Business news

6 Tips on Self-Publishing Your Book Online

book publishing

Writing a book is a journey that can take you on a wild ride of emotions. From the initial spark of an idea to the final edit, it’s a process that requires patience, determination, and a little bit of madness.

As you sit down to put pen to paper – or fingers on the keyboard, you may feel a sense of excitement and a hint of fear. Will your words be good enough? Will anyone want to read what you’ve written? But as you begin to weave your story, these doubts will fade away, and you’ll find yourself lost in the world you’re creating. And when you finally hold that finished book in your hands, the feeling of accomplishment will be indescribable.

But once you have your completed product, how do you make it available for the world to read?

Publishing your book: 101

If you are a first-time author, chances are you are looking for an easy and effective publishing method that is coherent with your limited resources. You have two options.

The traditional method or self-publishing: which is better?

Traditional publishing typically requires more resources than self-publishing. It is a more established industry. Getting a book published through a traditional publisher involves several steps, such as finding an agent, submitting a manuscript, editing, and marketing and distribution. This process can be time-consuming and costly.

However, websites like publishingxpress.com allow you to bypass many of these steps and take the reins of the publishing process yourself. This is called self-publishing.

From editing to book printing, you take the DIY approach if you decide to self-publish your book. You can avoid many costs associated with traditional publishing, such as agent fees, and retain more control over the creative process and the final product. Imagine getting your book published and delivered right from your home’s comfort. That’s right, no frequent trips to the publishing agency to sort out minute details!

The CEO of The Society of Authors states that traditional publishers’ terms are neither fair nor sustainable anymore. Self-publishing, on the other hand, is a more promising method. More and more authors are turning towards it.

Data collected in 2022 shows that over 300 million self-published books come out in the market each year, their combined worth adding up to $1.25 billion. This corresponds to a 264% increase in sales in the past five years. Furthermore, the self-publishing book market is projected to grow at 17% CAGR per year, as opposed to the traditional market’s 1%. Now you decide which is better!

Tips on Self-Publishing Your Book Online

Here are six tips for you to self-publish your book online.

1. Get your book professionally edited

If you want your book to be well-liked by readers and sticklers, get it edited by a professional who has worked in the business for quite some time. They will check your script for things like consistency and fluency, and will also suggest changes for anything that disrupts the flow. Editing and proofreading involve several stages; don’t skimp on this part.

2. Get an attractive cover designed

Your book’s cover art is a crucial tool for promoting it to readers. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. While it’s beneficial to enlighten yourself on what qualifies as a good book cover, it’s advisable to hire a professional to do it for you.

3. Beware of overly expensive services    

If you are using some third-party services, be cautious! Some companies may charge exorbitant fees for their services. You must research, shop for the best prices, and beware of any hidden costs. Additionally, prevent yourself from getting scammed by never-before-heard-of companies.

4. Purchase an ISBN for your book

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) refers to the unique identification number assigned to a book. ISBNs are used by bookstores, libraries, and other retailers to order, stock, and track sales of a specific book. Without one, it may be difficult for booksellers to find and order your book. Additionally, an ISBN is essential to track book sales and royalties, making it easier for you to keep track of the number of copies sold and your earnings.

5. Find a reliable distributor

A reliable distributor can help you reach more readers, expand your distribution channels, handle shipping logistics, and help you track sales and royalties. This can be crucial for the success of your self-published book. Look for renowned online directories of book distributors or consult other self-published authors in your genre or community for recommendations. You can also sell your book on popular online bookstores and vendors like Amazon.

Before signing a contract with a distributor, check if they have certifications such as those by Better Business Bureau (BBB). Before committing, ask questions about their services, like distribution channels, royalty percentage, and contract terms. This will give you a good sense of their level of professionalism and how well they can meet your needs.

6. Market your book smartly

You can’t just depend on readers stumbling upon your book by chance. Marketing your self-published book can be challenging, but there are some strategies you can use to help get your book to become the talk of the town.

  • Build an author website that includes information about you, your book, a blog, and a way for readers to connect with you.
  • Share interesting tidbits and behind-the-scenes photos, and engage with your targeted audience on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to promote your book.
  • Reach out to book bloggers and reviewers who can spread the word about your book. Send them a copy and ask them to feature it on their blog.
  • Host a book launch event to generate buzz for your book and allow readers to connect with you in person.
  • Invest in paid marketing on social media and Google.

Conclusion

Self-publishing has become increasingly popular in recent years. The right tools and resources can be useful in making your book accessible to readers. With proper research and planning, self-publishing can be a rewarding and successful experience, provided that you conduct thorough research and proper planning. This way, you can produce high-quality books that are competitive with those produced by traditional publishers.

To Top

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This