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Simple Self-Publishing Tips by Barbara L. Johns |
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RECOMMENDED: Before you jump into the self-publishing fray, invest some time and money into learning about the business. |
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When I released my first children's book, The Cat in the Candle Factory, in 2005, I was impressed by the number of adults who came to my book signings because they had their own story to tell. Many of them had gone the traditional route by sending off their best work to one or more of the premier children's publishing houses. All of them had been rewarded with rejection letter after letter because their work doesn't fit our list. But their fire burns bright. Good ideas don't quietly go away... they remain in the back of the writer's brain for months--maybe years--until they are either given a proper burial or brought to life. A few entrepreneurial writers, like myself, have decided to publish their own work and are willing to share ideas. There are a number of stories about self-published children's authors who have "made it big"-- Beatrice Potter, for one. But although becoming a household word would certainly be an accomplishment, my initial goal was to publish my books because I thought they brought a unique setting to the world of children's literature. And I wanted to make a profit while doing it. I'll be honest, I have a business background and I love running my own publishing business (most of the time). If you have no interest in keeping business records, being highly organized, and tackling promotion, self-publishing is NOT for you. But if you are intrigued by the possibilities, check out some of my "Simple Self-Publishing" tips. If you follow a short checklist you can publish your book in the United States in no time at all. I'll start this conversation by answering questions I've been asked by other writers. Click the link to begin: |
