Friday, April 27, 2012

Your Self-Publishing Checklist

A short (and hopefully sweet!) checklist to self-publishing.

1. Write your book!

One of the hardest parts of self-publishing is just finishing your manuscript! So before you worry about getting your work to readers, remember that the first thing you have to do is write your book.

2. Editing and proofreading.

Is editing necessary? We think so. Writing is a private creative experience; you are trying to transcribe the characters and events in your mind onto paper (or these days, the computer screen). To ensure that your readers fully enjoy the fruits of your labors, you need to hold that work up to a mirror. And your best mirror is a good editor.

3. Cover art.

So your book is finished and has been polished to perfection. What face is that precious work going to have? This is the fun part: the cover art for your book.

4. Publish it!

Okay, time to get technical. Although there are many places and ways you can publish your book, the three most common are Kindle, Nook, and in paperback.

5. Promotion.

Many authors find promotion to be the least tasteful part of being a writer. The truth is, promotion is simply a matter of finding ways to let readers know about your work.

More to come soon on all of these subjects!