When it comes to being a self-published author, budgeting is key. This is because you are expected to pay for a majority of the book publishing yourself. Which makes sense if you opt to publish an eBook instead. By publishing your own eBook you can avoid spending money on certain things such as having copies printed out and having to find a place to store them.
By publishing an eBook you can also make your work more readily available to potential readers by making your book readily downloadable. All in all, there are a multitude of reasons why you should publish an eBook. But it is easier said than done though. Publishing an eBook is a lot more different than publishing a normal book.
There are subtle differences that if not done right, may damage your chances of success. So as early as possible you should know what you are doing. Here are some easy to follow tips on self-publishing your very own eBook.
- Proper formatting is key
If there is one thing that you should take into account is that proper formatting is key. This is because each eBook reading device has specific frameworks in order for them to present a readable and ordered document. Which is why if you want your book to be as readable as possible, it is important that you format your book to adhere to a standardized format. By doing so, you will make your book more readable in a variety of platforms and devices.
So if you want your book to be as accessible and readable as possible, remember that proper formatting is key. You can have your eBook formatted by a professional or you can do it yourself.
The advantage of having your eBook formatted by a professional is that it there is a sense of security in having your book looked over by a professional. Of course it will cost you, but such is the price of good quality work.
You can also do the formatting yourself, seeing as it is easy to learn. The advantage here is that you can have a more hands on approach to your work. Just make sure you know what you’re doing, because if there is a mistake, you will have no one else to blame but yourself.
- Make your eBook cover as attractive as possible
When it comes to marketing your eBook it is extremely important that your book cover is as attractive as possible. This is because your eBook cover is the first thing that potential readers will see. Sure, they may browse the synopsis of your book, but the first thing that they will ever notice is the eBook cover. So it is important that you make it as eye-catching as possible. Make sure that the eBook cover looks classy and professionally made. Any reader worth their salt can spot a badly made eBook cover a mile away. If you can afford it, try to hire an experienced eBook cover designer. They may be somewhat pricey, but their work is worth it.
You can also make the cover yourself, but make sure that it is tastefully done. A badly made eBook cover can be damaging to your book’s chances of being sold.
- Find the right eBook publishing option for you
Even though you are self-publishing an eBook you will still need the help of eBook publishing companies to produce and distribute it. So the main question now is which eBook publishing company will allow you to reach your eBook publishing goals without you having to give up too much control. Here is a short list of great eBook self-publishing options.
- Kobo Writing life
Kobo Writing Life is a free self-publishing portal that gives authors the chance to create, edit and upload eBooks. Through this portal you can make your book available in over 200 countries. The site features many of the world’s most renowned bookstores.
- Smashwords
Smashwords is one of the world’s largest eBook distributors. The site predominantly caters to indie authors and provide fast, free and easy services. Not only that Smashwords also has highly efficient distribution to most of the world’s largest eBook retailers. The company was founded in 2008 and has over 130,000 authors and small independent publishers at present. Smashwords primary mission has always been to help make the publishing process more rewarding indie authors and more affordable to the world’s readers.
- eBookIt
eBookIt gives authors a more hands on approach on self-publishing their book. This is because the company offers great guides on how to self-publish an eBook yourself. The company also distributes to Apple, Amazon, B&N, Sony and Ingram. The site also offers a comprehensive list of eBook services that will fulfill most of your eBook publishing needs. Overall, eBookIt gives indie authors a good chance of fulfilling their eBook publishing dreams.
- BookVenture publishing
BookVenture publishing is relatively new compared to other eBook Publishers. But BookVenture is still one of the most versatile and effective self-publishing houses out there. The company offers a multitude of services that not only includes eBook services, but also the option to print out softcover and hardcover copies of your book. The company also offers a cavalcade of book marketing services and great book publishing promos that will make your eBook publishing journey a success.
- Know how to efficiently market your eBook
Once you have finally finished publishing your eBook, now is the time to market it. One thing you should know about marketing self-published books though. It is pretty difficult. This is because self-published books are not as well received as traditionally published books. But that does not mean you can’t do it. It just takes a little bit of ingenuity and a lot of hard work.
- Use Social Media to your advantage
One the best things about living in this day and age is that we have social media. Back in the day, people had to pay a fortune just to make a buzz about their books. But now, with social media you no longer have to spend so much. There are a multitude of social media sites out there that you can use to your advantage. You can use Facebook to approach Facebook friends about your book. Through your Facebook friends you can spread word of your book at a very fast and efficient rate. The same goes for Twitter. Through Twitter you can release Tweets that can stir up an interest in your book. Just make sure that you use it strategically. All in all, social media is an extremely potent book marketing tool. You just need to know how to use it properly.
- Create a book blog
If you are going to market an eBook, you will need to have a good author platform. And one great example is a book blog. Through your book blog there are a myriad of ways you can spread word of your eBook. From posting excerpts of your book, short articles to even just simple quotes and poems. The best about a book blog is that you can even create a reputation for yourself as an author long before you even release your book. That way once you do release your book, you will already have a fan base waiting.
- Reach out to book bloggers
Yet another way to create a buzz about your book is by approaching book bloggers. This is because bloggers are quite influential. They have a platform from where they can influence people. Thus, by reaching out to them and forming a good working relationship with them, you will have a better chance of spreading word of your book. One great example is having them write a review about your book, or posting an ad of your book through their blog site. Just remember though, you should also be ready to help them should they ask for your help. They scratch your back, so you should also scratch theirs.
- Stay Determined
These tips are all useful and they are quite necessary. But the one thing you should have before you even set out on the self-publishing process is grit. Sheer determination. You must realize that publishing an eBook instead of a normal book will grant you some logistical and marketing advantages, but you will still be faced with a lot of challenges. So even before you set out and self-publish your eBook, you should steel yourself against any mishap or inconvenience that may come your way. This is the only way you can survive the self-publishing process.