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CHK Initial Considerations for Self-Publishing
by Ron Kurtus (revised 30 May 2016)
If you have written a book and have a goal of getting it published, and you are thinking of self-publishing the book, there are some initial considerations you should make.
First of all, you need to consider whether this book would be worth writing. Then you should decide on the best route for you to get the book published and distributed. And finally, if you decide to self-publish, you need to know what is required.
Questions you may have include:
- Is your idea worth pursuing?
- What is the best route to take to get published?
- What is needed to publish the book yourself?
This lesson will answer those questions.
Deciding if idea is worth pursuing
First of all, you need to get an idea of a book to write. Ideas usually come from you passions and interests.
(See Getting Idea of Book to Write for more information,)
Once you have a great idea of a book, you need to consider whether the idea is worth pursuing.
The way to do that is to first write down a short description of what your book or story is about. Then do some market research to find out who would be interested in such a book, as well as how to reach them.
A book proposal defines what your book is about and who the intended audience is. It examines the demand for such a book, as well as the market for it. Part of this is market analysis.
Although formal book proposal can be sent to agents and publishers, its value is in giving you focus and motivations for writing your book.
If you see the potential for the book, you can decide to start writing it.
Determining best route to get book published
While you are writing your book, you can examine the routes to get your book published and determine which one to pursue.
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.
At some point, you want to consider how you will get the book published. Some send out query letters and their formal proposal to agents or publishers. However, another route is to self-publish your book, primarily starting your own publishing business.
Assume that publishing the book yourself is the best route for you to take.
Deciding to publish book yourself
Publishing the book yourself requires that you start your own publishing business.
You then have your manuscript edited and format for print and e-book delivery.
The publishing process consists of formatting your manuscript for both a hardcopy version (p-book) and digital versions (e-books). Files are sent to several printers that include distribution channels, such as CreateSpace for Amazon.com distribution.
You must publicize and promote your books, as well as to personally sell copies.
Once you have the business in place, you can produce hardcopy and e-book versions of your manuscript. Then you get the books into distribution channels. You need to promote your book to get people interested in it. You can also personally and sell your book.
Summary
The first consideration for wanting to write and get your book published is to write a book proposal or do a market analysis first. Then you can write with a better focus.
You need to consider how you will get the book published. Some send out query letters and their formal proposal. However, another route is to self-publish your book, primarily starting your own publishing business.
Once you have the business in place, you can produce your hardcopy and e-book versions. Then you get the books into distribution channels. You need to promote your book to get people interested in it. You can also personally and sell your book.
First things first
Resources and references
Websites
Books
Top-rated books on Self-Publishing
Questions and comments
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Initial Considerations for Self-Publishing