In recent years, the annual number of self-published books has surpassed the number of traditionally published books. Why? Because people are not just looking to profit directly from book sales. Instead, they want to market their businesses and their skills to gain new customers. They also want to tell stories, book speaking engagements, and make their mark on the world. Since most writers are not yet celebrities in their fields, and have not built the major personal platform necessary to land a book deal through a literary agent, most join the DIYers and self-publish their books.

So, if you are planning to write and self-publish a book, here are five tips to keep in mind:

1. It takes a village (or at least a hamlet) to publish a book. You can write it, or hire a ghostwriter, but books also need editors, proofreaders, cover designers, publishers, marketers, and perhaps even a good fact checker. These are all players in the publishing game of which you should be aware.
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2. Have a budget in mind. Books can cost you anywhere from $10,000 to $70,000. This depends on several factors, such as many pages and how many graphics (including photos) you wish to include, whether or not you are planning to write it yourself, and how good you are at marketing. Note: If you have a marketing budget, use it toward your book.
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3. Be wary of most of the big all-in-one writing-editing- publishing-marketing “everything” houses. These large entities, such as Arbor and Advantage, among others, plus the “writing sweatshops” (Elance, Upwork, etc.) ask for a lot of money from clients but do not pay writers or editors the going rates, leaving you with less than quality work. Just as most of us opt to buy the individual components of a salad, rather than “salad in a bag,” you’re usually best served finding a ghostwriter, editor, self publisher, and marketing expert on your own, through referrals and/or social media.
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4. Commit to the process – have a realistic end date in site – usually 6 to 12 months. Hold both your “village” and, most significantly, yourself accountable. I can’t tell you how many people take forever to get their books completed, or never finish at all.
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5. Plan to do a lot of marketing! This is no different than having a traditional publisher publish your book. Gone are the days of major marketing campaigns by the big houses (unless you’re an all-star in your field).  Ramp up your social media presence while writing the book (or having it written) or hire someone to help you. Do some blogs and start talking about your book well before you publish it.

Self-publishing is not all that difficult –

Rich Mintzer

Ghostwriter / editor / writing coach

Yourbookyourway.net

rsmz@optonline.net