Courtesy of pixaby.com
(More wisdom on self-publishing)
He is a veteran of self-publishing. Even when small and mid-sized presses published my novels, I read his column in the local writers’ newsletter. His advice was useful for everyone. Having decided to self-publish my upcoming memoir, Getting Lost to Find Home, I decided to contact him. He’s retired so I won’t reveal his name, but I will share his advice.
Self-publishing to-do list.
1) Before publishing a book, contact local libraries and offer to speak on topics of interest.
2) Check independent living retirement centers. Some of them welcome guest speakers.
3) Keep an eye out for conferences on memoir writing. Share a book sale table with another author. “Don’t bother with national events with big-name authors. You’ll end up in a corner by a bathroom that isn’t open… have a bowl of Red Vines to draw in the sugar addicts.”
(I’ll add: Avoid chatting with your tablemate. Reach out to passersby. When pitching my mystery/romance novel, Ballet Noir, I’d look for a burly guy to stroll by. Then, I’d call out, “Hey mister, you look like you’d enjoy a good book on ballet.” Laughter always drew people in. I sold books and so did my tablemate.)
4) Twitter’s #writerslift won’t sell books, but it’s a free place to network with writers to swap information.
5) Seek a review with the local newspaper, of course. But don’t forget neighborhood presses and pertinent newsletters.
6) When the book is published, hit the bookstore circuit but don’t fly solo. Ask other authors to join you. The mix of their friends and your friends makes for better sales.
7) Look at TweetYourBooks.com to run some inexpensive ads. “Don’t spend much.” The return on investment isn’t great.
8) “Always do your own PR. Anyone who says they’ll do it is lying.” I agree.
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Reams of advice on book marketing exist on the internet. Bear in mind, it’s a tulgey wood of scams and snares. Network with friends and fellow writers instead for solid leads. Above all, develop a contact list of people who might help.
When I have more self-publishing tidbits, I’ll share under this blog series, “Perchance to Dream.” Anyone with advice to offer, please chime in.
