Self Publishing Success Tips

These days, the barriers to becoming a published author are very low. That does not mean that the majority of self-published authors find true success though. Sometimes the difference between success and failure can be quite small though. Even though the quality of your work plays into your eventual success, it may not be the determining factor. With so many self-published books on the market, the biggest problem for many new authors is learning how to find a good audience for their work!

It Is Easy To Self Publish

Several large and well known book distribution companies have free services so independent authors can get their books published. Publishing may include electronic books or printed books. Some popular examples are Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. These services do offer some promotional services too, but it is really up to the author to make their own luck. You certainly cannot just set up your book on one of these services and expect to become a bestselling author overnight.

Make Sure You Offer High Quality Work

Of course before you offer your own book, you should make sure it is well written and checked for errors. Nothing is more embarrassing than to tell all your friends about your new book, and then have them spot grammatical or word usage errors. Trust me. I know. I think it is very hard to proof read your own work because you know what you are trying to say. If you do not have the money to pay a professional editor, maybe you can talk some of your friends into helping you. Many of them will envoy a chance to be a part of a new books project, and you may offer them a token of appreciation like a good meal or gift card.

Book Covers Are Important

Many online publishing services also require a book cover. This may be as simple as finding a good illustration, and then overlaying your book title and author name. However, it is not that easy to make an eye-catching, professional looking book cover. The cover also has to look good when it is reduced to a thumbnail sized picture. You may be able to create your own book cover, with tools provided by the publishing services. If not, it may be worth it to pay a freelancer to help you. You can probably find freelancers who can help you for an affordable price.

Spread The Word In Your Social Circles

Once your book is published, do not be shy about announcing it to your network of friends and family. Some may be your best advertisers as they push out the announcement to their own expanded circle of friends and family. Others will not be interested, and may even be discouraging. If so, just leave them alone and move on. Your success will not depend upon the good opinion of everybody you know.

Expand Your Network

Of course, you will need to move beyond your own circle of friends and family if you really want to be successful. In the end, you will need to develop the skills to connect with a wider audience. You may find some online communities that are centered around your topic or genre, general reader communities, and advertising sources. You also may want to promote your book offline by offering a printed version to local bookstores in your area.

You Will Have To Learn To Promote Your Work

You will find yourself growing as a marketer as you grow as a writer. You may also choose to pay somebody else to help your promote your work. However, there are a lot of services, of varying quality, with many different price tags. I think it is important to do a lot of your own marketing at first, so when you do pay somebody else, you can be sure you will be getting good value for your money!