5 Self-Publishing Tips (Part 3)

Hello all.

Today we continue our series of self-publishing tips with Tips 11 - 15. Here is where you may find the First Five Tips and the Second Five Tips. The Fourth and final installment in the "Tips" series will be posted later this week.

Here are today's five tips:

11. Make sure to give back. If you’re the sort of writer that expects others to give, give, give while you soak up their riches, you can expect the pot o’ gold to run empty pretty quickly. Tweet the successes of other authors – especially your special friends. Read some indie- or self-pubbed books. If you truly like them, let the world know. Maybe start a blog to share what you have learned. Be a source of writing energy, not a sink.

12. Stay up to date on Self-pub news and technology. It’s truly surprising how quickly news and advice in the self-publishing world can go stale. Publishing these days is a dynamic environment. Look for new perspectives and new opportunities on a regular basis. Do yourself a favor and acquire the ability to accept credit card payments with The Square. Americans don’t carry cash and checks anymore. You’ll be the envy of everyone at the book festival when you pull out your smartphone and start accepting Visa/Master/Amex/Discover. It’s easier than you think with this gadget.

13. Writing is NOT a competition. When other authors experience success, cheer them on. When any author finishes a book (or even a first draft), congratulate them. The author community may seem large on the web. But how many people do you know who actually have succeeded in publishing a book? We authors should be a welcoming group for our fellow writers. Help when you can. Applaud when appropriate. And always remember that writing is a cooperative endeavor – not a competition. This attitude will serve you well.

14. Learn to be patient. If you haven’t yet reached the point in your writing adventure where you have encountered the need for EXTREME patience, well . . . you’ve got a ways to go. Writing for publication IS NOT a sprint – it’s a marathon. Don’t expect your emails to be returned, or your letters acknowledged. Everybody is swamped with life these days. Remember, YOUR work is not THEIR only priority. Be patient, kind and understanding with everyone you encounter in the writing business. Most are doing their best. And the rest? Well . . . they’re not worth losing your inner peace over.

15. If you want an affordable book video trailer, get one from Apex Reviews. Apex has frequent sales when you can purchase their “Platinum” publicity package for as low as $49 or $69. Regular price is only $99. This package includes a pretty well-written book review, entry of your book into an awards competition, press releases to 50,000 or so outlets AND a one minute video book trailer. If you’re operating on a tight budget, you can’t beat that. I had my trailers done through Apex. Check out my IAN Member Page to see both.

Well, those are today's five tips. I hope you will find at least at least some of them helpful to you in your writing activities.

That's it for now. Check back for the fourth and final installment of the "Tips" series later this week.

Cheers!

John