Self publishing, which includes paperless electronic publishing, is a route being taken by thousands of writers, many of whom have become frustrated trying to find an agent or a publisher.
Here's the challenge:
With self-publishing, you pay a company to edit, layout, create a cover, and print a certain quantity of your book. (Hopefully you have a dining room or guest room available for storage).
When it comes to marketing, you are totally on your own. And yes, you can create a website, offer your book through Amazon, then hit the road and promote your book with lectures, book signings, attending book fairs, searching out book reviewers, mentioning your title on book blogs, even locating an e-book distributor (along with Amazon) who promotes books and takes a % of sales. You'll find lots of information in the many "how to self-publish and self-market" books.
Self-published books are not, at present, sold by the major book store chains. Why? Because most simply don't measure up to the standards of content, editing, and design that book stores demand. They don't sell.
Becoming your own sales force brings up a major life question: do you want to stop writing to focus on selling?
Certain circumstances are perfect for self-publishing; writers who want to have their manuscripts published as part of their family history or writers who craft "nitch" books and know exactly how to reach their market. For example, I know a couple who developed travel techniques specifically for "pop-op" trailers. They sell books at travel shows, work with manufacturers of these trailers, and run ads in magazines catering to the "pop-up" camping market.
To educate yourself more fully about self-publishing, check out the programs at Lulu.com and Amazon's Createspace.com.
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Dear Query Wizard,
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff here! You are one busy wizard.
Q: Today I wrote my first query letter, and was satisfied with it. But now I see I've broken some rules. It's 13 paragraphs. They're short and easy to read. Content-wise, I think it sets up the "drama" well. I wanted it to stand out from the pile. Thoughts?
Also, the writer's guidelines asks for a resume. I was a schlub in a credit card bank for 13 years; my resume isn't even current. I do have way-old advertising copywriter experience, but still. This is for a major health publication, and I'm sending them 2 samples of recent articles accepted by a sports mag. (My only two; I just started this.)
Appreciate any comments you have. Keep on the good work, and thanks much.