10 Tips for Self-Publishing by Carly M. Duncan
10 Tips for
Self-Publishing
By: Carly M.
Duncan
Through the
course of self-publishing my first fiction novel, Marcie, I learned a lot along
the way. Some of the lessons caused me great frustration, while others gave me
great hope for the success of sharing my story. I hope these tips will be
useful for you!
1. When the story is
finished and all of the editing is done, don’t be lazy. Read it again. Be thorough. This is
your chance to release your creation with the world. Make sure you don’t
sacrifice a solid product for the excitement of getting the book out the door
and on sale sooner than it may be ready.
2. Build the anticipation. At least one month (and up to three) before the
book is published, start to create your own buzz. Create a website, Facebook
page, Twitter handle and Goodreads account. Heck, why not jump onto Pinterest
too while you’re at it. Lock into as many outlets as you can. You can help
build anticipation by teasing a few lines, an entire first chapter or even by
letting your “fans” help choose which cover design they like best. Allow your future
reading community to feel like they’re a part of your process.
3. Do it yourself. Of course, the journey of self publishing can be an
exhausting one, but it’s worth it. Put on your armor and get to it! Create a
list of contacts for reader review blogs, awards and promotion services you’re
interested in reaching out to. If you can’t afford the promotion a huge book
release might warrant, reach out to bloggers on your own and see if they’ll add
you to their reading lists. Even if the bloggers don’t have the time, you’ll
begin to create a community of contacts that may be available to help the next
time around.
4. Stick to your genre. When you’re sending out review inquiries, do
yourself a favor and make sure that the reviewer you’re asking to review your
book LIKES the genre your book is in. You could do yourself more harm than good
if you don’t pay attention to what they enjoy to read. Be careful of setting
yourself up for a terrible review.
5. Pay for something. Don’t be cheap. Pay for a review or two. Pay for two
to three blog tours. If you spread it all out strategically, the cost won’t
hurt you too terribly. There are a ton of quality companies offering options
for reasonable prices – and there are always specials! Keep an eye out for
those.
6. Follow everyone on Twitter. Ok. So not EVERYONE. Follow the writing community
that suits your genre and purposes best. You’ll be surprised by the helpful
links, relevant contacts and new ideas that get tweeted your way daily.
7. Don’t harass people. We all have THOSE people in our various feeds who
feel compelled to post forty-seven times a day. Don’t be that person. Be
strategic about your posts so that your fans and followers don’t develop an
immunity to your avatar.
8. Be patient. It’s going to take some time to build your community,
to send out copies of your book and to generate your own buzz. Don’t compare
yourself with others who may have thousands of followers. Who knows how long
it’s taken them to reach that point. Just keep at it. As long as your story is
important for you to share, it will give you the hope and patience to propel
yourself forward.
9. Give it away. Some of the greatest attention comes from free
stuff. Use the channels you have to organize contests for giveaways. Once
readers are interested in something free, they may develop an urge to purchase
if they are interested enough in your synopsis and don’t end up winning the
contest.
10. Always know what’s next. Have a plan for yourself. Whether it’s spreading out
blog tour dates or strategically releasing teasers from your book, know what
you’re doing next. Or if you’re a complete natural at self-publishing and you’re
a success before you know it, start writing the next one!
About the Author:
Carly M. Duncan is a television producer by day and a writer
whenever there is time. She loves baking, scripted television and is working on
easing her addiction to her too-smart-phone. She lives with her husband, two
daughters and beloved Westie in Brooklyn, New
York.
Her latest book is the chick lit, Marcie.
Pay Carly a visit at her website at www.carlymduncan.com.
Connect & Socialize
with Carly!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About the Book:
When Kate's mother, Marcie, dies mysteriously she is forever tormented
by the many questions surrounding her mother's death. In Marcie's absence Kate
clings to her mother's husbands, searching for solace.
As family secrets are revealed Kate works to build her own life and
family, but the mystery of her mother's death sidetracks her until she finally
gets the answer she's always hoped for.
Purchase
your copy at AMAZON.
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