CHK Introduction to the Self-Publishing Process
About 2 min read
The self-publishing process starts with having written a book and wanting to get that book published. You need to consider the best route to get your book published.
If you decide to publish the book yourself, you should start a publishing business, produce the book and get it into distribution. Then you can promote your book to increase your sales.
Questions you may have include:
- What is the best route to take?
- What is involved in publishing yourself?
- How do your promote your book?
This lesson will answer those questions.
Best route
Your initial considerations are whether your book idea is worth pursuing and the best route to take to get your book published.
Is idea worth pursuing?
First of all, you need to decide whether you book idea is worth pursuing. The way to do that is to write down a short description of what your book or story is about. Then you need to do some market research to find out who would be interested in such a book, as well as how to reach them.
If you see the potential for the book, you can decide to start writing it.
Determine route to get book published
The routes to get a book published are going through a traditional publishing house, paying a publishing service, or publishing the book yourself. You need to examine these publishing routes to see which one is best for you.
Self-publishing business
If you decide to self-publish as an independent publisher, you need to start up a publishing business, produce the books, and get them into distribution.
Start business
Starting a publishing business gives you control of your publishing process. There are also tax breaks from running the business.
Produce books
You need to have your manuscript edited and formatted. Adobe InDesign is usually used to format books.
Get into distribution
Printing your books through CreateSpace and IngramSpark allows you to get distribution through their channels. Likewise going through Kindle Direct Publishing and IngramSpark for e-books, get them into distribution.
Promotion
Promotion often starts before you finish publishing. Not only do you want to get your book on Amazon.com and other online stores, you may try to get the book in various bookstores.
Promotion and advertising consists of letting people know about your book.
Summary
You start with having a great idea for a book you would like to write. Then your initial considerations are whether this book would be worth writing and what would be the best route for you to get the book published and distributed for sale.
If you decide to publish the book yourself, you should start a publishing business, produce the book and get it into distribution. Then you can promote your book to increase your sales.
Do things methodically
Resources and references
Websites
Questions and comments
Do you have any questions, comments, or opinions on this subject? If so, send an email with your feedback. I will try to get back to you as soon as possible.