I started my book journey with the self-publishing process and have since published ten of my own books and two co-authored books, in addition to over 65 collaborations. I got a book deal with a hybrid publisher, had an agent for a year, and finally opened my own publishing house. I love books, and I especially love how we can help change the world with our brave words through books!
The request I get most often from authors is, “Where do I start?” When it comes to self-publishing a book, I have a lot to offer here. I’m going to help you with where to start, but what you should be asking is, “What’s the best way to create a successful book launch and leave my legacy?”
Today, I’ll give you the shortcut to a self-publishing guide and the best self-publishing tips I can think of so you’re inspired and armed with the best information to move forward with. I want you to avoid some simple mistakes and know the ins and outs so you’re confident when it comes time to launch.
Self-publishing a book that’s part of your legacy is big-potatoes stuff to me. It’s such a big deal that I actually re-published my first book after I learned all the tricks and realized what I didn’t know the first time. I’m happy to report that that first disappointing launch turned into a series of lessons, learning, and success as I re-published the second time.
The book publishing process can be confusing. There’s a lot to know and keep track of. It’s a massive project management task. It’s cool that Amazon’s self-publishing platform, Kindle Direct Publishing, makes it so easy. But there are some things I want you to know about this process to ensure you not only have a book published but you have a successful launch and are leaving your legacy in the world in the biggest way possible.
When you have the thought to publish your book, you’re dreaming of the world being helped by your brave words. But what you don’t know is that it takes a village to get those words into the world at the next level. A village, time, effort, money, and probably a little PR wouldn’t hurt.
When you publish your own book, and you’ve received that beautiful creation in the mail, and you’re holding it in your hands for the first time, bringing the paper up to your nose and caressing the finish of the cover (I know I make it sound like a romance) it’s such a great feeling. You’re high for a while. And then, you might experience a crash when you check your book sales numbers and receive that first royalty report. It can be a little disheartening.
10 Important Things to Know About Self-Publishing
- Invest in a team that will help you create a well-written, valuable book that your ideal client actually wants to read. Do your research. Don’t write any book. Write the book your ideal client is asking for.
- Hire a talented editor and designer who can bring your vision to life. Don’t skimp on these processes. It will show in the final product. You get what you pay for.
- Royalties from self-publishing are real, but business-building and income from new clients as a result of establishing yourself as an authority in your field can way exceed the royalty income, so plan for both. Make sure your book is taking advantage of one or more strong calls to action.
- Publishing with an eBook and a paperback is advised. Your launch strategy on Amazon will work very well when buyers have both options. Don’t just do one or the other. Eventually, you’ll also want to think about an Audible. Having all ways for readers to consume your information is key!
- Don’t just publish on Amazon. If you want your book to be picked up by retailers and bookstores, don’t forget to publish through Ingram Spark. Bookstores have special accounts with Ingram and are more likely to say yes to carrying your book if it’s listed there.
- You are the way your book is shared in the world. It takes you, and a village to get the word out. Build a launch team and community around the book and its topic and build early, well before the launch.
- Find launch partners (business partners or collaborators) who will help you launch the book and can help you promote, market, and share the message. Podcast hosts make great partners. So do influencers with bigger platforms who dig your message. Be creative about asking people, always keeping in mind what you can do for them in return (or before you ask).
- Remember Amazon’s “Look Inside” feature and put a call to action in the front of the book that brings people to your website or book resource link. That way, even if they don’t buy the book, you’ll have a win with a website visit.
- Purchase Publisher Rocket to help you research keywords and categories for your book. This is an easy and powerful way to ensure you have a successful launch.
- Don’t launch without a launch team strategy. I have that written out for you step-by-step in The Brave Healer Resources Vault. Find that HERE.
When I coach people through their self-publishing process, I like to remind them that the launch is just the beginning. Brave Healer Productions prides itself on the magic that can be had after and beyond the book launch. Think about your business-building, growth, and networking strategy as part of your book launch. Think beyond the launch and to the community who will be helping you realize your goals, dreams, and vision. Books are a legacy business. Leaving yours is part of mine. I hope you’ll come check us out!
