How to successfully self-publish

As self-publishing gains more currency in serious publishing circles, it becomes more apparent that writers need to understand what self-publishing involves and the best way to capitalize on the process.

1. Understand the process and its limitations.
*Are you willing to enter into a partnership with your work? Many times, authors with whom I work believe our process is identical to traditional publishers. This is definitely not the case. When you self-publish, you are assuming more of an entrepreneurial role. You assist with pre-production. You do the proofing. You are responsible for any errors after the proof is signed off. You market your book (with our guidance and tools).
*Is your book suitable for the process? Are you writing a 300 page colour book? Print-On-Demand (POD) doesn't handle colour books over 32 pages very well. The final selling price becomes astronomical.
*Is your anticipated book size available through POD?
*Do you have a cover already designed? Have you thought about your cover?
*Are you comfortable on the computer? Can you learn how to revise your proof using a Track Changes function?
*Find out the final selling price at the beginning of the process. Is it competitive?
*Are the various formats available through POD appropriate for your book?
*Has your book been professionally edited?

2. If you need illustrations, have you decided what style of illustration works best? Have you researched how much to pay an illustrator or whether your self-publisher provides illustrators?

3. If your goal is to get into a brick and mortar bookstore, do you have Book Return Insurance? Do you have a Book Promotion Plan? Do you have any connections at your target bookstores?

4. If you are writing a book that triggers you emotionally, are you able to be objective about it? If not, you might not be ready to publish. Are you prepared for reviews of your work?

5. Be prepared to be responsible for marketing your book.
Our most successful authors already had realistic marketing ideas. They learned from our Book Promotion department and had identified their goals early on. They knew their readers and tailored their approach appropriately.

6. Are your expectations realistic (both in terms of process and sales)? I can't tell you how many times I have heard authors say they will sell 1 million books or that they will get on Oprah. Although there are a few writers with startling rags-to-riches stories, they are the exception, not the rule. Be prepared to compete against books published by traditional publishers and their marketing know-how and connections.

7. Will you be able to take advantage of the global distribution networks? Do you have a plan to capitalize on that?

Not all books are appropriate for self-publishing, but hopefully those authors that will capitalize on the advantages of the process will come to it better informed.

Good luck with your book!