Still Not Quite a Dream
I’ve just self-published my third mystery. About a year ago, I blogged about the dream and the nightmare of self-publishing. I want to give an update now.
First, let me say, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned that I made a mistake using a company called BookBaby. Their accounting system is dreadful. It takes months to find out what your sales have been. Their excuse? Amazon takes a long time reporting. I don’t buy it. This is the reason I’m tempted to switch to Amazon’s KDP Select. Frankly, it makes me tired just thinking of changing, however. But I will at some point.
I will say that BookBaby did some excellent book cover designs for me. Check them out. And they were pretty inexpensive. But then I tried having them do the paperbacks and was very disappointed. They offered no help unless I had some premium package, and in the end, the books wound up with ridiculous margins and no page numbers or headers. Yikes. Thanks a lot, BB!
I went with Create Space (Amazon) and did POD paperbacks and have been very happy. Plus, their sales figures come in right away. Glad I own stock in Amazon and not BookBaby.
So, I’ve conquered the publishing aspect, sorta, kinda. Now what about the marketing? I’ve been focusing on social media. While I’ve made some good friends, and have some fans, I’m not soaring. What’s next? After self-publishing (or any kind of publishing) comes self-promotion. Endless possibilities. Maybe.
I could pay for advertising. I could hire a publicist. But I’ve come up with another idea. I’ve got a hook for my latest book that might generate interest. Widespread interest. I won’t tell you about it here; you’ll find out soon enough what it is and whether it’s successful. This “hook” will also allow me to provide regular updates to keep the idea constantly re-energized.
Author Lynne Kennedy
I guess I can say I’m into phase two of my book drama. Wish me luck!
And, by the way, writer friends, despite all the “I’s,” this is not just about me. Insert your name in one of the I’s above because many of you have had similar experiences.
I’d love to hear your success stories.
Lynne,
I am just in the process of publishing. Editing? Done. Cover design? In process. If you have any other hints to guide me, I’d be more than appreciative!
Lori
Hi Lori,
This was really a follow-up to two blogs I wrote on self-publishing. Check my Sept 4 and 11 blogs on my website for lots more! Thanks.
Lynne
I just published my first book through Amazon. So far so good, but I’m def. concerned about long-term sales. Whether my sales would ever spread out from my face book and blogging sphere of followers. I’m in biting-my-nails mode.
Hi Olivia,
Congratulations on your first book! That’s an accomplishment. Sales are the next step. Don’t worry about them so much that you stop writing. Always a danger.
Lynne
Thanks. Do you know what the average sales is for indie books? I guess I’d like to have number to work with, to know if I should advertise more or what…
No idea, but I’d love to know if you find out!
LOL. Gee, thanks.
I found your post so interesting….Thanks for your honesty in sharing your journey. I have a nonfiction book “ready to go.” Praying for direction. I wish you the best!
Thanks, Sarah. Best of luck!
Lynne, I am glad to find your topic and am almost 9-months since my fiction title was self-published via CrossBooks, Winds Of Change.
I heard much the same story regarding reported sales, which like you are not soaring, but doing better than imagined.
Marketing, seem to be running into roadblocks with building a facebook page, and standing out as an author as there are plenty who share my first/last name via google.
So creating a web site with my name seems at best futile. My title too has been used numerous times, if I had only known.
Presently, am writing via short story contests now to keep the skill alive, and will do cross-over fiction next time compared to faith-based fiction and perhaps pub with Nook Press.
-Is it common for acquaintances who have your titles, seldom make any reference to it or ask about it?
Do you ever bring it up in subsequent conversations with them, or just let it go? Finally and happily, reviews have been favorable to date. I do wish you well Lynne Kennedy and hope to see you on here frequently.
Warmest regards
David
David,
Thanks for your interesting comments. If you check back to my blogs on Sept 4 and 11, you’ll get more than you ever wanted to know about self-publishing. Ha.
Yes, titles, very important, but hard these days to be original.
Frankly, I don’t follow up on my books much even to those who are fans. I guess I think, if they want another book of mine, they know where to go.
I wish you luck in your writing endeavors. Try blogging!
Lynne
Hi, I am a Singapore author. I just self published my book Butterflies through Xylibris. I have quite a pleasant experience so far. I did the book design myself with the help of a local Singapore artist. My publisher Xylibris did a timely professional job so far. Only weak point was the editing. I am still waiting for some sales figure but was told that it normally take 3 months before they report. As with all self publish writer, my biggest challenge is the promotion of the book and whether it would go beyond my circle of Facebook friends and local bookstores. Any good ideas on self promotions?
Hi Bernard,
Thanks for your comments. Yes, BookBaby tells me it takes three months for sales to be reported. I’ve considered switching to Amazon KDP Select, where sales supposedly come up right away. However, this means that only Amazon can sell the book. As far as self-promotion, I’m afraid all of us Indie authors face the same dilemma. How to publicize. You can use social media and link up with various groups, but most don’t like you promoting your book. You can pay for advertising, but that’s pretty costly. If you have a really terrific angle, you can send out a press release to local papers, etc. Other than those possibilities, I don’t know. There’s a decent book out there called, “Let’s Get Visible” by David Gaughran. Not bad, but he pretty much steers you to Amazon KDP. Wish I could help more. Best of luck!
Lynne
I came to self-publishing after having eighteen novels traditionally published. And I can honestly say, it’s the best decision I ever made.
Yes, kindle came along at the right time for me as I had a large backlist to which I managed to get back the rights and I write in series. I’m not saying I make a fortune, because I don’t. But I make a living. Quite a decent living. I can now afford holidays. Yippee! I’ve been able to give up the hated day jobs. Hurrah!
And when I epublish my next book, as advised by the epublishing guru, Joe Konrath, I’m going to use bookbub.com to put the word out. From what I’ve heard, they give the best results. Yes, they’re costly, but if, as they seem to, they bring in the results, they’re a worthwhile investment.
There have been several strings on kboards.com (writers’ cafe) about sales figures. Nick Stephenson has provided some very interesting information about marketing. I’ve printed off so many tips, my local stationery store is making a fortune as I start a new file for each one (mailchimp, wordpress, scrivener, etc).
I love this self-publishing adventure. And if it all ends tomorrow, hey, I’ve had a good time and several holidays and new furniture and loads of new clothes from it. I’ve had more fun, more control, more money, more everything, since I declined my last publishing contract and went out on my own. I adore being an indie!
Glad to hear such upbeat news. Thanks for your comments. I’ll be checking out bookbub!