What Is The First Step Of Self Publishing

Do you know the first step in self publishing your book? If not, this is the article for you. First of all, congratulations on finishing your book! Welcome to the circle of successful self starters. You’ve made a good decision to publish your book yourself. As a self published author or small independent publisher, you get to receive the lion’s share of profits. You have creative control of your book – meaning you can create your book your way.

Even so, I have a few words of caution, before we get to the first step of self publishing. In case you are reading this article in the valley of decision, there are pros and cons for whatever method you choose to publish your book. So, I always encourage my readers to educate oneself about the publishing industry and the options available.

It’s a good day for self publishing in the Digital Age. Technology has advanced with the arrival of digital printers and electronic readers and devices. It’s easier, faster and cheaper than ever to self publish your work. Now is a good time to jump in and join the Information Revolution.

Many people think the first step is to select a printer. Before you rush off to press, there are some things you should do to prepare your book for successful self-publishing. The preparation step of the self-publishing process includes everything you need to do to your book manuscript before you deliver it to the book printer. Here are a few first steps in self publishing:

1. Decide your publishing goals. The FIRST STEP is deciding your publishing goals. For example, is your book a personal family history book that you plan to sell to a few friends and family? Or do you plan to mass-market your book to the world? Many POD, publishing service companies have different level packages for the hobbyist or professional author. According to your goals, you can opt to choose a POD company or a full service specialty book printer to publish your book.

2. Invest in book editing.
This decision will let the world know if you are serious about your message or not. Even if you have decided your book is just a family book. Decide to give your family and generations to come the best book you can. You’ll be glad you did. Look at it this way; your book is representing you whether it’s a business book or family book. Put the stamp of professionalism through editing. Each reader will be proud to recommend and gift your book to friends, family and others. So, invest in your book; get it professionally edited. Copy or line editing will bring your manuscript up to professional standard.

3. Get an ISBN Number or ISBN block.
An ISBN number is what identifies the book publisher. Currently, it is the only way you can be considered a self-publisher in the publishing industry. At the time of this writing, no one can give, assign or sell you ISBNs except RR Bowker, the U.S. ISBN agency or their approved representatives. You may now purchase a single ISBN or a block of ISBNs. You can find further information at http://isbn.org. Additionally, for your information at the time of this writing if you choose to publish via a POD service company usually they are the ISBN holder not you. Even so, lots of people find this the easiest route with their first book. I say usually because in recent years CreateSpace, an Amazon company and few others now give you the option to submit your manuscript using your own ISBN number.

4. Hire a book designer for book layout.
The interior of your book is structured by a book layout. In other words, the book layout is what structures the content of your book and makes it look like a book. Here is another opportunity for you to invest in your book project. With the success of your book in mind, this is not the time to skimp on a professional look. If your potential book reader or customer opens up to a sloppy layout, it will limit your book’s success in the market. So, take the time to learn how to professionally layout your book’s interior, use templates or hire a book designer to help.

5. Invest in cover design.
Seventy-five percent of 300 booksellers surveyed (half from independent bookstores and half from chains) identified the look and design of the book cover as the most important part. They agreed the jacket is prime real estate for promoting a book. On that note, your book cover design can cause your book marketing campaign to fail or succeed. I encourage you to get your book cover professionally designed. Alternatively, if you are starting with a shoe string budget, you may use a book cover template.

Are you ready to publish your book successfully? Did you decide your publishing goals? Are you preparing for success by investing in an editor, your own ISBN number and book designer. Great! Now that you know the first few steps in self publishing, you can go full speed ahead, go ahead take the plunge. Don’t hesitate any longer. Start today. Your audience is waiting for YOUR unique message and viewpoint. Make it different. Make it count. Make it yours.

Do you want more a step by step guide to self publish your book? Visit Self Publishing Your Way program and website at http://selfpublishyourway.com

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Earma Brown is an expert in book writing, publishing and marketing advice. She focuses on innovative and unique techniques to helping others get their book written, published and ready to sell in record time. She has been successful in using new technologies in publishing her own twelve books and a few of her friends. Download Earma’s updated epackage Self Publishing Your Way Now for Aspiring Authors and Emerging Indie Publishers today with 4 FREE eBooks.