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Can I be a self distributing author?
What are the requirements to be a self distributing author. Everyone so far has been going the Amazon or lulu route. I want to build my own website and sell my book via my own website. I want to be able to buy my book in bulk (which I have not figured out yet) I want to be able to package and distribute. So I get all the profit. I control all of the marketing and my book can feel like my own. is this a good idea?
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5 answers
Updated
Joanne’s Answer
My closest friend actively markets her books on Amazon. She has an impressive collection of over 100 children's books available for purchase. To boost their visibility, she conducts story time sessions on social media platforms, which effectively promotes her books.
She leverages Amazon's services for printing. In this process, Amazon takes a small percentage to print on demand. All she has to do is upload the cover and interior once it's ready, and Amazon takes care of printing the orders. Additionally, she can head over to YouTube and search for 'Amazon KDP'. There, she'll find a wealth of informative videos that provide step-by-step guidance. It's a simple and effective way to get things done!
She leverages Amazon's services for printing. In this process, Amazon takes a small percentage to print on demand. All she has to do is upload the cover and interior once it's ready, and Amazon takes care of printing the orders. Additionally, she can head over to YouTube and search for 'Amazon KDP'. There, she'll find a wealth of informative videos that provide step-by-step guidance. It's a simple and effective way to get things done!
Hi! thank you for getting back to me it just made me a little bit more confident about doing it. do you think your friend can give me a little bit more insight about the way she is doing it? Because I don't know what companies to print with, I don't know the best course of action, I feel completely in the dark and there are not many people who do it the way we are.
Mikaya
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Mikaya,
I believe you mean self-publish. The short answer is yes. In fact, I have 6 published novels that are for sale on most booksellers across the world. The most important part of your question is, creation of the manuscript, proofing it and establishing what the market for your work might be. Check out the works on Amazon or Barnes & Noble to see what others have done and just be you, don't try and imitate, be original. Just know that on Amazon alone there are over 2 million books for sale and growing. If you are thinking about the potential income from the book, be aware that I have had my books up for 4 years and had very limited sales. Not trying to discourage you, just want you to be aware of the market. Good luck and above all, KEEP WRITING!
I believe you mean self-publish. The short answer is yes. In fact, I have 6 published novels that are for sale on most booksellers across the world. The most important part of your question is, creation of the manuscript, proofing it and establishing what the market for your work might be. Check out the works on Amazon or Barnes & Noble to see what others have done and just be you, don't try and imitate, be original. Just know that on Amazon alone there are over 2 million books for sale and growing. If you are thinking about the potential income from the book, be aware that I have had my books up for 4 years and had very limited sales. Not trying to discourage you, just want you to be aware of the market. Good luck and above all, KEEP WRITING!
Updated
Hakeem Ola’s Answer
1. Write and Edit Your Book
Focus on creating high-quality content. After writing, hire an editor or use editing tools to polish your manuscript.
2. Choose a Publishing Platform
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): A popular platform that allows you to publish both eBooks and paperbacks, reaching a large audience.
IngramSpark: Offers broader distribution options, including bookstores and libraries, with both print and eBook formats.
Smashwords or Draft2Digital: Distribute your eBooks to various online stores like Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.
Your Own Website: Sell directly to readers through your website using platforms like Gumroad, Payhip, or WooCommerce.
3. Design a Professional Cover
A well-designed cover is essential. You can hire a designer or use tools like Canva or Adobe Spark to create your own.
4. Format Your Book
Platforms often require specific formats for eBooks (e.g., EPUB, MOBI) and paperbacks. Tools like Scrivener or Vellum can help with formatting.
5. Set a Pricing and Distribution Strategy
Decide on your book's price and royalties. Self-publishing platforms allow you to set pricing based on distribution channels and audience.
6. Marketing and Promotion
Build a platform through social media, blogs, or email newsletters.
Leverage online advertising on platforms like Amazon Ads, Facebook Ads, or Google Ads.
Participate in book promotions and author communities.
7. Monitor Sales and Reviews
Keep track of sales and seek feedback from readers to continuously improve your future work.
Focus on creating high-quality content. After writing, hire an editor or use editing tools to polish your manuscript.
2. Choose a Publishing Platform
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): A popular platform that allows you to publish both eBooks and paperbacks, reaching a large audience.
IngramSpark: Offers broader distribution options, including bookstores and libraries, with both print and eBook formats.
Smashwords or Draft2Digital: Distribute your eBooks to various online stores like Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.
Your Own Website: Sell directly to readers through your website using platforms like Gumroad, Payhip, or WooCommerce.
3. Design a Professional Cover
A well-designed cover is essential. You can hire a designer or use tools like Canva or Adobe Spark to create your own.
