I’m actually starting to make decisions now about this book I want to self-publish. It really is kind of a crazy thing. Part of me likes it.
Most of me hates it.
I’m a worrier. When I write a book for another publisher all the worries other than - did I do a good job - lands on them. When you’re doing it yourself all the worry is with you.
Forget the obvious issues – are there any typos or inconsistencies that are going to make it seem like a “self published” book? Did the copyeditor catch everything? What about copyright infringement issues. What if I used a brand name I wasn’t supposed to?
I’m also dealing with cover art and title. I have ideas. I know what “I” like – but I’m no expert in this kind of stuff. What sells? Then of course there is the marketing. How much money should I put toward advertising? How many copies do I need to sell in order to cover the costs of the copy editor and advertising combined in order to make a profit?
Because as Maureen said so eloquently yesterday… it’s about the money. I’m not going to get rich – but I need to be compensated for the effort. Yes my love of writing and for whatever reason this story in particular carried me a long way but this a whole lot of work and worry to do this for free.
I’m still a couple of months away – but then I will use this Blog to shamelessly promote it and you can all go and look at the cover and read the title and tell me how you think I did as a publisher.
(And you know… while you’re there… maybe you could buy it... if you want to…)
6 comments:
Oh wow. Good luck brave woman. I've often thought about but am not brave enough. Good for you!
Plunge away, Stephanie! We'll all be cheering you on. :)
May I be Grasshopper to your self pub Master? I'm going to start work on a novella that I want to self-pub soon. I would like to sit at your knee and learn. Can we skip the part where I have to brand myself with the hot pot thingie?
I am so excited for this venture of yours. You have great books to get out there and great books coming out with Harlequin next year - I think that one two punch is going to make this venture hugely successful and if not...well, then you'll know. The rest of us sit around gong "what if?"
Kwana's right - it's really brave to decide to answer that question.
I can't wait to see the covers!
Eileen! Good for you!!! I think you're in the same boat as Steph - having a little something out there in self-pubbed ebook form will only add to your career and sales - good for you!!!
As my grandmother used to say, Molly, from your mouth to God's ears. :-)
Post a Comment