D.I.Y. your way to a published book

There are several routes you can take to publication – gone are the days when a writer is solely dependent on finding their way through a door and convincing the right people to back you. Many authors have found that self-publishing has helped them attain their dreams, but it is certainly not an easy way out.

Although there are those who will look down their long – often unpublished – noses at the self-published author and deride them for “not being able to make it”, this is an untruth. Several self-published authors have chosen this route as part of a well thought out plan. Self-publishing keeps a much greater control of your work in your hands. More control has both positives and negatives.

Self-publishing is a catch-all phrase for a number of methods where you answer only to the public and your wallet. Among the methods, you can self-publish electronically, have a number of books printed which you can market personally, use print-on-demand that only prints as a book is purchased, or subsidy publish where you pay the publication costs but enjoy some of the benefits of an experienced company. Self-publishing takes determination, knowledge, careful planning, and realistic expectations. As a self-published author, you need to have a serious level of business acumen.

When you decide to write ANY book, know WHO you are writing for - the market you want to reach with your work. Check the competition in order to 1) avoid duplication, 2) understand the subject better and public interest, and 3) as a way to develop a marketing plan by using someone else’s experiences. Read through any and all agreements and make sure that you retain all rights as well as the right to terminate your relationship without penalty. Set limits on your financial investment – know what you can afford and have a reasonable idea of what you can expect in earnings. Most self-published books do not become huge money-making projects.

Edit and re-edit your work. Just as you strive to present the very best to a potential agent or publisher, you have to present the very best to the public if you expect anyone to buy your book. Enlist the aid of a professional designer if necessary for your cover design; the last thing you want is a book cover that looks crude and unprofessional. Learn about ISBNs and copyrights. Research titles, you’ll want one that will attract buyers and also help to classify your book in subject matter. Market and promote your book to your chosen audience. Find a hook if you can that will appeal to special interest groups.

I know of an author who will produce a book specifically for causes represented by corporate foundations, then he markets the book to the business for inclusion in gift bags and other giveaways; the corporations gobble these books up and mass numbers are sold. Other authors will sell books at flea markets and other personal appearances. It is rare that a self-published book will land on the shelves of any major retailer.

Some writers use self-published works as opportunities to gain experience, prove their marketing skills and hopefully catch the eye of a publisher who is willing to pay a lot of money on a new title and marketing plans. Some writers enjoy the control and making successful decisions. Whether you choose self-publishing or go with a traditional publisher though, nothing in the publishing industry is for the faint of heart.


Writing exercise: Explore the “road not taken” on paper – write what your life “is” had you made another choice somewhere along the line. But write it without regrets.

Writing prompt: Using the letters of your name, write one word each to describe yourself. For instance, C-H-E-L-L-E might be Creative, Happy, Eccentric… etc.