I'm kind of overwhelmed. But in a good way. Let me explain. Back in June, (near the very end, you might as well say July) I decided to indie publish my first book. I knew it would be a lot of work, and it is, but good work.
It's one of those situations where you learn as you go, like being in school (but so much better!) The learning curve I've been on is never ending, it seems but it's all stuff I'm really interested in. I wake up each morning excited about the things I need to do.
The thing is, I'm so busy with publishing, I haven't written a new word since the summer. I did know this would happen going in, that fall would be devoted to developing this new aspect of my career, but it's kind of freaking me out. So, I've determined to surf on the wave known as Nano, not as an official entrant, but just to say, I'm writing in the month of November.
For those of you who have never indie/self published and think that maybe one day you might, I'm going to start blogging about what the process was like for me.
-make a big decision and tell people about it
-prepare blog/web site to drive readers/buyers to
-read and revise ms one more time, and send to beta readers.
-HIRE EDITOR
-work on cover ideas, HIRE COVER DESIGNER
(these are the two most important things you will do when you indie publish, trust me)
-learn to format for Smashwords (not that hard, don't do what I did and hire a third party)
-learn to format for Kindle
-learn to format for Nook (which I don't do as a Canadian b/c they're not friendly that way. I upload to Nook through Smashwords)
-buy ISBN(s) (but if you're Canadian, you get those for free! So there, Nook. You have to register with CISS-google it-but it's easy. It takes a couple weeks to get accepted but after that you can get any ISBN you want in minutes.)
-once you have cover and formatted ms, upload to various sites
-get promo pics taken
-set up blog tour
-make kindle author page look pretty (upload pic, bio, blog, etc)
-apply for Search Inside
-become a Goodreads author
-send out ARC to reviewers (I start with friends then request reviews from book reviewers)
-launch your e- book!!
-learn to format for Create Space or Lightening Source (or both) for print
-hire cover designer to create back cover and spine
-upload and order proof
-edit proof and resend
IN THE MEAN TIME
-gather twitter and fb friends and engage intelligently online
-blog regularly
-consider joining Wattpad (especially if you write YA)
-continue to request reviews (from a list you've been collecting as you participate in blog hops and blogfests)
-connect with other indie authors and cross promote
-contact Overdrive and register as a publisher
-set up a paypal account
-be patient and let things grow
WHAT I'M ACTUALLY BUSY WITH RIGHT NOW
-I'm a featured author on Wattpad, which means I've submitted a blog for Friday (today), and prepping for other Wattpad promotions
-finishing Clockwise proof edits for Create Space and waiting for cover changes from my design guy
-formatting ms of second book Playing with Matches, for Smashwords and Kindle
-waiting for cover for Playing with Matches
-Overdrive declined my application but gave me two links I need to follow up on
-I started the paypal process but haven't finished it
-figure out how to put paypal up on my blog site (to sell signed print copies)
-I joined a new Indie Authors group, which I will be telling you all about soon. Emails flying back and forth.
-create alternate CW book cover for Wattpad cover off
-figure out why my Google profile pic disappeared
-decide if I need a FB author page (update: I decided--see like button above my head and go check it out!)
-decide if I need a static book page
-decide if I need a book trailer
-re-submit Clockwise print ms and cover to Create Space
-upload e-book for PWM
-recruit readers/reviewers for PWM
-launch print book with Wattpad and Goodread contests (set those up)
-launch PWM
And I'm sure there will be more to do, but you get the idea. If you are planning on Indie Publishing, is there anything in particular that you would like me to blog about in more detail? Let me know, I'd love to help!
UPDATE: I forgot an important step for NON-AMERICAN authors when you submit to Create Space. They have to withhold 30% for taxes unless you submit a ITIN (international taxpayer identification number). You have to fill out a W-7 and send it in along with a letter from Create Space (which you can download). When you receive the ITIN you fill out a W-BEN (Create Space gives you the links) and send it to them.
Great other things yet to do list in the comments by Kristie Cook.
Good suggestion made by Amo in the comments, I will post this list in my writing tip tab.
Awesome! The good thing is that you're excited about it! Terrific. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, that's a lot more than I did. But I'm not in print yet. I decided to wait to do that b/c I was already quite overwhelmed with the formatting for Kindle process. And my blog tour is almost non-existant. I did finally join Twitter but I'm still learning how to do that. (Thanks for the welcome btw)
ReplyDeleteQuestion -- How hard is it to format for print? I so want to get a "hard copy" (even if only for myself) but it would be nice to be able to get those out before Christmas.
This is an awesome (and informative) post! So much so that I'm bookmarking it for future reference, if I ever head down that road. Thank you for sharing!! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so helpful. I love reading about the process because I do see myself going down this road in the future. Thank you so much Elle!
ReplyDeleteWow, you have been busy! I wish you all the best on your indie jouney.
ReplyDeleteVera
I don't know how it works in Canada, but U.S. Indies must also remember to submit books to Library of Congress and Copyright Office. Then there's networking on Kindleboards, Goodreads and other sites; deciding what giveaways to participate in and then compiling, addressing and sending out prizes; figuring out sales reports when they start coming in from the retailers; answering guest blog and interview requests and then doing those (not just for release time - it's ongoing); managing your own blog; creating a real website; creating swag to give away and deciding on printer and vendors for swag; managing swag and print book inventory so you don't run out right in the middle of a big promotion... Wow! No wonder it's hard to find time to write! But that has to be our #1 priority, otherwise the rest is useless. At least it's all fun, right? Enjoy the journey!
ReplyDeleteLOL! Holy smokes, Elle! You're one busy lady, but it sounds like you're right where you need to be. This is a great checklist, btw. Good for anyone in or considering this process. GOOD LUCK and super congrats!!! ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteYowza! What a list! It's quite the involved process isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear a rundown of your favorite social media tools for getting the word out: Twitter, Facebook, Wattpad, Goodreads. What kind of time investment has each taken? Which seem to give the most "bang for the buck" (as in "time is money")? And please forgive all the cliches! :-D
Phew! I'm overwhelmed just reading all that! Way to go, you. And yes, great informative post. How about permanently sticking it in your "writing tips" section?
ReplyDeleteAnd it never ends! :) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWow! Very helpful information. Thank you for posting it.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Faster isn't always better. Best to go at the pace you're comfortable with. Congrats for just doing it!
ReplyDeleteDL - You're welcome, glad to be of some help!
Tracy Jo- all the best as you venture out :)
Blimey, no wonder you are busy.
ReplyDeleteLaurel - I will keep that in mind for future posts (and I'm still weighing it out myself). Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteStephanie - True, and thanks!
Jack - You're welcome!
Tony - True Tony, true. My cat is still waiting for breakfast :)
ReplyDeleteLaura, Vera, LTM - Thanks!
Kristie- Thanks for your list of things yet to come.
amo - good idea!
eek, that's a lot of things to do! No wonder you haven't written, but I know you'll get back to that. I'm awed.
ReplyDeletewow, that's one long 'to do' list! Kind of daunting to consider taking that on. My hat's off to you!
ReplyDeleteThat is one monster list. Thank you so much for laying out your path to publication.
ReplyDeleteI wish you much success.
I'm so happy for you!!!!!!! Lots of hard work, tho, LOL! *applauds*
ReplyDelete