professional editing of your
manuscript. Never attempt to edit yourself- it’s way to easy to
overlook your own mistakes, grammar and otherwise. What
makes sense to you may be confusing to the reader.
• Put your best face forward
What do I mean by face, you ask? Why your cover, of course!
To get those books flying off the shelf, the cover is one of your
main selling points. Not only is the design vital, your title is the
bait and the hook. Make sure it’s good enough to reel them in!
• Remember all pertinent details
Make sure you have everything needed to get your book on the
shelves. ISBN #’s, copyrights, LCCN, EAN Scanning Symbol,
informative yet entertaining write up for the back cover and so
on. Remember everything you’ve learned and check that all of
your t’s are crossed and i’s are dotted.
• P-R-O-M-O-T-E!!!
This is the life blood of the whole deal. In order to be the
trailblazer you’ve always imagined being, people need to know
about you and your book! Promote in every conceivable way-
bookmarks, calendars, website, contests, give aways, book clubs
and more. The sky is the limit! Just make sure to stay within a
budget so you don’t find yourself using all of your profit to pay
off the debt at Kinkos!
The last thing you can do to ensure success is believe in yourself
and your work no matter what. No one can offer what you can--
know it and believe it! Continue reaching for the stars; who
know, you just may snag one!!
| Back to Table Of Contents |
Copyright © 2007 Lavender Isis. All Rights Reserved.
