Self-Publishing: A Hot Topic

Happy July, friends!

One of the hottest topics right now in the writing world is self-publishing. "Should I or shouldn't I" comes up regularly when writers meet. Once your manuscript is ready, you query agents and or publishers, and then . . . you wait.

Time

I think the most difficult part of the submitting process is the wait. Mentioning that your query is a simultaneous submission permits you to submit to more than one agent or publishing company at the same time. The time it takes to hear back is stressful. The worst part—sometimes you hear nothing. Some agents and companies tell their writers, "If you don't hear anything in six months, this isn't a fit for us."

Keep Writing!

The best way to prevent yourself from counting the days is to keep writing. Start a new book! Writing is a great time waster. (I mean that in the nicest way.) We've all had writing days when we look at the clock and are shocked to see three hours have passed. I hope you remember to stretch after two hours! (More on that topic later.)

The Waiting Game

If the waiting game isn't for you and you prefer not to wait years for your book to be published, consider self-publishing. When you're in the driver's seat, things move much faster, and you won't get pulled over for a ticket. :) If you self-publish, you'll be submitting to an illustrator, if need be. Once you find an illustrator, it generally won't take two to three years to see your book in print. That's one of the big pluses.

KDP or IngramSpark?

If you're looking to publish an e-book or novel, many people choose KDP. The downside to Amazon is if you use Amazon's free ISBN number, your book can ONLY be offered on Amazon. So, if you go the Amazon route, purchase your ISBN through Bowker. If you're a picture book writer, KDP won't be for you because a color, hardback cover must have at least 75 pages. Most picture books are 32 pages, which makes IngramSpark your POD (Print-on-Demand) of choice, offering 18 or more pages for color hardcovers.

Expenses

When you self-publish, the money you might need to spend has to do with the production of your book. You may need:

• An editor
• A graphic designer
• An illustrator

Not everyone will need each one. If you're comfortable with your critique group's writing abilities, use them as your editors. Some illustrators will illustrate your inside pages, cover, front and back, and place the text on each page. No need for a graphic designer. The POD companies do not charge you to print your book per se. What your book costs to print will come out of your profits.

The Downside

 If you choose to self-publish, you'd better get out your hats again. You will need to do your own marketing. A presence on social media is extremely helpful. Launching your own website is beneficial. Visiting your local schools and libraries is valuable. And, if you can find opportunities to do book signings, yay! You need to put yourself and your book out there to gain the attention you both deserve. 

More Questions?

If you have more questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me by filling out a contact form. My next picture book, Make Me LAUGH, Ollie! is in the process of being illustrated right now. It will be my second self-published book and I'm using IngramSpark.

I'm looking forward to our topic next week. What will it be? Tune in! You'll see.