Essential Insights for Aspiring Authors Before Self-Publishing
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Chapter 1: My Journey to Becoming an Author
It’s amusing to reflect on how I transitioned into the world of authorship. While still pursuing my graduate studies, I took the plunge and published my debut book, Stolen Reflections: Some Stories Are Told in Verse.
One day, while joking with a friend, I asked him to refer to me as a writer. He promptly replied, "If you only publish blogs online, you should call yourself a blogger, not a writer." His words, though perhaps not entirely accurate, resonated with me deeply. It made me question my identity—why was I claiming to be a writer without a book to my name? This sparked my decision to take control of my narrative.
In April 2018, I released Stolen Reflections, which set off a chain of events that have profoundly influenced my life. As a full-time author now, I often think back to the innocence of my early days. In this article, I aim to share five crucial lessons I wish I had known before self-publishing my first poetry book. My hope is to offer guidance to novice authors and set realistic expectations for their journey.
If you're gearing up to write your first book or have aspirations of publishing one in the future, read on for invaluable insights.
Section 1.1: The Misconception About Amazon KDP
One of the common misconceptions about Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is that it facilitates the easy publication of paperbacks for free. When you visit the KDP homepage, it certainly appears that way. However, the reality is that the paperback printing services are limited to specific countries, including the USA, UK, and several European nations.
For many, especially in countries like India, the option to publish paperbacks through KDP is not available. This misunderstanding is prevalent among Indian authors who believe that once their manuscript is ready, they can simply navigate to KDP and publish paperback copies across India. Unfortunately, that's not the case.
So, what can you do instead? If you're based in a country lacking paperback printing services from Amazon KDP, consider purchasing your own ISBN and collaborating with a Print-On-Demand (POD) company to list your book on Amazon. While this can be costly, it may be a worthwhile investment for your work. For my poetry book, I partnered with a Canada-based POD company called Ukiyoto Publishing House, publishing the ebook through KDP and later merging both formats on my Amazon author page.
Section 1.2: Social Media Engagement vs. Actual Sales
When I first announced the release of my poetry book, I was overwhelmed by the supportive responses from friends on social media. My Facebook post garnered over 250 likes and nearly 150 comments, with many expressing excitement and wishing me well.
As a first-time author, I mistakenly assumed that these likes would translate into actual sales. I was in for a rude awakening. On the night of my book's launch, I sold only 8 copies. The disappointment was crushing, especially given my expectations for much higher sales.
Through my years in the writing industry, I've learned that social media engagement does not necessarily equate to book sales. Those likes and comments may be encouraging, but they often remain just that—encouragement. To effectively market your book, consider planning a comprehensive marketing campaign instead of relying solely on the support of your personal network.
Chapter 2: The Importance of Strategic Marketing
What I Wish I Knew Before I Self Published My First Book - This video shares crucial insights for aspiring authors about the self-publishing journey, including common pitfalls and strategic marketing tips.
As a new author, I had envisioned making hundreds of sales within the first month of my book's release, expecting it to climb the bestseller charts effortlessly. However, the reality was far different. Disheartened by my initial sales, I began to doubt my writing abilities and even contemplated whether publishing my book had been a mistake.
It was during an interview with Jordan Gross that I experienced a shift in perspective. He noted that books possess a unique longevity compared to blog posts or social media content, which typically have a fleeting lifespan. Once a book is listed on platforms like Goodreads, it remains there indefinitely, suggesting that marketing campaigns should also be designed with longevity in mind.
Consequently, I developed a staggered marketing approach that included:
- Pre-release: Distributing 100 review copies to friends and family to generate initial reviews on launch day.
- Post-release: Offering the ebook for free on Amazon periodically to attract readers and encourage reviews.
- Long-term: Collaborating with marketing firms for paid reviews on various social media platforms.
Additionally, I realized the importance of promoting my book publicly. Initially hesitant, I learned that if I didn’t advocate for my work, it would risk fading into obscurity.
Section 2.1: Recognizing Spam and Scams
As a newly published author, one of the most noticeable changes in my life was the influx of emails and messages from individuals proposing various promotional services—often for a fee.
These requests can take many forms, but they typically revolve around offering to review your book or conduct interviews in exchange for payment. It's crucial to remain discerning and conduct thorough research before agreeing to any promotional offers.
Check the legitimacy of the person's website and request data to gauge potential sales outcomes. Additionally, seek out upcoming book reviewers willing to provide free reviews before considering a paid marketing strategy. Early in my publishing career, I received spam messages that I might have fallen for, but with experience, I learned to identify and ignore them.
Section 2.2: Diversifying Income as a Writer
According to a 2022 study by Wordsrated, more than half of American adults do not read a complete book over the course of a year. Given this trend, relying solely on book sales for income can be precarious. The Authors Guild's 2022 study indicated that most authors struggle to earn a living from their writing, with the median income from books being a mere $2,000.
While this reality can seem discouraging, it doesn't spell doom for aspiring authors. I view my books as passion projects rather than primary income sources. Writing should be driven by inspiration, not financial pressure.
As a full-time writer, I've diversified my income through various channels, including:
- My Medium blog
- Ad revenue from my website
- My YouTube channel
- Freelance writing opportunities
Initially, I felt disheartened by my lack of income from book sales, but I now see it as a blessing. By removing the pressure to profit from my writing, I am free to explore different genres and styles at my own pace.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Author Journey
Writing a book is a formidable challenge, but the real work begins after you hit "Publish." Ensuring your book reaches its intended audience falls squarely on your shoulders as a self-published author. Based on my experiences since self-publishing my first book in 2018, here are five takeaways for new authors:
- Publishing paperbacks in countries like India is more complex than merely clicking a button on KDP.
- Social media support does not guarantee book sales.
- Effective marketing campaigns should be designed for the long haul.
- Learning to identify spam is essential for new authors.
- Consider multiple income streams rather than relying solely on book sales in an increasingly digital world.