How to Avoid Self-Publishing Mistakes—in One Minute
Published June 11th, 2008 in Author-ized Appearances, Writing, Editing, & PublishingGeorge Smyth’s One Minute How-To podcast challenges us so-called experts to tell listeners how to do something in one minute. He picked the topic for this one, from a range of possible publishing-related tips. I had to use a written crib sheet to be sure I could cover all the important points in the allotted time. If you’ve had experience with self-publishing, feel free to add your own suggestions to this list.
- Read Dan Poynter’s Self-Publishing Manual. Try to get the most recent edition.
- Visit the SelfPublishing.com website. Read the FAQ. Listen to the Publishing Basics interviews.
- Make sure you know the difference between self-publishing (which means printing the books yourself) and POD (Print on Demand), which has a higher per-book cost.
- Get an ISBN if you plan to sell the book from anywhere but your own website or garage.
- Hire a professional copy editor and typesetter/book designer.
- Use BookSurge if you want to sell your POD book on Amazon (http://www.writersweekly.com/amazon.php).
- Don’t self-publish if your aim is to get into the large bookstore chains. It can be done, but it’s very difficult.
- Look for a local independent publishers association, and join it. In the Bay Area, for instance, we have the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association and Book Builders West.