Despite the economy and the stories of closures and cut-backs affecting traditional publishing, it IS easier than ever to get a book published. Many new authors today are doing it themselves, but it isn’t as simple as just self-pubbing.
Before you make any decisions, you have to be sure what your goals are in producing this book. Are you merely attempting to document a family history or record favorite family recipes? Or are you looking to play among the big boys, sell books and have a recognizable and respected name? You also need to have a clear picture of your budget so you don’t go into hock and become desperate.
Let’s assume you are hoping for more than just a family keepsake where the cover or an occasional typo won’t really take away from your accomplishment. Be realistic and understand that competition is fierce and there is only a small percentage of published books actually “make it”. That being said, the only chance you have is to go for it.
Research your options and the companies that are out there. You can go with a POD service where the books are only printed as they are purchased, a company that will mass produce a number of books which you will purchase and hope to sell, or make your book available only as an e-book. This part of the process will cost you, it is up to you to be responsible and make sure you can afford it. No matter which form of publication you choose, if you want to sell your book on the open market, you will need to purchase an ISBN for about $99 and name your own publishing company.
Pre-printed books may be less expensive on the retail level, but you will have quite an outlay – and there are no guarantees. POD is generally low risk but will cost more for the average consumer and that could work against you. E-books are the least risk for a new publisher/author and considering the current rise in e-book sales, may also prove to be the most profitable; check out companies like Smashwords or Scribd and see what services they offer. For e-book publishing you will have to format your manuscript according to specs; sometimes you will be able to pay for services to convert your book into Kindle or other forms.
All self-publishing companies will offer various services such as professional book-covers, editing, and marketing services. Read the facts before you agree to anything. While these things are necessary to try to make your book a success, sometimes value pricing can be found with independent contractors. Research, research and research ALL avenues. Choose your title carefully. Look at online retailers like Amazon and search your possible titles – if pages and pages of books come up after searching your chosen title, then chances are no one will see your book.
Finally be prepared to market your book. Use social network sites like FaceBook, blogs, web-sites, Twitter and author pages on Amazon, GoodReads and Smashwords. Some paid advertising MIGHT help, but be sure that the ads reach YOUR chosen target audience for your book.
Now, get writing…
Writing exercise: Make a list of five MOSTS in your life – most memorable, most happy, most sad, most frightening, most unbelievable. Now have an imaginary character adopt any one of these MOSTS and write a paragraph how they felt about it.
Writing prompt: Draw seven boxes on a piece of paper to represent the last seven days. Put a smiley face or a sad face in each box depending on how you felt about the day. Now write three single words in each day that could be used to tell the story of that day. Look at this calendar record, does it really express your life for the past week? Use stronger words if necessary.
