The journey of self-publishing: my top 10 tips and tricks
I’m often asked by authors: ‘How do I get my book published?’ This is my response:
It's great that you've written the book - many people only think of doing that - and never get around to doing it.
I'm delighted you have an editor; I always recommend to authors they have their text edited.
Once you have an edited manuscript, the next step is to think about how you want your book to look: what format (size); whether paperback or print; in colour or black-and-white.
You should also consider how you want to print the book: do you want to go the traditional route and print x-number of copies? Or would you prefer to print-on-demand. If you go the traditional route, you need to ask a book printer to quote you on the following: quantity; materials; format; colour; delivery to where. I always recommend to a self-publisher that you go the print-on-demand route. I know you think your book will sell in the millions, but TBH, that's unlikely and you'll land up with a few 1000 in your garage.
Once you have locked in your thinking about the look and print processes, you need to find a typesetter/designer. I assume you want your book to look like a trade publication, something users can buy in WH Smith or Readings. Many self-publishers are happy with an A4 spiral bound Officeworks product; that's not what I'm talking about. I think if you're going to the trouble and expense, your book needs to stand proudly on the shelves of any book shop.
A book designer/typesetter will ideally give you 3 design specs to consider - for internals and for the cover. Once you've made the decision and they've provided you with the first set of proofs, you will need to engage a proofreader - and that's not your editor because they won't spot all the minor typos as they're too familiar with the text. You should also read the page proofs for any final changes. Engaging a book designer will help you with the pagination: what goes on the right-hand page; what goes on the left-hand page. Books generally have a fairly strict tradition for the preliminary pages. Don't fall into the trap of omitting the blank pages; they're there for a reason.
I assume you'll want the book in both print and digital. Once you've seen and signed off on the second set of proofs, your designer will prepare the book for final print PDFs. It is that file that you would need to have converted to ePUB format for the online retailers. I doubt that your bookdesigner knows how to do that as it's a specialised skill. That's one area where I could provide you some assistance for a fee. And if you want an audiobook, that's a whole other set of processes.
It is almost impossible to get a book distributor to take on a new author with only one title. Luckily I have a suggestion for a distributor who will upload your title to all the online retailers (as opposed to you doing that one by one).
I use a printer/distributor called Ingram Spark. You will sign up with them so that you can upload both sets of files (print and digital). You will add all the metadata to set your price, etc. Ingram Spark uploads the digital version to Amazon, Kobo, etc. etc. They keep the print files on record, which means you can order on demand as and when you need more copies. IngramSpark lists their titles with booksellers, who will be able to purchase direct if there are any orders for your title. Alternately, you can ship any orders yourself via Ingram Spark. They offer an excellent service for small self-publishers. I would only print traditionally if I want 500+ of any title. I use IngramSpark for all my own titles.
You mention you have a marketing strategy. That's terrific. Does that include selling your book ahead of launch? That way you can gauge how many you need if you go the traditional print route. I highly recommend you have a launch. You will sell most of your copies at that event. Make sure you invite an engaging and influential speaker as a drawcard. I assume you'll be selling your book from your own commercially enabled website. And you will promote via Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Linkedin.
