WritersServices Self-publishing Guide 1
Help for writers
An explanation of self-publishing as it stands today, introducing the term ‘indie' and a brief overview of the series.
The landscape of self-publishing has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, making it almost unrecognizable from the days when it was considered an almost desperate choice for those who couldn't land a publishing deal. Now, there are many authors who go this way out of preference. As of the current date (November 2023), the term 'indie author' is mainstream, reflecting a shift in mindset - the realization that achieving professional publishing standards no longer demands a traditional publishing house, and it also need not be an entirely solo endeavour.
Today's indie authors seamlessly tap into a range of professional services, mirroring those employed by traditional publishers. From freelance editors and proofreaders to cover designers, they assemble a team to ensure their work meets industry standards. EbooksDigital bookstore selling wide range of ebooks in 50 categories from Hildegard of Bingen to How to Write a Dirty Story and showing how the range of ebooks available is growing. are professionally formatted, and print editions are meticulously typeset. The indie author's journey, however, is far from a solitary one. Various groups and associations offer a sense of community, where self-published authors share insights and best practices. The Alliance of Independent Authors, for instance, is still advocating for increased recognition, dismantling barriers that excluded self-published titles from competitions and campaigning for their authors in the areas of rights and licensing.
So, embracing the indie author identity doesn't imply isolation. Many authors who once trod the traditional publishing path are now choosing self-publishing willingly. Frustrated by creative compromises, unappealing covers, lacklustre promotion, and meagre royalty percentages, they've shifted to self-publishing, reaping the rewards. If you're passionate about your book, eager to connect with readers, and tired of facing rejection from agents and publishers, self-publishing is a viable option. Do it meticulously, without cutting corners, and do it soon. Readers are awaiting your work.
Arm yourself with knowledge by delving into resources such as the articles found here at WritersServices Self-publishing.
In the following series, we'll delve into the various self-publishing routes available to new indie authors. The array of options can be overwhelming initially, as I discovered during my own research back in early 2012. While there's a wealth of information, sifting through it can be daunting, with much of it being vague and generalized. In these articles, we'll explore key areas in detail:
- Assisted Self-Publishing Companies: A critical look at whether you should opt for an assisted self-publishing company and, if so, which ones are the best.
- Amazon's KDP Platform: An overview of how to sell your ebooks directly on Amazon through the Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform.
- Ebook Formatting: Guidance on formatting your ebook for Kindle and distributing to other e-retailers.
- Cover Design: Tips on making your indie cover look professional and how to stand out in the crowded market.
- Understanding Print on Demand (POD): An exploration of POD, covering the top companies and the necessary files to upload.
- Pricing Strategies: Examining various price points, sales figures, and the role of Free as a marketing tool.
- AI Assisted Writing: How and when to use AI in self-publishing, and how to come at this new tool without fear and with a positive mindset.
- Marketing and Advertising: What is working and what isn't. It's becoming more and more difficult to reach readers in a crowded market, so we'll look at some different strategies for marketing your book today.
Completely updated for 2024, stay tuned as we unravel the intricacies of the evolving world of self-publishing for indie authors.
WritersServices Self-publishing Guide 2
Choose Your Self-publishing Route Revised
WritersServices Self-publishing Guide 3
Ebooks: How to Sell on Amazon: An overview of the KDP platform and what it offers to indie authors. Revised
Writersservices Self-publishing Guide 4
Ebooks: Formatting for Kindle Revised
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Joanne lives in Cheshire, England with her teenage daughter. She writes and produces audio dramas as GravyTreeMedia, and romantic comedies, literary fiction and cozy mysteries as an indie author. An award-winning novelist, Joanne has a Masters in Creative Writing, and is a freelance publishing professional. Connect with Joanne at www.joannephillips.co.uk and on social media - she loves hearing from readers (and will probably send you some free stuff to say thank you).
Connect on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/joannephillipsauthor
Twitter: @joannegphillips
Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Joanne-Phillips/e/B0083UEG86/
Other articles by Joanne on the WritersServices site:
