Becoming a successful “Gutsy Indie Publisher” is like being a circus juggler on a unicycle, throwing flames and spinning plates; all at the same time.
So what is the secret to juggling?
- It’s to think like a pro.
If you want to sell commercially, you need to become a professional publisher.
- To sell your book you have to suit the book buyers not you.
Yes, it does cost money, and you need to figure out:
- What am I good at?
- What am I not so good at?
- What do I need help with.
There are 6 steps towards becoming a successful “Gutsy Indie Publisher” and I shall be presenting these at the Digital Author and Self-publishing conference on 10-12-13, in Los Angeles.
Click here to see the entire program.
Each phase of becoming a “Gutsy Indie Publisher” requires specific tasks and skills you need to be aware of before moving onto the next one.
Some of the steps are ongoing, and require adapting to where you are in the publication process before moving on. The 6 steps I shall cover are:
- writing
- pre-publication
- publishing
- marketing
- promotion
- what next?
Within each step, I shall cover the following topics:
Topics covered in those areas
- Writing-Professional editing, story structure, copy editing, proof reading
- Blogging-Building your platform through contests, videos, podcasts, Google+ hangout interviews
- Branding yourself
- Become a leader; not a follower
- How to grow your platform through contests, creating your own groups
- How to set up your own publishing company: Dba, Bowker, PCIP
- Printing POD with LSI, CS
- The importance of a professional cover Design and interior formatting
- How to design a book cover that sells
- How to get endorsements from bestselling authors
- How long will it take to get my book out?
- Get reviews on publication day book
- Networking: Giving more than receiving
- What volunteering can do for you
- Get local journalists to interview you
- How to set up your own Virtual Blog Tour
- How to create a successful Book launch, media, sponsors
- How to get book signings, book club events and think outside the box (international book events.)
- How to get your book into Costco
- How to get book signings
- Mistakes to avoid when booking indie bookstore events
- How and when to submit your book for Awards
- How to create your own event and get sponsors
- Crowfunding with Pubslush: How to make it work
- What next? Create an event.
Many have asked me, “So Sonia, what’s next?”
Well apart from helping people with my new business, “Gutsy Book Coaching”, speaking and continuing with the “My Gutsy Story®” second Anthology, (please keep submitting your stories) contest guidelines here, I also plan to volunteer in Spain in May 2014, with a group called Vaughan Volunteers. I’ve always wanted to volunteer and meet people from different cultures. If you want to have a week in Spain, speaking English to Spanish business people, Vaughan pays for your hotel, food and sight-seeing. It’s a great opportunity to help, while learning more about the Spanish culture.
Do you have a “My Gutsy Story®” you’d like to share?
NOW is the time to submit your “My Gutsy Story®” which may be included in our 2nd ANTHOLOGY.
You can find all the information, and our new sponsors on the “My Gutsy Story®” contest page. (VIDEO) Submission guidelines here
Here are the stories we have in October:
- October 14th: Marcia Molina-Lehmann
- October 21st: Cappy Hall
- October 28th: Don Westenhaver
Thanks and please share if you enjoyed this post.
Thanks so much for sharing all this with us. It’s a real incentive to keep going, work hard, share, give all we can, and receive from others, in all circumstances. It’s great to have people like you discreetely encouraging us to be…gutsy! xxx
Thanks Carol. I am happy if this can help anyone at all.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..The Gutsy Book Traveling Contest
Sonia, this looks like a fantastic presentation. You are doing a great job of branding yourself and other authors and aspiring authors. Furthermore, you are becoming a true expert in the indie publishing field.
I keep wishing we lived closer to each other. Your location near LA is a great advantage. I’m eager to hear how the workshop went for you and for the audience.
Shirley Hershey Showalter recently posted..Serendipity: Introducing Mary Lou Weaver Houser, Another Lancaster County Mennonite Woman With Her Own Story
Shirley,
I thank you for all your support throughout the years. The strange thing is the more I learn, the less I think I know. The lecture went really well, and I’ve discovered I love speaking to groups, especially if they learn something, or feel motivated.
All the best to you with your beautiful memoir, “Blush.”
Sonia Marsh recently posted..The Gutsy Book Traveling Contest