The very first thing to do when you start thinking “Should I self-publish?” is to find out what kind of publisher you might become. This decision is critical because it will influence the decisions you make down the road about organizing your publishing business, if you start one, budgeting for your book, and the way the book will be manufactured.
In order to help decide on your publishing path, take a look at these articles on the different ways to be a self-publisher:
What Kind of Self-Publisher Am I?
Two Kinds of Self-Publisher—Which One Are You?
Self-Publishing Basics: Four Ways to Publish Your Book
5 Good Reasons to Self-Publish Your Book
7 Reasons Not to Self-Publish—Is This You?
The Self-Publisher’s Self Questionnaire
Now that you know the direction you want to go, it’s time to do some homework. You’ll have to establish your company with local authorities, pick a name for your press, and establish yourself in the world. You’ll be putting in place the infrastructure your new company will need to launch your book. You’ll deal with companies like Bowker and get your ISBNs in preparation for publishing your book.
Preparing for Publication
How to Create, Register and List Your New Publishing Company
Slow is the Best Speed for Self-Publishing
You’re just about ready to start your publishing life. It’s natural to feel a little nervous about the world you’re entering, but pretty soon you’ll feel right at home. Each time you make progress toward publication, or to increase your readership, you add valuable experience. For most self-publishers, this book is the first one they have written and published. It’s daunting to have to learn everything at once.
Becoming Part of the Community
Becoming part of the community of self-publishers, indie writers, editors, book designers, marketers and everyone else associated with indie publishing gives you the opportunity to learn from dozens of experienced people.
5 Things That Shouldn’t Surprise You About Self-Publishing
Top 5 Discussion Forums for Self-Publishers
3 Indie Publishing Discussion Groups: Getting Your Questions Answered
There’s no other way to say it: Self-publishing can be an exhausting and demanding job, but it’s also satisfying in very unique ways. Sometimes when you’re getting started it helps to remember both sides.
Getting Up and Running as a Self-Publisher
6 Ways to Jump-Start Your Self-Publishing Career
8 Answers That Help Self-Publishers Get Up and Running
And even though we won’t talk about marketing until later in this journey, it’s time for your publishing company and you as an author to have a presence online. The sooner the better. Authority and influence build over time.
Author Platform: What Are You Waiting For?
And the next step in your journey is Planning Your Book. Onward.
This is a reprint from Joel Friedlander’s The Book Designer.