This started as a thread for "The History Maker."
From post 98, it is devoted to "Angel of Death"
Hi everyone,
Putting my self-published experience here for all to see, all the good, bad and the ugly parts!
NOTE: I am throwing out everything that I have done/will do in an effort to promote my book. I am in no way attempting to advertise my novel to you guys here on AW. My aim is to help my fellow self-pubbers, and if anyone can take a tip or two from my experience, then this guide will be worth it. I am a link in the chain, where we pass on our knowledge to each other.
A quick note on my novel:
It is a romantic suspense novel. I started writing it in Jan 2010, after it sat idle for nearly five years as a screenplay. I set myself a goal in 2010- start and FINISH a novel. Thankfully, February of this year, I achieved my goal.
I was in no hurry to query it off to agents or publishers, so I let it sit for three months while I started on a second novel and a few short stories. Since May, I have put it through a number of re-writes/edits and as of today, I have 165 paperback copies sitting in my house.
I am publishing the paperback version with Createspace and the eBook version on Kindle from the 8th December.
On Createspace: To anyone planning self-publishing, even if it’s just digital, I strongly recommend printing a proof copy on createspace. Depending on delivery, they cost approx $10-20.
The benefits of holding a paperback version in your hand should not be underestimated.
Firstly, the buzz of having a physical copy of a novel you created, whoa!
Secondly, for revision. You have been looking at the on-screen version of your book for months, years, whatever. Reading the actual printed version casts a whole new light on your work, mistakes with spelling, grammar, plot, etc. are a lot easier to find.
Also, the physical copy reminds you that what you are doing (writing and publishing a novel) is really a big deal. Many people have said “I really want to write a book.” And while they may do it in the future, give yourself a pat on the back and realise that you actually have done it.
It wasn’t all plain sailing with CS. There overseas number didn’t work, and I sent many an angry email about their delivery date estimates. In the end, I can’t complain with their service.
- Back to the Self-pub experience….
Marketing and placement:
I am stocking my book in 7 local stores and 3 bookstores.
I created a Facebook author page.
- So far, 280 ‘likes’.
- I also created an ‘event’ for my launch.
I created a website, with short stories, poems, and soon, the first two chapters of The History Maker.
I am running a draw for a free copy of my book for everyone who clicked ‘like’ on my page.
Debating whether I should extend the competition to raffle a Kindle (Would cost me approx €90).
I wrote one free article in countywide free magazine, will do another three over next month.
I am charging €12 for my book.
In January, I will be placing a few free copies in local libraries to generate interest for future work of mine.
Planning, over the next few days/weeks:
I am not involved with goodreads, but I see it mentioned in every second thread. Going to get on that.
My twitter account is weak. I have a connection with an Irish celebrity so gonna play that card in middle of December.
Formatting the Kindle version and uploading.
Having a launch night in a Bar where I am manager:
Local postmen agreed to deliver 500 flyers with post next week to advertise my launch night.
I will be selling copies at the Launch.
I have an arrangement with a local bus operator to provide buses for the launch, should there be numbers to justify it. (I live 15miles from where the bar is).
I bought an advert in local magazine which cost me €30.
At the moment, I have 165 copies of The History Maker sitting in my office. Two months ago, I would have aimed for 70/80 sales. But, recently, word has gotten around locally that I’ve written a book, and so that’s the reason I’ve jumped up in numbers.
@annjoyce: You gave me confidence about ordering books. Before I read your SP experience, I looked at paperback copies as a short term investment. The thought of having copies left over after Christmas didn’t sit well. Following your thread, I’ve realized that having 50 copies in January is no big deal. Thanks for that.
Over the coming weeks, I will put up my costs if anyone is interested.
In a nutshell, if I sell the 165 copies I have, and hopefully another ten or so eBook versions over the next two months, I’d be over the moon. Fingers crossed.
The day is coming close, on the 8th of December I will be a published author.
