In recent years, the world of self-publishing has transformed from a last resort for aspiring authors into a powerful and legitimate avenue for creative success. Even big-name authors, like Brandon Sanderson and Marget Atwood, have self-published their novels.
However, self-publishing can be just as demanding as pursuing traditional publishing avenues. Balancing creative pursuits with business responsibilities can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the entrepreneurial side of writing.
To find success as a self-published author, you have to do more than simply write a compelling story. You’ll need to make strategic decisions in distribution, have a clear understanding of your strengths, and find unique ways to brand your book.
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Choosing the Right Distribution Method for Your Book
Choosing a distribution method can feel overwhelming at first. This choice can significantly impact your book’s visibility, accessibility, and profitability.
Get started by figuring out if you want to work with a wholesaler or distributor. Wholesalers and distributors play distinct roles in getting your book into readers’ hands. Wholesalers, like Ingram and Baker & Taylor, typically stock books and sell them in bulk to retailers such as bookstores and libraries.
Distributors, on the other hand, act as intermediaries, managing the relationship between you (the publisher) and retailers by handling sales, marketing, and inventory management.
Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages. Wholesalers work to satisfy retailers and may sell your competitors’ books alongside yours, but they aren’t restricted to a geographic location and can offer a broad reach.
Distributors usually work exclusively with a specific brand or person selling their products to retailers and can provide more personalized support and marketing expertise, but they’re often restricted to a specific location and may cost a bit more.
When deciding on a distribution method, consider your goals, budget, and target audience. Ask yourself questions like:
- Are you aiming to get your book into local bookstores and libraries, or are you focusing on online sales?
- Do you have the time and skills to manage logistics, or would you prefer to outsource these tasks?
- Where is the distributor or wholesaler located?
- What kind of reach do they have? What channels are they using to promote and sell books?
- Does my book fit into what they’re already promoting and selling?
- What kind of experience do they have?
- Does their goals, mission, and vision align with yours?
- What are the costs?
Answering these questions can streamline your distribution efforts and help you reach a wider audience.
Evaluating Your Strengths as a Self-Publisher
If all you want to do is write, self-publishing probably isn’t the right fit. This is because self-publishing is a multifaceted endeavor that requires you to handle all the behind-the-scenes business tasks in addition to writing.
Before diving into this world, it’s crucial to evaluate your strengths and readiness for the entrepreneurial aspects of self-publishing. You’re likely cut out for business ownership and self-publishing if you possess the following characteristics:
- Resilience: You’re certain to suffer setbacks and rejections when trying to make it as a self-published author. Use these rejections as opportunities for development and aim to learn from each piece of feedback you receive.
- Marketing savvy: The ability to promote your book through social media, email campaigns, and collaborations.
- Organizational skills: Managing deadlines, budgets, and various aspects of book production and distribution.
- Communication skills: Whether to distributors, wholesalers, readers, or partners, it’s important to be able to express an idea clearly and have productive conversations with people to achieve results.
- Creativity: Creativity is key for writing a book, but also for problem-solving and decision-making in an ever-changing self-publishing world.
- Self-motivation: It’s necessary to find motivation within because no one will be over your shoulder making you do what you need to do to get your book out there.
- Adaptability: Learning new tools and strategies as the publishing landscape evolves.
It’s equally important to recognize your limitations. For instance, if you struggle with design, outsourcing tasks like cover creation or formatting to professionals can elevate the quality of your book.
Focus on your strengths and seek support in weaker areas to build a more sustainable self-publishing journey.
Leveraging Customer Reviews to Boost Sales
Customer reviews are vital for self-publishers because they help spread the word about your book. This, in turn, builds trust with your audience, increases visibility, and helps you make more money. Reviews are also a good source of valuable insights for improvement.
Moreover, platforms like Amazon prioritize books with high-quality reviews in their algorithms, improving your book’s ranking and discoverability.
Don’t be afraid to ask for reviews at the end of your book and emphasize the positive impact they may have on your career. You can also engage your audience through social media, newsletters, and book events to generate some extra reviews.
If you’re struggling to build momentum, consider providing advance copies to a special group of readers. Offer free copies to book bloggers, influencers, and early readers in exchange for honest reviews.
While glowing reviews are uplifting, constructive criticism can help you improve future projects. Identify common themes in feedback — whether it’s pacing, editing, or cover design — and aim to improve your weaknesses. These reviews can help you master the business of self-publishing and help you earn more in the long run.
Knowing how to encourage and utilize reviews effectively can bolster your book’s success and improve the trajectory of your career.
Conclusion
Self-publishing is an empowering path that requires thoughtful planning and a balance of creativity and business strategy. Get the ball rolling by finding a distribution channel that works for you. Once you’ve found a printer that suits your needs, start marketing your book to build a buzz around your upcoming novel.
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