Being a self-published author can be rewarding, but it can be challenging too. There are many challenges you will have to overcome to start making a living out of indie publishing. Many authors have tried their hands on self-publishing, and they would all agree that it is difficult if you don’t know what to do.
Here are some great tips on how to be successful in self-publishing:
Decide if self-publishing is a good choice for you
Self-publishing is not for everyone. For some, it can be very effective, and for others, it can feel like a huge mistake. Each writer is different, so try not to follow another writer’s footsteps without knowing that person’s goal. Remember that what works for them may not work for you. Ask yourself about how much control you want over the details of your book, such as its contents and cover design. You should also find out if you fully understand basic marketing and funnel design, or if you’re willing to learn it.
Ask yourself about what making a living really means to you
Making writing a full-time profession is totally your decision, but you need to decide if you’re willing to wait for your royalties to come in before you even think about giving up your current job. Many authors have left their full-time positions to focus on self-publishing and have experienced success. Some of them make more than they were making before, while some notice just almost no difference. However, it is important to note that all of them are significantly happier with their decision.
Start researching the fiction market
Few writers do this, and when they do it intelligently, it can mean success. This is because they are writing books that people like to read. They know exactly how certain topics resonate with their readers, simply because they made an effort to find out. Writing to market is a fool-proof way to gain readers, and very few writers get this. Remember that successful books are about the reader, not the writer.
Write and edit your novel
This is the step where you do what you like doing the most. You’ll be writing the book you want to tell the world about. You need to pay a lot of attention to your story and write relatable characters. Let your story surprise and touch the hearts of your readers with a fresh voice. Every book can be an asset, so try to think long term. If you build a strong collection of quality work, you’ll be able to buy a high-value stock at the lowest rate. Don’t take shortcuts and think more about readers rather than buyers.
Build a strong email list way before you publish
You might think that it is a fun idea to build a list before publishing your book, but doing this has been proven effective by self-published authors for many years. Before your funnel is even launched, start preparing for the traffic. Even if you’re selling hundreds of books through digital retailers, it won’t be good enough if you’re not gathering fans. For starters, some writers try Amazon Marketing Services (AMS) to efficiently advertise their indie-published books. It helps self-publishing authors compete and gain more buyers by using ad campaigns and keywords. You can try AMS ads if you want to gain more buyers. However, always remember that you’re aiming to develop your fan base. The best way to do this is to turn buyers into loyal fans, by communicating with them properly on your own terms.
Publish
Your books have been professionally written and edited, and your funnel is built. You are now ready to publish your book. However, there are a few things you need to invest in before you publish your book. The first thing to remember is to invest as much as possible on your cover. Don’t skimp on this, because a book’s cover is its best conversion element.
You should also write an awesome description of your book. If you’re not sure about this, you should probably search for the best copywriter to do the job for you. Just like a movie trailer, let the description drop interesting highlights that will make your readers want to know more.Remember that publishing your first book isn’t the end of the process. It is just your starting point. Show your gratitude to your fans by writing more books for them to enjoy. Genre hopping is fine, as long as you get to maintain the quality of your work and don’t neglect the first books you’ve written. Build your rhythm and don’t stop writing.
You’ll encounter many challenges and mistakes as you delve into the world of self-publishing. The key is to create great content and connect with the right audience. Pour your heart out into writing, and watch as you touch the hearts of your readers.
