I made a decision the other day. That decision was to self-publish one of my novels. The story, a YA mystery/adventure has already been sent out to a few publishers and not picked up. The ones who have seen it all said it was well-written but took a pass on it. I’m OK with it because I believe it will find an audience.
So why am I going in that direction?
A lot of reasons actually. The first is to help support my upcoming book release. I believe that by having more than one book available I can cross-promote and hopefully increase the book’s profile and sales.
The second is because I’m curious to try my hand at self-publishing. I have talked to a number of people who have done it or seriously looked at it. The numbers are pretty impressive so it is definitely worth doing. I believe I will learn a number of lessons that will ultimately help when my next book comes out.
Third is because I believe in this book. I enjoyed writing it and I think it is a good story. Youth are my target audience and I know both boys and girls will like it.
Now, what have I done to get things moving forward?
I started this exercise by talking with my publisher about what name I would publish this under. That was important to me because I didn’t want to scuttle any plans she/we might have to bring my book forward. I’m glad to say that the book will be coming out under my name just like the next one. That will make the cross-promotion much easier.
I’ve also got someone working on the cover AND I’ve got it out to beta readers. I’m targeting a May release for the book.
That just leaves marketing planning (I probably shouldn’t say just. Probably the most important step).
I will keep you all posted as new developments occur.
You and I both have self published YA books coming out in May? Oh we must talk my friend, we. must. talk.
I’m curious to know more about the book cover design process, if you thought about attempting it yourself, and how you found your cover artist. I think that’s one of the aspects of self-publishing that seems the least obvious to me. Best of luck with your projects!
Hello Nicole. Great questions. I didn’t attempt to do the cover myself; I’m afraid I simply don’t have the artistic talent to do it. I am fortunate to know some very good artists both through social network (primarily Twitter) and through other connections.
I’ve seen some very bad covers so I strongly suggest anyone looking to find an actual artist who has done some cover work. Try checking your contacts via Social Media or even try places like Kijiji or Craigslist. I know of people who have found editors and artist through both of those later sources.
It also doesn’t hurt to do some homework. Go to bookstores (or online) and find covers that you like and make notes. That way, if you find an artist who hasn’t done covers before or one who is looking for guidance, you can tell him or her exactly what you want.
I hope that helps and good luck to you too.
-Michell
We do indeed.
I look forward to purchasing your book Mike! Can’t wait to see it become available.
Thanks Dan. I will be letting everyone know as each one comes out.