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Self-Publishing variety

Natasha Boehm1074 23-Jun-2018

Self-Publishing variety

People self-publish for a variety of reasons and if you are considering this avenue in hopes of making some money while retaining control over all possible aspects of the novel you should have built the following items into your timeline:  

1. ISBNs matter. Make your books your own. Don't use the ISBNs from a publishing resource, purchase them in your company's name. Go to Bowker and purchase a block of 10 ($275) or 100 ($995) or if you are really prolific 1000 ($1750). Bowker does allow for purchase of a single ISBN but at $125, the price is steep.

2. Register your titles at Books in Print. You will provide your best assignment help in australia company information to register and then the bibliographic data for each book. This process is not for the faint of heart, but be strong, you can do it!  

3. Bar Codes: Bowker will provide bar codes, at a cost. If you are printing using POD (print on demand) techonology with Lightning Source, they provide the barcode at no cost. You can also use a free barcode service but watch for the quality, you may find that your printer nixes your cover because the barcode image isn't the right resolution or color or format.

4. Prepublication reviews: Most of the big review publications have a very strict timeline to follow, your ARC needs to be presented to them 12-16 weeks before the book's publication or else you lose any opportunity for the big review.

5. If you are opting for a printer (as opposed to POD) then factor time into the process. Never expect that your books will be printed in a week. 20 working days is the standard minimum, however, don't rely on that number either, always give yourself another couple of weeks leeway in case the printer is in a peak season or in case of a mechanical failure (this happened to the printing of Flashpoint, Frank Creed's debut novel, due to a technical problem the printing took almost 3 weeks longer than expected).

6. Don't take a breather while the novel is being printed, either for the review galleys or the published version, spend that time working on promotional material.

7. Check out cooperative marketing programs. These will save money and will gain exposure for your books. The reason I place this in the timeline section is because many cooperative mailings, catalogues, staffed exhibits have their own timeline. For instance, Ingram's catalogues are mailed out a few times per year and your title must be submitted to them at least 3 months in advance. Other catalogues focus on a specific genre or type of nonfiction book in specific months. For maximum exposure, check the details carefully.

8. Distribution: if you are looking to have your books distributed to a particular audience then you will need to be very selective when choosing a company to do this service. Also note that distributors have criteria when selecting which publisher they will do business with. Check websites and submission guidelines. It may take you some time before finding just the right fit.

9. Post-publication reviews: Far in advance of the publication date you should compile a list of possible reviewers and review sites. Google the subject of your book and find the review sites or blogs that are associated with the subject. As well, check the amazon reviewers for the same critieria.

-Compose a personalized email requesting the person/ site do a review of your book.

-Once you begin to receive affirmative replies, construct a database showing name, website or blog address, mailing address so you will be already to mail out the books at the right time.

-Have all your inserts/ promotional material ready to be placed in the packages then when the time comes, you will be able to work like an assembly line to get the review packages out.


Updated 23-Jun-2018

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