10 questions to ask yourself before taking the self-publishing plunge

Independent publishing is an increasingly popular route for authors looking to get their work out there while still retaining full control over what they do. However, taking the self-publishing plunge is not something to be taken lightly. Before you do, there are some important questions you should ask yourself to make sure you (and your book) are ready to get started. In no particular order, here are 10 of the most important…

Are you as happy as you can be with your book?
Has it been edited to a high standard? Has it been proofread to correct any spelling and grammar errors?
Have you researched self-publishing so you have a good idea of what you’ll need to do? Alternatively, have you found someone who will be able to help you manage the process?
Have you decided where you want to publish your book?
Have you started to build yourself a platform, such as through social media, so you’ll have something to work from when it comes to promoting your book?
Do you have a strategy for marketing?
Do you have goals that you want to achieve? Your goals could be anything from ‘self-publish and see what happens’ to ‘get an Amazon bestseller’.
Have you thought about pricing your book?
Have you thought about what you’ll do if things don’t go quite to plan?
What are you going to write next?

When it comes to independent publishing, everyone is different and so it’s important that you find the right process and methods that work for you. However, there are definitely common issues that we all need to be aware of and deal with so we can have the best possible chance of self-publishing success.

Over to you. What do you think are the most important questions to ask yourself before taking the self-publishing plunge?