Today, I am reflecting on self-publishing a book and the experience as an author. As mentioned in other articles it has been a journey being new to this world of books and while it looks easy it has its challenges. I came to the book publishing world without any knowledge apart from the little I had gathered from the internet. I am sure some other indie authors go through the same path. This journey has increased my learning and research capacity and got me interested in knowing more.
Indie publisher
One of the lessons I picked early after publishing was that it is not as easy as an indie publisher. It takes a lot of effort in shouting about the published book to get people to purchase and pass the word across to their friends. It is also a time when friends and families support the author and others disappear when they realise, they have to purchase your book. All in all, the excitement as an author is overwhelming and I cannot change that feeling. Even when I sell one copy after a long time, it is still a good feeling knowing that somebody who does not know me is reading my story and hopefully they enjoy it.
As an indie publisher, the thinking mentality that once published the money will be trickling into the account is very wrong, publishing is one thing and money coming in is another story altogether. There are millions of indie publishers on Amazon and one has to stand out to enable good sales. Having said that the little money which comes once in a while is worth celebrating particularly if one is not undertaking a lot of marketing.
The marketing part of the book is extremely difficult and one has to be prepared to spend a lot of money to put themselves out there for the book to be recognised. This does not mean that some people do not sell even without spending a lot of money, it is a luck of the draw and if luck is on your side with a good book then one gets to stand out. However, I treat my published book like having another business, which I have to continuously market and create awareness of it.
Five months after publishing
I published my first book five months ago and I have not had a huge sale online. In earlier months I tried to market through different recommended strategies such as Facebook, amazon cost per click and other platforms but I have seen very little outcome maybe one or two sales. Therefore, I decided that I was not going to spend more money on advertising on these online platforms however I use my mouth to let people know about my book.
I also did not use KDP select since the internet was not recommending this route, as a new author it was a huge mistake and even though this route has its disadvantages, it gives new authors a platform to get exposure.
I printed some few books which I carry with me all the time and when I chat with people and they ask what I was up to, I find it a good time to introduce my published book and people seem to be interested in knowing more. Some show interest and buy the book on the spot. Others want to know whether it is online and they will get it from there. At the same time, I chat about my upcoming book which will be published sometime this year.
I have seen a lot of interest in people wanting to purchase the second book once out. Maybe because the book is about managing money and some people have issues managing their money therefore the book sound more appealing to people than what I had already published. I, therefore, collect information from people so that when the book is almost published, I will keep them updated.
I also do some other hassles on the side where I attend markets occasionally, I thought any opportunity is good enough to expose my book to people. While I sell my other wares, I put my book on the side and advertise it and again people get interested in the story and even though I have not been to many markets, I have sold a few books this way.
I have learned that writing is a passion that provides me with satisfaction in sharing my story with others and if at all, I get rewarded in monetary funds it is a bonus. As I continue to learn, I am looking forward to publishing my second book.
Anyone willing to share their experiences in publishing, marketing, performance and/or provide some tips? It would be great to hear from others so that we learn from each other.