Self-Publishing

Self publishing is a good way to launch a non-fiction career, but not a fiction one.
That fact aside, I know a woman who does a lot of fan club work and catering to readers. She writes romance novels, and sells about 500 from her website the day the next is released. Let's say that she makes about $5.00 a book, that is $2500.00 more than most 'traditionally published' authors ever see for a book.

Booksurge.com and lulu.com are both inexpensive places to get self published. I never suggest the full service companies. If you need an editor then go online and find one who 'specializes' in your genre. Also, make sure you sign a contract to complete the entire book, start to finish. You also want a clause that states the editor agrees the book will be bookstore quality before the project starts. (some day I am going to write a series of articles on editors who rip people off)
Then, go to a place like www.guru.com and get someone to make a dynamic cover for about $250.00

Next, join PMA, Publishers Marketing Association. It is full of self publishers and a great place to start.

Then, search out magazines directed to readers and novel writers, like Novel Writer Magazine, and get them to review your book.

Actually, most self publishers make two drastic mistakes. First, you need to get a minimum 100 book reviews, 500 book reviews is a good number. Second, you need to approach Barns and Noble about three months before anyone else lists your book. That is they only way they will consider selling your book to libraries. You can (almost) bet on about 500 book sales through them.

Last, do what Grisham did, sell about 5000 copies out of the trunk of your car.
Then, when you have sold about 5000 copies, have a emailing list of about 1500 people, and have about 50 good reviews, then submit to a big publisher.
Include this in your query.

B&N sold 500 copies of my book to libaries, I have a mailing list of 1500 readers waiting for this book, and I can send you 50 reviews of my last work.

Trust me, when I see this in a query letter, it usually results in a phone call to the author.



If you would like to see more about my books then go to Todaysbooks