Self Publishing

Tips to self-publishing

There are a few different options to self-publish, unfortunately there are also a lot of vanity publishing companies, meaning they ask you for money to publish your work, rather than the other way around. Number one rule to remember, if they are asking you for money, do not do it. That even goes for advertising, yes, most promotions and advertising with cost a bit, but be cautious and careful.

Here are the two publishing companies I go through to print my picture books and novels. KDP (Amazon) and IngramSpark (Lighting Source). A couple quick notes before we really get started. KDP is through Amazon. Through KDP you can only publish a paperback and ebook. With IngramSpark you can publish Hardcover, paperback, and ebook. When speaking with a retailer, giftshop or bookstore they will likely know what IngramSpark is, however, if they do not, they will not order through Ingram, they will in fact visit the sister site, Lightingsource.

1. Buy your own ISBN!!! I cannot stress this enough. You want this book you worked so hard on to be yours! Ingram and KDP offer ISBNs, you should not simply use theirs, even if it will save you a couple hundred bucks. If you are in the US, take a look at Bowker, you can purchase your very own ISBN and assign it to your book. I bought the package because I knew I would be publishing more than one book. No, you do not need to purchase the barcode, it would not hurt but it is not necessary. If you are in Canada, I believe ISBNs are free. When assigning your ISBN to a book, make sure you enter it exactly how you will enter the book to the publishing sites. It will show that it is pending for a bit but it usually does not take more than a day or two to be approved. If you try and edit the ISBN information or try and publish while it is still pending, it will not work. It needs to show, “approved” before you can publish with that ISBN.

2. Bleeding, yikes, I know. You see that word and think, not good. Actually, if you are publishing a picture book and it asks if you want your pages to, “bleed”, yes, press yes. This will prevent the illustrations ending before the next page begins. If the illustrations, “bleed”, then the pictures will flow much better. I believe Ingram asks this.

3. You will also be asked by Ingram if you want to destroy your book. Right, even the notion! Of course, you do not want your book to be destroyed…. Actually, you do. Well, the option needs to be there at least. See, not many bookstores, including Barnes and Noble will agree to carry your book on their shelves if your book is not “returnable.”

4. Another part that bookstores and Barnes and Noble are particular about is how much they have to pay for your book. Ingram will ask you if you want your title listed at 45% or 55%. You are going to want to choose 55%. If it is not listed at 55%, the stores will more than likely say no.

5. Competitive prices, go right along with number 4. You need to look at your book, look at titles similar, on Barnes and Noble, Amazon and other bookseller sites. Get a feel for what your title should be sold at. If it is too high, it will not likely sell, too low and stores will not want to carry it. You probably will not make much in royalties at first so focus on what it should be listed at rather than at how much you want to make in royalties.

6. People tell one another to not judge a book by its cover, but let us be honest, we all do it. Therefore, make sure your cover is striking. It is ok to design it yourself if you know how, otherwise, hirer an illustrator or a cover designer. If you are doing a picture book, then the illustrator should do the cover for you. Be sure your cover outlines what your book is about. Do not put a sunny, warm beach if your book takes place elsewhere, yes, I have seen it happen. Folks will simply choose a pretty picture, slap it on the front and hope it sells. Also, double, and triple check that the image you use is copyright free. If you are using an illustrator or a cover designer, you should be safe, always do your research though.

7. Be cautious who you pay. Make sure they have a contract. I have seen authors post about paying an illustrator and never getting illustrations or paying for editing but the book never gets edited. That being said, be careful who you choose for ARC, ALPHA and BETA readers. Authors will often ask people to read their work for free for feedback. It is a fantastic way to get lots of free revisions and editing in, as well as reviews, however, some authors have had their work stolen from them, so make sure you are comfortable sending your work to the reader.

8. You will want to hire a few different people to help with your book. You will need an editor, illustrator/cover designer, and a formatter. That is, some illustrators/cover designers will do the formatting for you. I will be honest, this part is not cheap, it can get quite expensive so this needs to be something you are willing to pay for. Again, be careful who you hire. Unfortunately, there are scammers out there.

9. Do not be afraid to talk about your book. This is where I have a hard time. I can speak to book sellers and stores about my title but in everyday conversation I struggle. All I can say is, know your book, know how you feel about it, know if you are going to write more or what one you will publish next.

10. Enjoy the process!!! Every part of it is exciting and extremely rewarding.

Good luck and do not be afraid to ask questions or for advice.