Is self -publishing smart?
- cluznar
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Re: Is self -publishing smart?
- Lincoln
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Renee24 wrote:I"m writing a novel too, and been reading a lot of books about this topic. They say first time writers can't get into the door, so how do you get in the door, unless you self publish? I think they said something about a platform too, so you need to be out there with a blog and such. What about the new Amazon Kindle publishing, that is free, and might be a good way to at least get your foot in the door, so to speak? Then you can work on your next novel and find ways of getting yourself noticed.
Good luck!
Renee
KDP isn't new and has been around for probably eight years at least. A lot of self-published authors started in 2010 and earlier. I would recommend trying out for Kindle Scout. Not many books make it through the door, but when they do it is incredible for sales and visibility in ways you can't do on your own. It isn't traditional publishing, nor indie, but sort of a cross of both.
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- Dave
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- RebeccasReading
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- BenZ2018
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I think we live in a time where self-published books are as accepted as ever. But in my opinion, nothing would be more rewarding than being picked up by an agent or big publisher. That being said, self-publishing offers at least a little bit of reward by some readership and also offers some learning opportunities as far as publishing, editing marketing and what not.
I'm excited to receive my first review, although it sounds like it might take months. My book is average length by e-book standards and short by regular paper book standards. I'm very curious to see if a review or this light marketing has any effect on it's popularity, I hope it does! In the meantime I'm working on three longer books! One in particular is moving along, I hope to finish the first draft in a few months.
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KTschirhart wrote: ↑17 Jan 2017, 18:38 I'm currently looking into writing and publishing my own book, personally I find it more rewarding to have control and a part in every step of the process.
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Believe in what you create and put it out there. No one can take that from you.
- Arrigo_Lupori
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- Ami_Violet
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With that said, it is hard doing all the marketing on your own. I tried to get an agent for my first novel but I was repeatedly told my content was "too controversial" and that it didn't have a specific audience (too secular for the christian market, too christian for the secular market). Given that they enjoyed the book but didn't feel confident to market it, I decided it was worth putting the time into self-publishing.
There is nothing more satisfying than holding your book in paperback (in my opinion, of course) and I didn't need a publishing company to do it. Nook and Kindle allow me to make it available in e-book as well, so I can reach even more readers. Even though marketing is a lot of work and takes a lot of time, and does eventually cost some money (I've been wavering on submitting for a review through this website but I'm not a fan of their faq section; honestly it comes off a bit harsh in tone. That doesn't make me want to do business with them, regardless of results.) it is well worth it in the end to know you took action on something you believed in.
So for anyone who decides to search for an agency and gets discouraged because it doesn't pan out, know that you have alternatives and it only requires you to have faith in yourself!!
- Arrigo_Lupori
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I just looked at Createspace and it looks like an amazing service! Thank you for the input!Ami_Violet wrote: ↑18 Feb 2018, 19:03 I just finished self-publishing my second novel through createspace. I didn't need any of their services (editing, design) so it was all free with the exception of giving it my time. The only cost was that I chose to buy my own ISBNs from Bowker. I like that createspace can get me distributed through amazon, b&n, and other online retailers and I've found it extremely easy to figure out, so for that reason it has been a very rewarding experience.
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- Ami_Violet
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You're very welcome! Also their client service is quick to respond to any questions you might have (as with any company sometimes they can't solve your issues, but they genuinely try) and another upside is you can buy copies of your book at a cheaper price than most. Even basic shipping is fast - when I ordered my proofs they would arrive in 3-4 days. And they have so many resources and info to check out, it's all been very thorough and easy for me to work with. So, yes, highly recommend!!Arrigo_Lupori wrote: ↑19 Feb 2018, 09:37 I just looked at Createspace and it looks like an amazing service! Thank you for the input!
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But are you talking of paperback or digital?
Paperback is not smart, unless you have tons of moolah.
It's not just about publishing, that is only the first step.
The main process begins after you've published your book.
You have to market it.
If you cannot market your book, no sense in publishing it.
If you do publish it, make sure you get your marketing strategy right.
Regards.
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