Mystery Books
Mysteries
Contests, Games
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on writing and self-publishing mystery books collected by Self-Publish
Mysteries.
Katrina Williams
Why Self-Publish?
You have written a book. Now you want to publish it. Which way do you go? Self-Publishing or Traditional Publishing?
For most people, the traditional method seems safer, more reliable, and
simply, easier. But it can take a long time to see their labored-over
work in print. For many people, that dreaded rejection letter, saying
their work is not something the publisher can market successfully at
this time, leaves them feeling disillusioned. That's when other means
of getting the book into print comes to mind.
Self-Publish. It makes sense for the writer who has the money, the time
to devote to promotion, and the desire to be his or her own boss. There
are basic steps that will allow you to be successful at self-publishing
your own book.
Write
Before you write your story, make sure there is a market for it. This
can be very hard for some writers to comprehend because they may
believe the story they have written is one that everyone will want to
read. If you determine the market for your book before you write it,
you can save yourself a lot of aggravation in the long run. Finding
that you spent two years writing a book that no one wants to read can
be a hard pill to swallow.
Research
Once your story is written and you have determined there is a market
for it, research the publishing industry. Learn the ins and outs before
jumping in feet first and sinking quickly. You will avoid many pitfalls
that new writers make when self-publishing their own books.
Find Funding
Find funding for self-publishing your book. If you have the capital
yourself, great. If not, consider other sources that would help you
raise the capital for self-publishing your own book.
Get the Book Reviewed
Before your book is set to go to the printer, send out copies of the
manuscript to magazines and online book sites that review books. You
want to send press releases also to let the world know your book is
coming on the market.
Design the Book
Once you have the funding, decide on the design of the book and locate
a printing company to print your book. Print-On-Demand companies and
subsidy publishing companies are good places to start. Each type has
its own advantages, so check out both types of printing companies
before deciding on one to produce your book.
Develop a Marketing Strategy
Now that the book is printed, the real work begins: promoting and
marketing your book. Design a publicity campaign and an advertising
campaign for the book. You should have a marketing strategy in place to
sell those millions of books you have always dreamed of selling.
Research Distribution Methods
Explore the various methods for distributing your books. Contact
bookstore chains, individual bookstores, and online bookstores for
stocking your book. Bookstores are not the only places to sell your
book. Research distribution channels such as wholesalers, libraries,
and direct mail order. Consider non-traditional methods and places to
get your book in the hands of readers. Be inventive. Creative.
Promote Your Book
Now promote, promote, promote your book. If you have found a niche that
is perfect for your book, and you promote the book like crazy, you will
have achieved that ultimate goal of selling millions of copies of your
book.
Ready for the next one?
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About The Author
Katrina Parker Williams is an English Instructor and teaches English Composition and Grammar at a community college. She is also the author of a fictional novel Liquor House Music and publishes writing and publishing articles online. Visit Katrina's website at http://www.stepartdesigns.com for more writing and publishing tips.
