Self-publishing has proved to be a boon for aspiring writers as it lets them showcase their talent without having to seek approval and acceptance from major publishers. Thanks to self-publishing, budding authors can now get their work directly to the readers and gain success and popularity. However, successful self-publishing is an art, one which requires serious effort and careful planning. You can’t just write anything and expect the readers to fall in love with your work overnight. Here are 5 tips which will prove rewarding if you are planning to self publish.
5 Tips When Planning To Self Publish
Be Clear About Your Goals
Just like most other professional initiatives, it is important to clearly define your goal before you decide to enter the world of self-publishing. Is writing a hobby for you or is it a passion you seriously want to convert into a profession? Are you looking for an opportunity to showcase your talent or do you want self-publishing to act as a propellant for your writing career? Whatever it is, clearly define it and keep it in mind before creating your self-publishing strategy.
Keep Your Book Niche Specific
Self-publishing has been known to prove fruitful for writers who stick to a particular niche. Both fiction and non-fiction have some popular niches that readers love to indulge in; weight-loss, fitness, spirituality and love/erotica are some popular niches that have done immensely well. So pick a niche you like and relate to and get going.
Have Realistic Expectations
Self-publishing doesn’t guarantee success. You can’t become JK Rowling, John Grisham or Deepak Chopra overnight. So while you are planning to self publish, it’s necessary to have realistic expectations. Keep in mind that self-publishing is a great way to exhibit your talent but you will need to work diligently to market your book and establish a name for yourself. New authors especially, should be patient and persistent.
Promote on Social Media
It is necessary to promote and market your book extensively in order to get attention of prospective buyers and readers and what better platform to promote than social media! Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest are excellent book marketing tools. Creative and interesting social media marketing campaigns can make a huge difference to your book’s final outcome if you are planning to self publish.
Do Not Take it Too Lightly
If used properly, self-publishing can generate tremendous results. Hence, make sure you take it most seriously and write the best you can. Write patiently, get it professionally edited and get a nice book cover design!
Last but not least, if you are planning to self publish, do not begin with a negative or discouraged attitude, have faith and let your love for writing blossom uninhibited.
Are you planning to self publish? Please let me know how I can help you in the comment section below.
NEXT: Self Publishing Costs – How To Plan A Budget For Your Book
Social media is a great avenue to promote your book but you want to avoid the excessive "buy my book!" posts. That gets old. Instead, focus on the main topic of your book or the niche that it is in by sharing relevant information. Actually engage with your audience and respond to their comments and questions.
Social media is a great avenue to promote your book but you want to avoid the excessive "buy my book!" posts. That gets old.