My notes from the Southern California Writers' Conference.
• Why self-publish? Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
• What is your project? Self-publish if it’s hobby writing; you like telling stories but don’t expect to make a living; a personal record meant to be shared by family
• When you start treating your books like business, then you’re a career writer.
• Self-publish if you are you a perfectionist and an outgoing person who likes things your way and doesn't mind doing all the work if it means you’re control.
• Make sure you build up an internet/social media presence (blog, website). Are you involved in your genre’s organizations? Learn from them, get involved in their activities.
• Write a damned good book, be in a critique group, get beta readers, hire a professional editor…create a damned good book cover! Pay for it unless you’re a graphic designer, make sure it looks good as a thumbnail.
• Release plans: build anticipation on website/social media/blog, do giveaways, have a release party (online or in person)! Café press/zazzle
• ISBN makes your book unique since titles can’t be copyrighted. Createspace will assign one for free, but the publisher will always be “Createspace”.
• Formatting books: booknook.biz, other companies, Createspace. Lulu.com does hardcopies, Createspace does not.
• Smashwords formats for multiple e-readers
• Multiple books require structure—brand each genre (consistent cover schemes), consider creating your own publishing imprint if you write a lot of books.
• You must learn to market without marketing—no one wants to hear “buy my book!” Everyone wants to hear, “How are you today?”
• Resources: createspace.com, kdp.amazon.com, smashwords.com, bowker.com, booknook.biz, mobipocket.com, APE: Author, Publisher, and Entrepreneur
No comments:
Post a Comment