by Laura Peters
Becoming an established author is easier today than it has ever been in the past. That is thanks to services like Createspace and Lightning Source that enable anyone with the skills to self-publish their work in a print-on-demand format.
However, getting your books onto Amazon doesn’t guarantee anyone will buy or read your stories. With that in mind, this article will provide you with a short step-by-step guide you can use to ensure you get the best results from your efforts.
Step 1: Decide if self-publishing is right for you
So, there are two options on the table for people in your position. You could try to find a traditional publisher like Stephen King, Daniel Handler, and other established authors, or you could self-publish.
The latter option is easy because you only need to open online accounts with the right websites. You can then have your book for sale in a matter of days. However, traditional publishers will get your titles into bricks and mortar bookstores, which sometimes makes it easier to sell more copies. Weigh all the pros and cons of each idea before making your decision. Also, don’t forget you can change your mind at any point.
Step 2: Make sure an editor looks at the content
Regardless of whether you choose to self-publish with Createspace or walk the traditional publisher route, it is imperative that someone pays for a professional editor to check your work and ensure it meets the high standards of readers. A couple of small spelling or grammar mistakes can ruin a book for many people, and they will do nothing for your reputation as a writer.
So, search online and use a freelancer if you plan to self-publish, or ensure your publisher pays for an expert editor before they send your title to print.
Step 3: Market yourself as much as possible
There are lots of ways in which authors can market themselves and their work. Indeed, you will often have to submit a marketing strategy to traditional publishing houses before they will agree to publish your book. While there are no rules to this process; you will benefit from choosing the following advertising methods:
- Send press releases to media and book review companies
- Try to get TV and radio slots as an expert
- Write as many blog posts as possible that mention your book
- Create YouTube videos where you talk about the book
- Launch a podcast and promote yourself and the title
You can now use the advice from this post to create a strategy that will ensure you can become a professional author in only a few months. Writing the book is always the most challenging part, and you just need to follow the suggestions from this article when you complete that task.
Also, don’t forget that you should submit a copy to the national library in your home country to ensure the book remains in your possession and is preserved forever. Even if your book doesn’t sell well straight away, it could become one of the most popular publications in the world in the future.
Guest post contributed by Laura Peters.
Marketing gets to be expensive after a while.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for the advice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Pens of Erdington.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Literature.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on The Kingdom of the Woodland Realm Trilogy and commented:
This a long shot without having a name (or you have a large book like me) but it’s not impossible. Show the world what you’re made of; life is a leap of faith a.k.a: a risk. ☺️ It’s never ‘no’, it’s just not now—the way to look at rejections. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel as though I’m in a tug of war over these two choices. I want control but I want the help in marketing, book design, and editing. Ugh!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Kim's Author Support Blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved reading this. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know for sure that I want to try out traditional publishing and going for that for at least a few years, because I know just how expensive self-publishing could be and honestly my dream is having my books in hardcover and most self-publishing is paperback. It is probably a shallow reason, but I have a love for covers that can’t be denied. Plus having a publisher backing you with resources and editors and many people who know the industry and help you grow is huge for me. I don’t think I could get that kind of one on one team feeling trying to make it on my own.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the advice, it’s so hard just starting out as a new author
LikeLiked by 1 person
Super good tips!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Marketing is the biggest challenge!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great tips! Thanks for sharing.
@sheilamgood at Cow Pasture Chronicles
LikeLiked by 1 person
Useful information 👍
LikeLike
Great info!
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing! So many ways to market that are inexpensive too!
LikeLike
Good advice. I found that setting up a solid writer’s platform on social media prior to the release of my novel (The Lies That Got Us Here) was helpful in generating pre-release hype and post-release sales. Having a ‘Writer’s budget’ would help too. I didn’t have this, and the writing process took years to complete because of it. Editing certainty isn’t cheap.
LikeLike
Great advice! I’m currently trying to promote the novel I just launched and it is a lot of work. Sometimes I feel like I’m in over my head…
LikeLike
Loved this post, great advice. Thank you!
LikeLike