Self-Publishing: Lessons From An Indie Author

For some time now, I’ve wanted to create a series of posts about my journey into self-publishing and the lessons I’ve learned. Up until about a year ago, like most writers, if you’d asked me whether I’d ever considered self-publishing, I would have stuck my nose up in the air, made one of those huffing sounds fat old British gentleman make, and answered you with a firm and superior sounding, Of course not!

So, what changed?

[image error]I could say the publishing industry changed, but I think the more correct answer would be: eBooks changed the publishing industry.

EBooks have given authors the opportunity to publish their work for, if not totally free, then, a minor cost. Authors now have the opportunity to not only maintain control of their work, but also receive a higher percentage of the proceeds. In addition, with print on demand publishing services like Amazon’s CreateSpace, an author can offer a paperback version, as well, without needing to make space in their garage for cases of books that have set them back a second mortgage or two.

[image error]Does it all sound too good to be true? I’m going to surprise you and say, it’s not…but if you think you can whip out a book, upload it to Amazon, iBooks, Smashwords, or one of several other outlets on the internet, and then sit back and wait for the money to roll in—think again. Since I uploaded WHEELS to Amazon, I’ve never worked so hard.

Let me put it this way…In addition to writing the book, you, the self-published author, are also in charge of:

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And that, in a nutshell, has been my life for the past few months. Oops…I forgot the most important thing:

You must do all the above, and find time to write another book!

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But fear not, dear authors, for over the next few weeks, I’m going to share some lessons I’ve learned–many most of them from my own failures—and begin providing you with links and resources to help you on your own journey into the world of self-publishing.

Next up…

      Book Covers: What To Do, What Not To Do, And Online Resources