Jack of all trades master of none pretty well sums of the reality of a self published author. If all you had to do was write your book, sometimes that is the easier part. But no, there is a laundry list of things to complete before you get your book out there to the consumer.
Thankfully I belong to a wonderful writing group with several members who are published several times over. They’ve learned thru trial and error and have graciously imparted their wisdom to me.
New words and their meanings have become part of my everyday vernacular; Amazon KDP, Bowker, IngramSpark ISBN to name a few.
Then there’s the social media aspect of book promotion; Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest and the list continues to grow. Creating an online presence is key.
And don’t forget about the professional organization of writers who are also a great resources; Florida Writers Association and the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators are the two I belong to. Which you don’t have to belong to but I find having a bigger writing community can be beneficial.
But back to that book; write, edit, rewrite, have someone else edit you. Hire and illustrator (unless you have that skill) for cover art, or illustrations if a picture book. Wait, and perhaps wait some more.
In anticipation of your book release you sign up for local events (fee/non-fee) to launch your book. You ready yourself with the things necessary to create an aesthetic vending site to include but not limited to; a tent (don’t forget the weights), table ( and covering) ways to display your newly published book, giveaways, signage, ways to collect for sales (cash and card) and recruiting family/friends to help with your event.
While to some who have already completed the self-publishing journey, this is familiar and routine. For those just starting out or who are mid process as I am, don’t lose heart be the hero in your self-publishing journey!
(p.s. the image is a photo I took at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota and doesn’t really anything to do with my post – I just thought it looked cool!)
Lynn Van Meter 