What you need to know before publishing a book at your own expense

If the world has a big idea that needs to be read, you can write a book, but it’s difficult to break into the world of publishing, It’s difficult to navigate. What does the agent do? What is a query letter? Do you need to know someone who knows someone to go anywhere? Will the gatekeeper of the pub world stand forever between your message and the masses?

you can Vanity press (and Here is a good guide There are some non-procedural things to remember first) (about how to actually do that).

You are yourself

Self-publishing a book does not have the stress of working with agents or editors, but it does not have any benefits. There is no cash advance to keep you floating while you write, and no one checks to make sure your book isn’t trash. If these checks and balances are not in place, can Write and publish as you like, but don’t be surprised if your feedback isn’t good.

If you’re not a strong editor (or if you know someone who can help you) Or you really have a problem write in, It can be difficult to be alone.You will need to manage your time well, schedule the time you write, and read everything very Be careful.

If possible, get some friends involved, but understand that even if you don’t pay the experts, it may not help you find all the continuity and misspelling.

“Let someone who respects or cares for you read it first,” said Darien Anai, who published the poetry book at her own expense. Nude,2014. She chose a person who was “respected as a writer and a human being.” Start thinking of someone in your life that fits that description — and hope they have time to do this for you.

Promotion will be difficult

Again, there is no industry machine to push your books because you are alone here. you that is It’s a machine, so start promoting your work long before it’s released.

“If you do it again, We plan to consistently promote at least a year before we plan to make it accessible, “said Anay, who suggested increasing social media audiences before the promotion and release.

Traditional writers have different ways to promote their books. For example, publishers advertise them and bring them to bookstores. They have a spokesperson who sends press releases and arranges them for interviews. You should consider stopping by a local bookstore and asking exactly how you can put your work on their shelves. Take the time to create a press release and send it to the reviewers and editors of books you can find online. Sounds brute force, but since no one else is pushing you, you have to be brute force and your book can easily become completely ambiguous.

If you have friends who are well known on social media, you’ll want to get some goodwill from them. If you have the budget, hold a release party, but set it to maximize your exposure on social media. please think about it. Photo booths, kitsch decorations, event hashtags, and perhaps even giveaways that attendees can attend by sharing photos of books and parties. Think about how to know about a book, movie, show, or event. Then make sure you’re promoting using the same method. yours work.

Lifehacker Staff Writer Sarah Shofetti’s Vanity Press Dating by book: One blunder in the self-help passage Singleton’s quest for love In 2012, in addition to publishing the book in the traditional way, she has a unique perspective here. “If you want to sell, use all available channels to prepare yourself to market hell and still manage your expectations,” she said.

Let’s find out a little more …

Manage your expectations

As Showfety says, your book is “I’m not going to jump off the shelf.” It’s a crowded industry, straightforward, and at a disadvantage without the support of publishers.Do not participate in this effort in the hope of the top New York Times’ Bestseller list. Of course, that can happen, but unless you have millions of social followers, friends in the C Suite of a major bookstore chain, or some sort of magical genie of lamps waiting to give you hope. Very unlikely (in this case, it wouldn’t be a self-funded publication in the first place)..

Still, be optimistic.This is an opportunity for you to share your work.. Earning cash or breaking sales records may not be your only motivation. Anai said she published her poetry book so that her friends and family could better understand her experience. Showfety described vanity press as “empowering” and “a great way to control your passion project and bring it to the world without waiting for someone to give you permission.”