Self-Publishing 101
The Comprehensive Basics of How to Begin Your Writing Career
By Rebecca Dunning
Self-Publishing 101: The Comprehensive Basics of Where to Begin copyright Rebecca Dunning 2011 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any way without express permission of the publisher with this exception: if you are an individual and you want to excerpt a part of the book for the purpose of helping others you may do so given you also prominently note in the excerpt: the book title, the author, and her website (hyperlinked where possible) at www.rebeccadunning.com.
Published by Awen House Publishing
Colorado Springs, CO USA
www.rebeccadunning.com
Smashwords Edition
ISBN- 978-0-9826670-3-3
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As you are probably aware, the mainstream publishing industry has had a major shakeup in the last several years, changing perhaps forever the way books are being brought to the market. In the past, for many, self-publishing was considered substandard and only for those deemed not talented enough to land a deal with a reputable agent or house. This is no longer the case.
Just like the music industry 10 years or so ago changed to where indie or independent artists became the way to make it happen, so it is becoming with self-publishing. It is a way to have not only more control over the content of your book, but also make quite a bit more per copy sold. Why not when you’re doing a considerable amount of the work to get the word out about your work?
Self-Publishing is for some a hobby or the fulfillment of a dream, which is noble in and of itself. For others it is one step in the right direction for building a platform to make an “indie” writing career or build a foundation that causes a publishing house to pick up your book. In this ebook, I will address both sides and lay out some questions that if honestly answered will help you determine whether you are in it for fun or the long haul.
In this book I will offer step by step processes you can follow to make it happen. I will also give you direct links to companies that you can work with. Please feel free to explore companies and ideas outside of this book. Also, please note, this book is not intended to give legal advice, nor does it guarantee your success. Only you can do that. If you have the get up and go, writing talent and personality to go with it, then you have a fighting chance.
Best of luck and enjoy,
Rebecca Dunning
www.rebeccadunning.com
Self-Publishing 101: Self-Publishing is the New Black
By and large to land a book deal with a publishing these days, you have to have a NAME that sells 20,000 books. (It costs a publishing house just as much to market 5,000 books as 20,000). If you do have some sort of recognition you may get a deal that offers a low percentage and requires you to do much of the marketing and public relations that you’d do if you’d printed your own book. Sometimes authors are even asked to buy 1,000 of their own books in order to land the deal or smaller publishing houses may ask for $300-$500 dollars from you in order to begin the production process. The good news is this: self-publishing is the new black. Not only that, but you can become an established writer while doing it.
I want to explore in the following chapters what to do to land soundly on both feet if you dream of being a profitably independent author. I will tell you this. There is the first 90 days of your book and then there is everything else. (There are rare exceptions to this as Where the Wild Things Are, can attest. It took off slowly and became a best seller and eventually a major motion picture.)
The Shack by William Paul Young can attest to the fact that successful Self-Publishing is possible. According to Christian Writing Today, over 15 million copies have been sold thus far. William wrote his book in four months and then handed out 15 photocopies of it as Christmas presents! Now that is incredible and though not everyone’s story, but it is an encouragement for those of us with dreams of seeing your book in print.
Self-Publishing 101: Hobby or Career?
I’ve always wanted to be a writer. It wasn’t until I was an adult and overcame the fear of rejection and could handle the vulnerability of sharing my writings that I decided that I wanted to become an author. Just like you I’ve debated and researched into whether or not I wanted to pursue working with a publishing house or head out on my own. I did a tremendous amount of reading about agents and royalties and the entire industry. While I am no expert, I did land on a couple of things. Agents are hard to land these days (though not impossible for the highly talented) and require about 15% of your profit for the work they do to get your work in front of an acquisitions editor at a publishing houses and negotiate your contract. However, almost all publishing houses require an agent to even look at your book. Then after it is all said and done you will receive 10-12% of the profits from your book.
I sent out my manuscript after the intensive work of putting together a book proposal, editing it and finding who exactly I could send it to.(Though I highly recommend putting together a book proposal as it clarifies your vision and marketing a ton.) I got several rejections and a few hits. Those who wanted to publish my book wanted to dish out a small percentage and asked the world of me in return. I then talked to a successful author friend of mine who has a few books published through publishing houses. At that moment her book that was ready to go to press was cancelled due to cut backs in the budget. She encouraged me at the end of our conversation to give self-publishing a try. This is why.
She asked me several questions that I want to ask you to determine if you are ready to head into this venture.
~First, do you have a network of friends, family and associates where you can get started building a fan base?
~Next, do you have the time and the energy to do a bit each day to build your name and get news out about your book?
~Also, do you follow through on what you begin? Are you simply a creative or can you put one foot in front of the other and see it through.
~Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit about you? Can you cold call bookstores, radio stations and other sources?
~Can you run a business bank account and keep track of your income? Set aside retail tax?
~Can you handle a bit of rejection? And do you have someone who will give you honest feedback about your writing?
~Do you know folks who can write a recommendation for your book that you can use on your website and other promotional materials?
If your answer is “yes” or “I think so” to most of these than I believe you are someone who should think about this as a business. If your answer is “no” than perhaps you should consider joining a writers group as a hobby. If you really want a few copies to keep or give to friends, then go ahead and write your book and get it edited and just move ahead on a smaller scale.
Remember it is done a bit each day. You can’t do it all in a week, you just have to keep at it so don’t feel overwhelmed by the information in this book.
Self-Publishing 101: Giving your Book a Business Plan
As I mentioned earlier, you will want to create a book proposal. I recommend you do it as though you are pitching it to a publishing house or agent. Plans often fail because we don’t do just that … plan. If your goal is to get your book out into the mainstream market, you will need to be able to describe your book, know your competition and provide (for yourself) how you plan on marketing it. Do not underestimate the value of this.
The following is a good outline to follow in terms of a book proposal. (If you were actually pitching a agent or publishing house you would want a cover letter of course and make sure it is addressed specifically to the person who works in acquisitions)
Start with a Title on your page. Mine is:
Book Proposal
The Awen: Book One of The Sacred Oak Series
By Rebecca Dunning
Statement of Purpose
This is your intentions for the book. It is your first paragraph so make it count. You’ll want 2 to 3 sentences here. This is the why and a touch on the “who” the book is for.
Content Overview
What is the theme of your book. This is the what. Again 2-3 sentences is sufficient.
Book Summary
Think back cover copy. Give your storyline. It should be compelling, succinct and of course make someone want to read your book.