4. Format Your Book
Platforms often require specific formats for eBooks (e.g., EPUB, MOBI) and paperbacks. Tools like Scrivener or Vellum can help with formatting.
5. Set a Pricing and Distribution Strategy
Decide on your book's price and royalties. Self-publishing platforms allow you to set pricing based on distribution channels and audience.
6. Marketing and Promotion
Build a platform through social media, blogs, or email newsletters.
Leverage online advertising on platforms like Amazon Ads, Facebook Ads, or Google Ads.
Participate in book promotions and author communities.
7. Monitor Sales and Reviews
Keep track of sales and seek feedback from readers to continuously improve your future work.
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
You absolutely can do this, but it is very difficult to get an audience if you don't have a pathway to do so. Social Media and other advertising platforms can help, but you will need to be diligent. I've found that you need to be selling at least 1000 books a month for it to be worth the price for a shopify or other website costs to sell your own books. You can use booksprout to sell ebooks, but this includes a subscription fee as well.
You can use Ingram Sparks to purchase your own book in bulk, but there may be a cheaper option or a boutique publisher that could help you with that.
I would personally recommend using Amazon as they still own 70% of the book sale market if not more now. You get 70% of the profit but only 30% on expanded distribution (B&N, Booksamillion, Apple, etc). Or you can sell through Amazon for Amazon sales and Ingram Sparks to get a higher profit on expanded distribution. This is what I do. KDP Unlimited has good reading rates if you have series books, but if your ebook is included in KU, you can't sell your ebook version through Ingram Sparks, only Amazon exclusively. You can still sell paperback and hardback through IngramSparks.
This method would allow you to build a following. Advertise on both Amazon and Facebook, they're both good ads for self publishers. Create a newsletter with a newsletter magnet (freebie short story) and advertise hardcore through social media and anything free for visibility. Once you get your sales to a certain point (like 1000 books/month), then upgrade your website to a selling website and instruct your newsletter and facebook fan page readers to purchase from you directly. Regularly post discount codes and keep connected to your readers.
I would also advise finding a writers group. It's so helpful to talk to other writers about craft, marketing, etc.
Good luck!
You can use Ingram Sparks to purchase your own book in bulk, but there may be a cheaper option or a boutique publisher that could help you with that.
I would personally recommend using Amazon as they still own 70% of the book sale market if not more now. You get 70% of the profit but only 30% on expanded distribution (B&N, Booksamillion, Apple, etc). Or you can sell through Amazon for Amazon sales and Ingram Sparks to get a higher profit on expanded distribution. This is what I do. KDP Unlimited has good reading rates if you have series books, but if your ebook is included in KU, you can't sell your ebook version through Ingram Sparks, only Amazon exclusively. You can still sell paperback and hardback through IngramSparks.
This method would allow you to build a following. Advertise on both Amazon and Facebook, they're both good ads for self publishers. Create a newsletter with a newsletter magnet (freebie short story) and advertise hardcore through social media and anything free for visibility. Once you get your sales to a certain point (like 1000 books/month), then upgrade your website to a selling website and instruct your newsletter and facebook fan page readers to purchase from you directly. Regularly post discount codes and keep connected to your readers.
I would also advise finding a writers group. It's so helpful to talk to other writers about craft, marketing, etc.
Good luck!
Updated
Michael L.’s Answer
I really appreciate all the responses so far, and I might even take some of the advice on board myself. Now, I'm not saying that self-publishing is a bad thing, but it does seem to lack a certain level of credibility. When a publisher gives a book their stamp of approval, it's like a seal of trust for readers. That's not to say that self-published works aren't worthwhile - I'm sure there are plenty of indie authors out there creating fantastic content, and some have even found success through self-publishing.
However, the current market system isn't perfect and there's no guarantee of success. It's a sad fact that many authors don't get the recognition they deserve until after they've passed away, but that's a whole other conversation.
To me, self-publishing feels a bit like trying to bypass the traditional system. Without an existing fan base or some kind of buzz around your work, it can feel like you're just publishing for yourself. One suggestion could be to look for literary agents who specialize in your genre and submit your manuscript to them.
Best of luck with your writing journey!
However, the current market system isn't perfect and there's no guarantee of success. It's a sad fact that many authors don't get the recognition they deserve until after they've passed away, but that's a whole other conversation.
To me, self-publishing feels a bit like trying to bypass the traditional system. Without an existing fan base or some kind of buzz around your work, it can feel like you're just publishing for yourself. One suggestion could be to look for literary agents who specialize in your genre and submit your manuscript to them.
Best of luck with your writing journey!