I’ve written and self-published six books since 2011. And while self-publishing is a constant learning journey, here are some tips based on my experiences and observations to date:
- Don’t invest a lot of time exploring self-publishing until you have a finished product that has been revised to the point of excellence.
- Research the most popular self-publishing platforms to determine which is the best fit for you and your work.
- Don’t spend money on “vanity” publishing houses that charge large sums of cash to self-publish your book, when you can do it for free through other means.
- Create a budget for investing in your self-publishing efforts and do your research to ensure you’re being realistic.
- Find a strong editor and proofreader, a talented book designer and formatter, and a talented cover artist. All are crucial to your product looking professional and polished.
- Build a web site for your writing and be intentional about how you brand yourself.
- Create consistency across your social media accounts and use social media to highlight the works of others more than you promote your own work.
- Reach out to as many book bloggers and book reviewers as you can find ask them to review your book. Before contacting them, however, take note of the kinds of books they like to write about and review.
- Once you gain some readers, keep in touch with them through a newsletter and regular social media updates, and communicate with deep gratitude and appreciation.
- Let your family and friends know about your book, but don’t overdo it (I’ve been guilty of this at times)!
Self-publishing is a lonely journey and requires a lot of self-motivation. Most of the time, no one is asking for your book; there’s no deadline, no agent, no publishing house editor. Reaching out and building community with other writers is essential, along with support from the people who are most important to you.
Growing Your Strengths
I’m a Nashville-based writer, talent strategist, and certified executive coach. On this website, I primarily write stories featuring a diverse group of professionals whose examples of applying mindfulness, learning agility, and storytelling will help you love your career and enhance your quality of life.
These characters face familiar pain points: nonstop change, accelerating economic and technological disruption, and the collective “noise” that grows louder each day. The impact, for these professionals and for many of us, has been confusion, distraction, and stress.
Until, however, each of these individuals chooses to do something new: practicing mindfulness, learning agility, and storytelling habits, and growing them into strengths…strengths that respond to change rather than just react.
Strengths that you can develop as well.
Don’t settle for the confusion, distraction, and stress. You’re stronger than that, and capable of much more.
Choose to do something new. Today. Start with this post, check out my books, and join our learning community to receive free, exclusive content via email each month with timely guidance on applying mindfulness, learning agility, and storytelling.