Nervous and excited
From post 98, it is devoted to "Angel of Death"
Hi everyone,
Putting my self-published experience here for all to see, all the good, bad and the ugly parts!
NOTE: I am throwing out everything that I have done/will do in an effort to promote my book. I am in no way attempting to advertise my novel to you guys here on AW. My aim is to help my fellow self-pubbers, and if anyone can take a tip or two from my experience, then this guide will be worth it. I am a link in the chain, where we pass on our knowledge to each other.
A quick note on my novel:
It is a romantic suspense novel. I started writing it in Jan 2010, after it sat idle for nearly five years as a screenplay. I set myself a goal in 2010- start and FINISH a novel. Thankfully, February of this year, I achieved my goal.
I was in no hurry to query it off to agents or publishers, so I let it sit for three months while I started on a second novel and a few short stories. Since May, I have put it through a number of re-writes/edits and as of today, I have 165 paperback copies sitting in my house.
I am publishing the paperback version with Createspace and the eBook version on Kindle from the 8th December.
On Createspace: To anyone planning self-publishing, even if it’s just digital, I strongly recommend printing a proof copy on createspace. Depending on delivery, they cost approx $10-20.
The benefits of holding a paperback version in your hand should not be underestimated.
Firstly, the buzz of having a physical copy of a novel you created, whoa!
Secondly, for revision. You have been looking at the on-screen version of your book for months, years, whatever. Reading the actual printed version casts a whole new light on your work, mistakes with spelling, grammar, plot, etc. are a lot easier to find.
Also, the physical copy reminds you that what you are doing (writing and publishing a novel) is really a big deal. Many people have said “I really want to write a book.” And while they may do it in the future, give yourself a pat on the back and realise that you actually have done it.
It wasn’t all plain sailing with CS. There overseas number didn’t work, and I sent many an angry email about their delivery date estimates. In the end, I can’t complain with their service.
- Back to the Self-pub experience….
Marketing and placement:
I am stocking my book in 7 local stores and 3 bookstores.
I created a Facebook author page.
- So far, 280 ‘likes’.
- I also created an ‘event’ for my launch.
I created a website, with short stories, poems, and soon, the first two chapters of The History Maker.
I am running a draw for a free copy of my book for everyone who clicked ‘like’ on my page.
Debating whether I should extend the competition to raffle a Kindle (Would cost me approx €90).
I wrote one free article in countywide free magazine, will do another three over next month.
I am charging €12 for my book.
In January, I will be placing a few free copies in local libraries to generate interest for future work of mine.
Planning, over the next few days/weeks:
I am not involved with goodreads, but I see it mentioned in every second thread. Going to get on that.
My twitter account is weak. I have a connection with an Irish celebrity so gonna play that card in middle of December.
Formatting the Kindle version and uploading.
Having a launch night in a Bar where I am manager:
Local postmen agreed to deliver 500 flyers with post next week to advertise my launch night.
I will be selling copies at the Launch.
I have an arrangement with a local bus operator to provide buses for the launch, should there be numbers to justify it. (I live 15miles from where the bar is).
I bought an advert in local magazine which cost me €30.
At the moment, I have 165 copies of The History Maker sitting in my office. Two months ago, I would have aimed for 70/80 sales. But, recently, word has gotten around locally that I’ve written a book, and so that’s the reason I’ve jumped up in numbers.
@annjoyce: You gave me confidence about ordering books. Before I read your SP experience, I looked at paperback copies as a short term investment. The thought of having copies left over after Christmas didn’t sit well. Following your thread, I’ve realized that having 50 copies in January is no big deal. Thanks for that.
Over the coming weeks, I will put up my costs if anyone is interested.
In a nutshell, if I sell the 165 copies I have, and hopefully another ten or so eBook versions over the next two months, I’d be over the moon. Fingers crossed.
The day is coming close, on the 8th of December I will be a published author.
Nervous and excited
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