Guest Post: Mara’s Do’s and Don’ts for Self-Publishing

I am just a few days shy of my 6 month publishing anniversary, and to honor the occasion (that I only just realized was coming up), I thought I might share some of the lessons I have learned since hitting the publish button myself on Heirs of War.

Do dare enough to believe in yourself as a writer and in your story. If you don’t, why should anyone else? Self-publishing can be the scariest thing you do as a writer. You are skipping the validation that comes with being accepted by an agent or publisher, and essentially sticking your neck out there and onto the literary chopping block of book critics everywhere. Don’t just think you have a good story, believe it. But…

Don’t be so headstrong that you won’t listen to the advice or critiques of others, especially those who are more experienced than you. You don’t have to take everyone’s advice that gives it, but be willing to listen with an open mind and really evaluate whether or not that advice is for you.

Do be prepared to spend money on things like cover art and editing. Creating a professional package is worth the wait to get the dough to do it. I’ve had books come across my review list that have never seen the glorious red ink of an editor’s pen, and it is obvious. And as much as we all like to say “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” a lot of people do. Professional editing and cover art will help you sell your book. The opposite won’t.

Don’t go broke with things like marketing or using services that say they will help you self-publish your book. First of all, you can do most things with self-publishing on your own and probably for the same price (or cheaper). Do your research on these places first before you give them your cash. I’ve heard some heartbreaking horror stories. As for marketing, the absolute best thing you can do is write another book. You’ve probably heard that already, and it is true.

Do be prepared to see very little in sales for your first book. We can’t all be Amanda Hocking, though that would be awesome. Be patient, and above all else…

Don’t be discouraged by a lack of sales. For my first book, I sell about five copies max per month. And you know what? I am good with that. To me, that is a success because this is my first book.

Do be prepared to give away your first book in order to get readers, but…

Don’t go crazy with it. My husband will tell you that I do. And yeah, I probably do. But I love my readers and I love giving them stuff. I plan to limit the freebie books to just the first in this series, though, which is what I would recommend. I will still give away the other books in the series sometimes, but it will be very special when I do.

Do be prepared to be actively involved in social media, but…

Don’t spam people about your books. Build real connections. Get to know your readers. Some of my readers have become fast friends of mine. I find (not so shockingly) that I have a lot in common with them, and they enjoy the silly fangirl stuff I post, and I enjoy their posts too. Connect with other writers and with book bloggers. One thing that is great about the indie community is that it is a community. Support your fellow indie authors, befriend your readers and book bloggers, and you will be surprised how much of that you get in return when you need it. But please, be genuine. It is easy to tell when someone isn’t.

Do share what you learn on your journey to self-publishing and after, but…

Don’t get overly-preachy, and know when to stop, which is what I am going to do now.
What about you? What are some of the lessons you have learned with publishing (traditional or indie), or that you hope writers will learn before self-publishing or querying?
Bio:
Mara Valderran has worn many different artistic hats throughout her life. She has dabbled in screenwriting, plucked guitars and basses, toyed with singing, retired from acting, and drawn some pretty mean stick figures in her time. However, writing books seems to fit her best as she finds nothing more fulfilling than creating worlds and characters she can lose herself in.
Mara is an avid reader and book blogger. Her first full length novel, Heirs of War, was featured on Wattpad with over 500k reads, and her short story “The Austenation” will be featured in the upcoming Borderlands anthology by Curiosity Quills. The second book in the Heirs of War series will be published in 2014.

Mara is more than just a madwoman with a writing box. She lives in the south with her husband and demanding cat. She hopes to one day meet Daniel Jackson from SG1, or at least the actor who played him. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, playing video games, or spending time at her favorite local coffee shop.       
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