Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Publishing Tips

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley posted some great advice steps for self-publishing on Facebook over the weekend.  I honestly have never seen a traditional and successful author provide such extensive insight into the self-publishing process.  I found it refreshing.  Anyway, Jennifer is one of my favorite authors and if you missed it check out my author interview I did with her a few years back.  If you've read any of her Mackenzies novels, then you understand why I have such a obsession for men in kilts.  Don't believe me?  Check my eye candy on Pinterest and know that I owe it all to Jen.    
Jennifer Ashley on Facebook: Here is her post that I copied and pasted below.  

Steps to self-publishing (backlist or new titles): I thought I'd give you a brief explanation as to what I have to do to get out a title on Kindle / Nook / print so you know why it takes a bit of time.

1. Write the book (takes the most time :-))
2. Revise / edit / proofread--both myself and hired editors / proofreaders
3. Cover: Give cover designer information about the book, and work with her for a design and look
4. Write blurb that is succinct and concise, makes the book sound interesting and doesn't give too much away (shorter is better). This is one of the harder tasks!
5. Once book is proofed, format
6. I use html coding in Notepad to format my books. Make one file for Kindle, one for Nook, one for Kobo, one for All Romance Ebooks (each different so Nook books don't have links to Kindle and so forth).
7. Using Callibre, I convert each file to mobi, epub (and whatever is needed).
8. Gather cover files, formatted books, blurb, and whatever other info I need.
9. Upload books, covers, blurbs, reviews, whatever to Nook, then to Kindle, then to Kobo. (Each takes however long to publish from there).
10. Format the original Word file of the book for Smashwords (doc file). Got to Smashwords, upload book, cover, etc.
11. Format original Word file to make a PDF file for All Romance Ebooks.
12. Upload epub, pdf, and mobi files to all romance ebooks along with cover, blurb, excerpt, subject heading, bio etc.
13. As books go "live" update website to include links to book at various vendors.
14. Once all vendors are live, send out newsletter, post to blog, and announce on FB and Twitter.
15. If print: Format original Word file into PDF.
16. Give word count to cover designer and get full back / front / spine cover from her.
17. Upload final cover, book, description, etc to CreateSpace.
18. When notified that proof is ready (usually 1-2) days, download proof or order print proof.
19 Final proofread.
20. Make changes and re-upload, or ok print book as is.
21. Update website, blog, send out newsletter / announce on FB / Twitter
22. Pour large glass of wine, take bubble bath, and sleep for two days.


Great tips, huh?  


Book Feature:  L. Diane Wolfe's How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now!

After posting the tips above, I also wanted to feature L. Diane Wolfe's How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now!  I loved that Diane did this.  So many authors really need help navigating themselves through this process, including me.  See Diane's book description and get some incredible facts before you take the plunge.

Publishing and promoting made simple! Have you always dreamed of publishing a book but didn't know where to begin? This book walks you through the steps of identifying markets, budgeting, building an online presence, and generating publicity. Get the whole story on: • Traditional publishing • Self-publishing • Print and e-book setup, formatting, and distribution • Finding your target audience • Generating reviews and media interest • Networking and developing an online presence • Promotional materials and appearances Uncover your ideal publishing path and numerous marketing options before you begin. Writing is your dream. Give it the best chance for success! A member of the National Speakers Association, author L. Diane Wolfe offers in-depth seminars on publishing and promoting. Known as "Spunk On A Stick" to her fans, the author resides in North Carolina. "With a positive attitude, any goal can be achieved!"

That's some great advice, huh?  Have you checked out Diane's book yet?  Are you a fan of Jennifer Ashley?  What about men in kilts?

Mina B.

5 comments:

michelle said...

OMG! That sounds like a minefield...
Aren't there people one can hire to do all that converting, formatting and uploading techno stuff!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That's quite a list! And yes, already purchased Diane's book. Got some good stuff in it on promotion.

Yolanda Renée said...

Excellent information, thanks for sharing -- gosh do I have a lot of work to do!

mshatch said...

I got tired just reading the list!

Elise Fallson said...

Oh, I do like the step by step list Jennifer posted. But it seems a little scary, at the same time, lol. I need to flag this post for later . . . (: