Self-publishing – 5 dos and don’ts
You have made your choice your book using Self-publishing…but aren’t quite sure which aspects you should pay attention to? Then this blog post is just what you need! Because, to help you with your self-publishing, we’ve The top 5 dos and don’ts in a nutshell In summary:
5 Dos – What you absolutely must do as a self-publisher
1 | Write a really good book
Yes, writing can be learnt. There are countless books and guides on how to write a really good book. From proper planning, through the creation of characters and plot arcs, right through to writing the right blurb, there’s a lot to bear in mind.
2 | Make sure you have your novel edited
Proofreading gives your book a professional finish. Your work is scrutinised for style and language; readability and clarity are checked, as is the logical coherence of the content. This also covers typesetting, grammar, spelling and punctuation.
3 | Only publish once everything is correct
Don’t just upload your book! Don’t let your book be published if it still has flaws that can be fixed – even if that means a lot of work. Hire an editor, an illustrator and a book designer.
4 | Don’t forget the metadata
Without metadata, your book will neither be discoverable nor will it sell. It is the metadata that determines whether your book is visible in online shops. Metadata provides search engines with the information readers need to find your book. You can find free tools online to help you create your keywords and metadata.
5 | Take care of your marketing.
Once your book has been published, you need to keep your goals in mind and draw up a marketing plan. You can find out how best to market your book, how social media can help with this, and what else you should bear in mind in our article on Marketing for self-publishers.
5 Don’ts – What you should never do as a self-publisher
1 | Don’t skip the post-processing stage
Make sure you take this time! Many writers let their first drafts sit for a while. After a break, you can then take your work out again and, with a fresh, clear perspective, easily iron out any weak points.
2 | Don’t design your own cover
Unless, of course, you’re just as good at illustrating as you are at writing. That’s rare, though. You’re better off commissioning a professional illustrator. After all, how much your book stands out from the crowd certainly depends on the cover’s ability to win people over.
3 | Please do not ask for courtesy reviews under any circumstances
Readers can spot fake reviews with standard phrases. Anyone who leaves a review for your book should have actually read it ;). Just be patient. You’ll start getting reviews in time. If your book is good, the reviews will be good too.
4 | Don’t let bad reviews get you down
The only reviews you should pay attention to are those that point out poor editing, a disjointed plot, or other fixable issues. You should definitely rectify these and republish the book as soon as possible.
5 | Don’t just turn down publishing offers out of the blue
Once you’ve successfully published a book, a publisher may well get in touch with you. As working with a publisher can be exciting and rewarding if the terms are right, it’s worth giving it some thought. Many successful self-publishers are hybrid authors. Are you still undecided about how you’d like to publish your book? Find out more at Advantages and disadvantages of traditional publishing versus self-publishing.
If you stick to these 5 dos and don’ts, you’ll not only be able to avoid a few mistakes, but you’ll also end up producing a fantastic and unique piece of work! To help you prepare well in advance, we’ve put together Further tips for beginners in self-publishing In summary.
