Firstly, self-publishing is NOT vanity publishing, nor is it particularly difficult. Amazon and other online publishers take you through the process of formatting and uploading your book cover, text, blurb and the important bits like price and special promotions. Within less than twenty-four hours your book goes live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, there are lots of companies out there keen to divest you of your hard earned cash by offering professional services for a fee. By that I mean, they will copy-edit, proofread, format, design, and prepare your book for publication in all the outlets, not just Amazon. Be prepared to fork out anything from \u00a3500 – \u00a31,000. You can find out more about these options here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Marketing services are always an extra cost, and as with any marketing and promotion activity there are no guarantees of sales. Some self-published authors I know who have used one of these companies AND navigated the Amazon maze themselves have not sold a single copy except to their ever-supportive friends and family. Nobody can sit back and think the money will roll in without putting in some serious leg work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This blog is really about marketing and promotion of your book. It is the most challenging part of writing, and if you have little or no experience of the commercial world, it can be depressing to find that whatever you do, and however much money you spend, your book is sinking faster than a lifeboat with holes. That means it\u2019s not selling because nobody knows about it. It\u2019s that simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I have to admit, I would do anything other than promote my books. That said, it can be rewarding when you come up with a plan and it works! I\u2019ve tried lots of different avenues over the years and I\u2019m going to share my favourites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is trial and error. What might work for one author won\u2019t work for you. Time, money and imagination are essential if you are to attract new sales. Most authors today reckon they spend two hours writing the book and four hours marketing it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n More next time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep well. Keep writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Angelena<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Firstly, self-publishing is NOT vanity publishing, nor is it particularly difficult. Amazon and other online publishers take you through the process of formatting and uploading your book cover, text, blurb and the important bits like price and special promotions. Within less than twenty-four hours your book goes live. Of course, there are lots of companies … Continue reading Self Publishing and the Marketing Mountain<\/span>