When I started writing, it was hard to get a book published. You had to be represented by an agent, go to a vanity press, or publish it yourself. Very few authors were self-publishing. It was hard to do at first, but a company worked with Amazon to self-publish. Amazon took over the business and publishing became much easier.
There are a few things that scare someone who is publishing for the first time. I learned the hard way. You will need a cover, and they were not cheap. You really need someone who has studied art to make a good cover. Amazon offers a program to help you, but hiring a professional cover artist is better.
Formatting is my worst fear. Amazon came with the answer to that. They have a program to do that for you. It is not as good as Vellum, but it can work.
Remember to make your book look as professional as possible. When you scan for a book to read, the cover is the first thing you see. Make it stand out and draw the reader’s attention.
Write a good back cover. We always asked for 100 to 150 words. The back cover does not tell the whole story, it just makes the reader want to buy the book. If you have too long a back cover synopsis, the reader will know everything that is happening. Never tell the ending! Let it be a surprise for the reader.
You set the price for the book. Amazon will give you a suggested range. Price it where it will not be too expensive, but not too low. Your price also sets your percentage of royalty you will make from the book.
As a self-published author, you will do your own marketing. I’ve always suggested Facebook for marketing. At least, it’s a place to get friends. I suggest writing on Facebook each day. Ask questions, make comments, tell stories, etc. No one will buy your book if they don’t know you.
The financial part is easy. You get all the royalties. One thing you have to have is a name for your publishing company. It can be anything you want it to be.
This is about as simple as I can tell you. I’ve been self-publishing for several years. I like it because I make all the decisions and no one tells me they won’t take my book. I have an author’s page on Amazon. Please visit it.
Have a blessed day.
Kathy Cretsinger