Self-Publishing Information

I've been asked to talk about how to self-publish your books.

I should start by saying that it takes a lot of work, self-discipline, and a good bit of financial commitment. There are lower cost options in which you work with an author services company, but since I didn't do that I can't really tell you how it works.

But in terms of traditional full self-publishing here is an outline of the process as I did it:
1. Write, Write, Write! Find something you are passionate about to write about because you will be stuck with it a VERY long time!
2. If you are doing a children's book find an illustrator or start drawing!
3. Read other books in your genre to see if you are consistent with the type of book you want to put out in terms of the number of pages, size of the physical book, etc. Make a list of what you like about other books and don't like. Think about how you want it to feel in your hands, how big, square or rectangle, etc.
4. Have every one you know who is willing to read the manuscript. Take their advice and check it against your internal gut check, after all you are the writer. Use what fits, don't use what doesn't. Then, hire a real editor: a PROFESSIONAL editor. You can have a copy edit or a content edit or both. (Content assesses if the story is on the right track, Copy corrects grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.) I keep hearing, you need a professional editor even if your best friend was an English major. This is true, an editor knows what needs to be done and can often put the text into the file for print. So have your friends read it and make suggestions first, then hire an editor for final copy.
5. Hire a Designer (mine is a graphic artist). You will need a cover image as well as someone to put the text into the file and if it is a children's picture book there will need to combine your illustrations and your words. If your editor doesn't do text formatting (on non-picture books) the designer may be able to.
6. Start getting printer quotes. Ask about time lines, shipping charges, terms, decide where you will store your books. Ask about quantity discounts/price breaks. Tell them up front you are new to this and ask them for guidance.
7. Purchase ISBNs and Library of congress number, name your publishing company and get business licenses (get legal advice for this part), get an address for your business, build a website, look into if you are going to hire a distributor, look at listing your books on amazon, set up a paypal account, join the local publishers association and go to their meetings, get business cards made...
8. Go over your work with a fine tooth comb, ask questions, don't take anything for granted.
9. Get ready for the books to get delivered!
10. Sell sell sell. Now the real work begins!

Good Luck!

Emily A. Filmore, Author
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
blog.withmychildseries.com