Lessons in Self-Publishing

The countdown to the release
of Charlotte Collins has begun!

The release date of Charlotte Collins is fast approaching, so I thought it would be a good time to pause and share some of the lessons I’ve learned so far in the process of self-publishing my novel.

First, and most important, give yourself more time than you think you need.
Then add another two weeks.
Because of the special circumstances surrounding Charlotte Collins–specifically, a publisher’s offer to pick it up if I sell 1,000 copies, thus proving there’s a market for Jane Austen’s minor characters–I felt it extremely important to get the book out as quickly as possible. I didn’t want the publisher to have time to forget the offer! I gave myself enough time to do the work, but I didn’t build in enough time for outside errors and unexpected delays. I was held up by the printer’s cropping error, which took almost two weeks to resolve, and also by my grandmother’s illness.
Second, set up your marketing websites, blogs, and social media accounts in advance. It’s never too early to start sharing your crazy venture with the world. Plus, if you don’t have to deal with the set up details during the actual publishing process, your attention will be more focused on what’s important: the book itself.

Third, Microsoft Word does not make the formatting process easy. Adding and formatting page numbers using Chicago Manual of Style standards was absolutely horrible. If I do this again, I will be looking into other software designed to keep me from becoming violent.

So, with seven days left until Charlotte’s official release, I have to ask:

Have you signed up for the giveaway? [THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED]

Are you following me on Twitter and Facebook? I’ll  occasionally be posting discount codes and doing other giveaways.

Are you following this blog? –>

Have you pre-ordered your copy?

End shameless plug.

4 thoughts on “Lessons in Self-Publishing”

  1. Thanks for the information. I thought self Publishing meant you had to do all your own self promoting. I'm learning even with the big 6 publishing houses you end up doing the same. I gathered this information from talking with traditionally published Authors as well as self published Authors. Having an energetic PR person in your corner who actually knows how to do the job and loves your work can save time and money. They should be at every event you attend, they should work the crowd at a book signing. Remember their job is to promote you. Go over their strategy for you before you sign on the dotted line. Don't make the

    mistake of neglecting your Brand Management.

  3. Thanks for the comment, Valerie. I too have learned how important it is for authors to market their work, even if they are traditionally published. Unless you are a HUGE NAME, traditional publishers don't do much in the way of marketing. Distribution is their contribution. Authors have to market themselves.

  4. Thanks for the post. How cool that a publisher agreed to work with you if you sell 1,000 copies. I hope you get to your goal!

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