You encourage writers to
self-publish a paperback version. Why can’t I just have an e-book?
You can! But if you want to have copies
to sell at talks and local fairs, you should produce a paperback version. It’s the same content – you’ve
written the book, exploit all the options available to make use of that hard work. Holding the paperback version is quite
some achievement and one to celebrate. I doubt you will feel quite so thrilled to see the book land on your e-reader.
Okay, I’ve finished my manuscript
and want to self-publish it. What now?
Assuming
you are happy with the book only being available on Amazon – as both a paperback and an e-book – consider using
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing.
How much does it cost to use KDP?
Excluding your own costs (editing, proofreading, cover design, etc.) it’s free to use. They
even have free cover templates.
That sounds too good to be true. What’s the catch?
There’s
no catch. Every time you sell a copy of your book, KDP will deduct their slice of the royalty (approximately 60%) from
the book’s price. So, if your book has a retail price of £7.00 you will receive approximately £3 and KDP
will receive the balance.
£3 doesn’t sound much. Why is that considered a good deal?
It’s a good deal because you haven’t had to pay for any set-up fees, committed to ordering
a minimum number or become involved in sourcing a printer.
Can you give me a brief overview?
Produce
a Word document of your book’s interior.
Select the book’s
size from KDP and copy the content into their Word template for that size.
Check
you have page breaks at the end of each chapter and for the front and back matter.
Begin
the page numbering from the first page of the actual book, not the front matter.
Produce
the document as a PDF.
Upload it to KDP.
Upload your cover (or use a free template).
Download
a proof copy to check.
Order a proof copy to check.
Sell your book!
Is it really that easy?
Pretty much. Just make sure you have prepared your document before you begin uploading it. If you need help
with that preparation, please email me. For a nominal fee I will ensure your document complies with the KDP requirements.
Also, I can upload it for you. Click here for more information.
Why do I need to copy the content into a template?
If
you look at a paperback book you will notice that the inside margins – where the spine is – are deeper than those
for the edges. The KDP template has those margins preset for the size of book you choose.
What’s next?
No
one will knock on your door asking if you’ve written a book. You must market it. Create an online presence – a
Facebook Author Page, a Twitter account. Here’s my golden rule for advertising on social media:
Engage – react to what others are saying…
even if it’s just a photo of a cute dog.
Entertain
– share interesting information, perhaps photos of where your book is set.
Exploit – advertise your book. By this time your followers will know you and be interested
in your product.
That sounds easy. I can do that.
Of
course you can. The secret is not to bash your followers over the head with adverts. Keep them entertained. And, most importantly,
feed those sites. A few posts when your book is published won’t be enough. Marketing your book should become as important
as writing it.
Hang on, what about an e-book?
Once
you’re happy with the book’s interior, the only preparation is to remove any blank pages. That’s it.
Surely there
must be a catch to that?
Nope. Just
follow the instructions – again, if I can do it… And if you’re stuck, let me help you.