So You Want to Self-Publish?

So you want to self publish, and you're not quite sure what you're about to get into. Or, perhaps you do, but you're not sure where to begin researching the things you need to know. If either describes you, then this document is for you. Self-publishing is easy with merrak!

My aim is to produce a fairly comprehensive list of considerations. Like a Wikipedia article, it's meant to be a place to begin research, not a one-stop guide.

First, an important note. I'm a mathematician, not a publisher. Publishing is a hobby of mine. It's a hobby I take seriously, and as such, I've done the best research I can do. But I make my living teaching people how to put two and two together, and not helping them publish stories about funny things their cats do. Hence, this is a living document. Feel free to share your own thoughts and experiences. In fact, please do! Although I have things to share, I'm here to learn.

Now, let's begin!

0.

First and foremost, let's crash the party. For those not aware, self-publishing is not a shortcut around the agents, editors, and publishing houses. It's an alternate route, full of potential hangups and perils. Do you really want to self-publish?

I'm going to assume you want to do some serious marketing, and not just make a few copies of your book for friends and family. Self-publishing is sometimes seen as a way to get away from the rigor and structure of traditional publishing. While I'd say that's true, don't forget that structure is in place to help you. Going at it on your own places all the burden of marketing on you - a burden that includes both finances, and time.

One of the best treatments of the traditional -vs- self publishing debate I've come across was written by KWhipkey. I'm just going to point you to it.  kisawhipkey.com/2012/08/17/the…

Contents.

If you've made it this far, I'm assuming you're ready to self-publish. Below is my list of considerations. As the weeks go by, I'll start elaborating on many of these. You should research them all before beginning a self-published title.

Pre-Production
1. Create and Incorporate Your Business (fav.me/d5qll9m)
2. Create a Marketing Plan
3. Solidifying your self-publishing company (names, logos, etc.)
4. Choosing a Distributor
5. Financing your endeavor (merrak.deviantart.com/journal/…)

Manuscript Production
6. Find and hire an editor

Book Production
7. Design a cover - artwork and fonts! Also, subject headings
8. Design the interior
9. Typesetting - No, MS Word is not sufficient
10. Obtain an ISBN and bar code

Marketing
(I'm not going to go into printing and distributing. For this series, I'm assuming you're using a POD service)
11. Find the right POD service
12. Setting the price
13. Getting the word out on the internet
14. Getting the word out via the press
15. Reviews and Endorsements


Watch for parts 1 and 2: Pre-Production! How to set up a marketing plan and incorporate yourself (or, the advantages and disadvantages of doing so).