10 Essential Steps to Write, Self-Publish and Sell Your Book
I coach creatives, and am on a mission to get people writing!
This is a whistle stop tour of the steps you can make towards getting that book written, and out there.
I’m happy to share many more ideas, or go into depth on each step listed here. At the end of the post are details of how we can work together and help you to embrace and release your inner writer!
1 – Find your WHY?
Is it a passion project, you just have to write it, or do you wish to make a career from selling books?
Fiction or non-fiction?
Genre or literary?
Why is this important to you?
What are you willing to invest / sacrifice to make it happen, money or time or both?
2 – Write a book.
Obvious right?
It’s easy! 500 words a day, for 3 months you have a book.
The hard part is writing a book you’ll be proud of, that you can sell.
Got a really unique idea, never seen anywhere before? Great, however it probably won’t sell.
People like what they like. Think about it, you go in a book store, including Amazon, you search by category.
If your book doesn’t fit in a category, or a few, it won’t be found, so won’t sell.
3 – Write more books!
Boxed sets are the way to go if you want to make decent money.
You can post a chapter or preview to the 2nd book at the back of the 1st etc.
Build longer character and plot curves, and build a loyal fan base.
Always make sure each book is also a stand alone as well, so you aren’t cheating your readers by not giving them a story.
4 – Find your tribe.
Start on day one of writing your book.
If you want to sell it, you need people who’ll buy it and promote it by word of mouth.
Writers use all sorts of tactics for this, social media, competitions, crowd funding, networking.
5 – Get a great cover.
You can pick up free artwork and create your own cover in Amazon.
You could commission an artist via Fiverr or similar websites. Or you can commission a high end, aka expensive artist, and go all in. It really depends on your budget.
It’s vital you get this bit right, think about it, the thumbnail needs to look great online too.
If you’re planning a series, make sure all the covers link together in some way. Don’t let this hold you back though, you can easily upload a new cover if the first one doesn’t work.
6 – Choose a name.
Will you write as you, or under a pen-name?
Many writers have multiple pen names, depending on the genre and subject.
The name can protect your privacy as well as help with sales. If you’re writing about boy witches it wouldn’t hurt to be next to JK Rowling on the bookshelves would it?
Sadly some subjects sell better if apparently written by a man (military thrillers) or woman (romance).
It’s OK to fight the system, but decide what’s important, reaching an audience or standing by your principles.
7 – Obtain the URL.
Before you decide on titles and names, do your research.
Is the URL available?
It will be a key piece of marketing, and if you do get a best seller you want the url secured, it can be a few dollars to buy one, or $1000s so you may need to juggle your names etc.
Better to do this early and avoid potential legal pitfalls. The current trend is to be brand ‘you’ in other words have the URL of your pen name. This also enables you to promote all your books in one place that’s easily recognisable.
8 – Get legal.
Don’t steal from other artists. Sounds dramatic? There’s a huge trade in ‘knock off’ literary works, so don’t inadvertently fall victim, or become a thief. Check copyrights. Have you got permission from people you mention? Not sure about something? CHECK IT OUT!
Ideas can’t be stolen.
9 – Learn about self publishing.
Go to the source. You want to sell on Amazon, learn from Amazon.
https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G202187740
10 – PUBLISH!
You won’t sell it if it isn’t out there. You may never be happy with your work, many artists never settle. So work on the theory that finished is better than perfect.
***
If you enjoyed this post, CLICK HERE and I’ll make sure you receive my newsletter, so you’ll not miss out on future giveaways or blog content.
***
I’ve created The Independent Freedom Creative to give you a one stop shop where we can motivate and support people who value their personal freedom.
Powerful creatives who wish to change their lives in some way to achieve their personal goals. A global network of individuals who write or work independently (or want to!)
The group’s to share information, inspiration, ideas, resources and stories between others who wish to change something about their lives.
Those who are ready to take action to move towards their dream lifestyle.
I can’t wait to see you in there, but if the group isn’t for you at the moment, please know you’re welcome to join us when the time’s right!
***
If you’d like to have a FREE coaching call, you can check our details of my programmes here:
https://www.christieadamswriter.com/coaching/
You may also like:
Transform And Restructure Your Life And Regain Emotional And Creative Freedom
10 Essential Books on How To Write, Self-Publish and Sell Your Book
My Resources (Stuff I use and like!)
(A few of the services I use to bring this free content to you. I earn a small commission on some – it doesn’t affect your price, in fact it could save you money- others I just love anyway so wanted to share with you. You’re supporting my work, enabling me to continue writing and keep this website and content free to you, thank you!)
I hope I’ve inspired you to get creative, tweet me from your next coffee stop! Or why not jump over to Facebook and join my community of creatives planning their path towards their own personal freedom:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheIndependentFreedomCreative/
