When’s the last time you bought a book? Where did you buy it? What kinds of products do you buy online? And have you ever bought anything on Amazon? Though this last question I’m sure you answered “yes” or at least I hope so (or maybe you’re living under a rock).
Like all good things, life changes, takes different directions and opens new doors. As authors and publishers, we peak, we pause, and we re-evaluate. What was valuable yesterday has a new spin, new direction or may already be obsolete. The world of publishing is constantly changing and like I said in my first book (self published in 1995) “life is changing … change with it or be left behind.” (pg 20 Facing Changes in Employment published 1995 Blue Spruce Publishing.)
Publishing is a perfect example of “Change or Get Left Behind” Syndrome. Books inside us screaming to be written can easily be satisfied with a daily writing practice. Simple and easy, just carve out the time. Whether you hand write or keyboard your words, carve and spend a minimum of 1-2 hours/day. Your word count will grow and your book will easily get written. But it’s all the work afterwards that brings on frustration. The painful hours spent deciding on layout, trim size, title, cover design, whether to purchase an ISBN and how many, who to hire as an editor and oh, don’t forget – who is going to produce the book – print on demand or ordering a minimum of 100, 1,000 or 10,000 books to store in your garage. Yes, people still do this. And, then there’s marketing your book once it’s published.
Whether you self publish, use an indie publisher, hire a hybrid publisher or go with a traditional publisher the bottom line is this: you still have to market your book AND, all of these publishing options WILL get you on Amazon. However, it’s all the work you have to do to market the book. Do your homework, research what’s best for you and your desired outcome, and know how much money you want to spend in the process… because it will cost you money, and in some instances, lots of it.
I prefer ease and simplicity when publishing, since it’s not rocket science though some publishing houses will make you think it is. I have published 10 books of my own on Amazon’s CreateSpace.com because of the simplicity. And, I might add, for next to nothing in cost. I love the fact that I can call them and ask a live person a question – even at midnight.
There is IngramSpark.com to consider too … however, if you’ve kept up with this blog, you are aware of my thoughts and feelings about Ingram Spark. A necessary evil none the less – well… depending on your marketing plan. Ingram Spark, in my mind, makes the process more complicated than it really is. They weed out, discriminate, and charge you on top of it. However, it’s all worth it if your reader buys books only in bookstores, or goes to the library to check out newly released best sellers. Or, you think you may do a book tour at various bookstores (and have a following to show up at each store when you do present, and guarantee they’ll buy your book). Please consider Ingram Spark if any of these options are part of your plan.
Then there is Freisen Press, one of hundreds if not thousands of hybrid publishers. If you have thousands of dollars to spend on your book, consider a hybrid publisher (majority of books on CreateSpace cost nothing to produce when you use all their free options). Again, I can’t emphasize “Research” enough when looking at publishers. Have a budget in mind, and don’t get caught up in the whirlwind of being told you’re not professional looking if you publish on CreateSpace. That’s just pure hogwash!
If your reader is one of the 85% of the U. S. book buyers who buy books on Amazon, or are the 80% of eBook readers in the U.S. market that read eBooks on a Kindle, then consider this:
- Publish on CreateSpace with your own ISBN (not theirs); And, select Expanded Distribution (it’s free) since that’s the option for bookstores to purchase your book for customers. Remember, for quantity sales via bookstores (especially when doing book tours), there is no return policy when using CreateSpace. This is where Ingram Spark comes in handy if you can tolerate their process… personally I can’t.
- Publish your eBook on Amazon Kindle. Know that there is a print option as well, but if you publish your book on CreateSpace you cannot also publish a print version of your same book on Kindle Print. Use Kindle for your eBook version.
Know the answer to “where does your reader buys books?” Once you know that answer, that’s the platform you should focus on. Those platforms for publishing include:
Amazon’s CreateSpace – print on demand for readers; one book or quantity orders for authors; easy and simple to use and minimal cost for most DIYers; offers interior and cover templates which are easy to use. With some creativity, your cover can look pretty professional – especially when you own the photograph. Use your own ISBN, not theirs, otherwise, CreateSpace is listed as the publisher.
Amazon’s Kindle – use for eBook. No ISBN needed for eBooks on Kindle. Process is very easy. If you have a print version on CreateSpace consider the “Match” program. Limit your use of photographs, charts and text boxes when creating an eBook.
Smashwords – eBooks only and great for fiction books and some non-fiction. ISBN required, and fairly easy to use. Your book on Smashwords is made available on every type of eReader out there as part of the Smashwords process.
B&N and The Nook – offers eBook and Print through their customer market only. If you’ve been in Barnes & Noble lately (I was last Saturday and prior to that over six months ago), it’s pretty obvious their business model has changed. They have become a wonderful gift store that also offers books and magazines. It’s a nice place to buy a coffee and read a magazine.
Ingram Spark – Print on demand, soft and hard covers; extensive guidelines to meet their manuscript requirements prior to upload, and fees to upload – initially and with every change. Last I checked there was also an annual fee for your book on the Ingram Spark platform. Their customer service needs to improve and their process needs to simplify.
Hybrid Publishers – they do most of the work for book production – well they can do it all except write your book; fees will vary widely and some cost thousands just to produce a few books initially. Read their fine print, ask lots of questions and know before you commit. Shop around as there are a ton of these Hybrid Publishers – know what you are getting and get it in writing.
Traditional Publishers – well, let’s just say if you really want to work with a traditional publisher, Good Luck! Check back with me in a couple of years and let me know if you’re published yet.
Know that the publishing world has changed and continues to do so with breakneck speed. As an author, it boils down to this:
- Who is your audience
- Write to your audience
- Market where your audience buys your type of book
The rest will be easy. Like it or not, Amazon is here to stay. It has changed our lives and will continue to do so. Embrace the change or get left behind. I’m sure you are embracing more change than you’d like. I sure am!
Wishing you Writing and Publishing Success,
Rosemary Augustine – Author & Publisher
P.S. … if you’re wondering about the monthly group meetings, well, attendance has dwindled to zero. Know that I’m available to answer any question or if you want to inquire and/or engage my publishing/consulting services we can discuss how you envision me helping you bring your book to fruition. Don’t hesitate to call me if you have any publishing questions or just want to say hello! Thanks!
. . .