Thanks largely (though not exclusively) to the model and tools provided to us by Amazon, self publishing continues to experience a meteoric rise in popularity. Not all self publishing efforts though are created equal. Below are some tips to help get you ahead of the curve.
The numbers are pretty revealing. Analysis of U.S. ISBN data shows the number of self-published titles in 2012 increasing to an excess of 391,000. As a percentage, this figure is up 59 percent over 2011 and 422 percent over 2007.
This phenomenal expansion has been the result of the e-book revolution. By 2012 e-books were 40% of those self published ISBNs. That's an increase from 11% in 2007 - nearly a 400% rise.
To you, my dear self publishing author, these astounding statistics should illustrate two inexorable facts. The first is that self publishing opportunities have never been more promising. And, the second: neither has the competition ever been stiffer.
As this competition continually grows, it is essential that you learn to distinguish yourself from the rest of the field. If you're self publishing on Amazon, there are tools available that you need to make the most of if you hope to see success. Consider these three tools in particular. I'm not claiming that getting them right guarantees your book's success; I am guaranteeing that getting them wrong sets you off on the wrong foot from your first self publishing misstep.
First, on your author's page you are given the opportunity to post a photo. A surprising number of authors chose to post cover art. Don't do this unless your cover is a picture of you. That's what readers want to see.
Authors assume no one wants to see how they look. It's all about the work, right? However, the research reveals that assumption is exactly wrong. A feeling of personalized connection to the author can be a key consideration among prospective readers. It can make the difference in whether they lay down the dollars to buy your book. Your pride in your cover art is lovely, but it is some sense of a connection to you that will likely be the deal breaker or maker.
The classic, shoulders-up, head shot is the safest way to go in choosing a picture style. Obviously, as in most walks of life, you've got a leg up if you're an especially good looker. As a consequence, don't hesitate to post your most flattering photo. I assure you, though, what you look like matters less than that you have a personal photo. Not having one denies that personal touch that often makes the difference. And please do smile into the camera! However many times you have to redo it. (And, good gracious, don't wear sunglasses!)
Secondly, the author's page also offers occasion to write a blurb about who you are. Way too many aspiring authors treat this opportunity in far too cavalier a manner. As with the matter of the photo, a belief that your book speaks for itself is indeed cavalier.
Alas, however great your book is, it can't speak for itself if no one reads it! Your mission, dear author, should you choose to accept it, is to actually prompt a potential reader to read it. A conviction that the author who wrote it is interesting enough to have something to say that is worth reading goes some way in that direction.
You're a writer, right? So write. Make yourself sound interesting. And an emphasis upon those aspects of your personality and biography that would make you a good candidate to produce a revealing and compelling book on the topic of your actual book is a good idea.
If it's a cook book, what is your culinary resume? If it's a detective novel set in 1890s New York, how do you come to have such as expertise on the time period? If it's a how-to book, let them know how your background should will give them confidence that you really do know how? You're following the gist of the mission, I presume.
Third, last, but oh so far from least, is the description of your book. Honestly, the writing of this is actually more challenging than the writing of your book. Once they've invested in your book, most readers - unless they just hate it - will give you at least 20 pages or so to win them over. In your book description you literally have about 20-30 seconds to win them over.
Again, your book, however wonderful, is unable to speak for itself until prospective readers buy it. Until they do, you've got to do all the speaking. The short version of a great book description is simply stated: in just a few sentences you have 1) tell them, 2) entice them and 3) show them.
Space limits don't allow me to go into this at greater length, here. If you really want to understand what's involved, see my article specifically dedicated to the details and nuance of doing your book description well.
Attention to these three matters is essential to avoid taking yourself right out of the game from the start. Self publishing on Amazon is an opportunity and a challenge. You have to meet the latter to benefit from the former.
The numbers are pretty revealing. Analysis of U.S. ISBN data shows the number of self-published titles in 2012 increasing to an excess of 391,000. As a percentage, this figure is up 59 percent over 2011 and 422 percent over 2007.
This phenomenal expansion has been the result of the e-book revolution. By 2012 e-books were 40% of those self published ISBNs. That's an increase from 11% in 2007 - nearly a 400% rise.
To you, my dear self publishing author, these astounding statistics should illustrate two inexorable facts. The first is that self publishing opportunities have never been more promising. And, the second: neither has the competition ever been stiffer.
As this competition continually grows, it is essential that you learn to distinguish yourself from the rest of the field. If you're self publishing on Amazon, there are tools available that you need to make the most of if you hope to see success. Consider these three tools in particular. I'm not claiming that getting them right guarantees your book's success; I am guaranteeing that getting them wrong sets you off on the wrong foot from your first self publishing misstep.
First, on your author's page you are given the opportunity to post a photo. A surprising number of authors chose to post cover art. Don't do this unless your cover is a picture of you. That's what readers want to see.
Authors assume no one wants to see how they look. It's all about the work, right? However, the research reveals that assumption is exactly wrong. A feeling of personalized connection to the author can be a key consideration among prospective readers. It can make the difference in whether they lay down the dollars to buy your book. Your pride in your cover art is lovely, but it is some sense of a connection to you that will likely be the deal breaker or maker.
The classic, shoulders-up, head shot is the safest way to go in choosing a picture style. Obviously, as in most walks of life, you've got a leg up if you're an especially good looker. As a consequence, don't hesitate to post your most flattering photo. I assure you, though, what you look like matters less than that you have a personal photo. Not having one denies that personal touch that often makes the difference. And please do smile into the camera! However many times you have to redo it. (And, good gracious, don't wear sunglasses!)
Secondly, the author's page also offers occasion to write a blurb about who you are. Way too many aspiring authors treat this opportunity in far too cavalier a manner. As with the matter of the photo, a belief that your book speaks for itself is indeed cavalier.
Alas, however great your book is, it can't speak for itself if no one reads it! Your mission, dear author, should you choose to accept it, is to actually prompt a potential reader to read it. A conviction that the author who wrote it is interesting enough to have something to say that is worth reading goes some way in that direction.
You're a writer, right? So write. Make yourself sound interesting. And an emphasis upon those aspects of your personality and biography that would make you a good candidate to produce a revealing and compelling book on the topic of your actual book is a good idea.
If it's a cook book, what is your culinary resume? If it's a detective novel set in 1890s New York, how do you come to have such as expertise on the time period? If it's a how-to book, let them know how your background should will give them confidence that you really do know how? You're following the gist of the mission, I presume.
Third, last, but oh so far from least, is the description of your book. Honestly, the writing of this is actually more challenging than the writing of your book. Once they've invested in your book, most readers - unless they just hate it - will give you at least 20 pages or so to win them over. In your book description you literally have about 20-30 seconds to win them over.
Again, your book, however wonderful, is unable to speak for itself until prospective readers buy it. Until they do, you've got to do all the speaking. The short version of a great book description is simply stated: in just a few sentences you have 1) tell them, 2) entice them and 3) show them.
Space limits don't allow me to go into this at greater length, here. If you really want to understand what's involved, see my article specifically dedicated to the details and nuance of doing your book description well.
Attention to these three matters is essential to avoid taking yourself right out of the game from the start. Self publishing on Amazon is an opportunity and a challenge. You have to meet the latter to benefit from the former.
About the Author:
If you're an aspiring self publisher, you need to stay on top of all the killer tips and trends at Self Publishing on Amazon . Lance Fallbrook writes on writing and writers at a number of writing related blogs. Check out his provocative list of top 20 most famous American authors .
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