Thanks largely (though not exclusively) to the model and tools provided to us by Amazon, self publishing continues to experience a meteoric rise in popularity. Not all self publishing efforts though are created equal. Below are some tips to help get you ahead of the curve.
The numbers are pretty revealing. Analysis of U.S. ISBN data shows the number of self-published titles in 2012 increasing to an excess of 391,000. As a percentage, this figure is up 59 percent over 2011 and 422 percent over 2007.
This phenomenal expansion has been the result of the e-book revolution. By 2012 e-books were 40% of those self published ISBNs. That's an increase from 11% in 2007 - nearly a 400% rise.
To you, my dear self publishing author, these astounding statistics should illustrate two inexorable facts. The first is that self publishing opportunities have never been more promising. And, the second: neither has the competition ever been stiffer.
As this competition continually grows, it is essential that you learn to distinguish yourself from the rest of the field. If you're self publishing on Amazon, there are tools available that you need to make the most of if you hope to see success. Consider these three tools in particular. I'm not claiming that getting them right guarantees your book's success; I am guaranteeing that getting them wrong sets you off on the wrong foot from your first self publishing misstep.
First, the author's page provides an opportunity to put up a picture. A strangely large number of aspiring authors seize this as occasion to put up their cover art. No, no, no. Not unless your cover just happens to be a photograph of you. Believe it or not, it's that which prospective readers want to see.
Authors seem to assume no one wants to see what they look like. Actually though that is exactly wrong. It turns out a feeling of connection to the author can be a huge factor in prospective readers pulling out the old credit card on behalf of a book. However great your cover art, it is almost guaranteed that some sense of a connection to you will be more influential.
Classic, shoulders-up, head shots are generally the best. Obviously it helps if you're good looking, so don't be hesitant about choosing your most flattering shot. But, whatever you look like, a personal photo is better than not having one. And do be sure to smile at the camera! (And, no sunglasses!)
A second point for your author's page is the field that invites you to say a little about yourself. Too many authors are much too lackadaisical about this opportunity. Does your book really speak for itself?
Alas, however great your book is, it can't speak for itself if no one reads it! Your mission, dear author, should you choose to accept it, is to actually prompt a potential reader to read it. A conviction that the author who wrote it is interesting enough to have something to say that is worth reading goes some way in that direction.
You're a writer, right? So write. All due and proper modesty notwithstanding, I'm quite certain it's not too much of a stretch to make yourself sound interesting. Emphasize the aspects of your life and experience that reveal you as a good candidate to have written a compelling and engaging book on your chosen topic.
If it's a travel book, what is your travel resume? If it's a detective novel set in 1970s London, what's your interest in or knowledge of the time period? If it's a how-to book, what about your background should instill a feeling of confidence that you know how? You get the idea.
Third, last, but oh so far from least, is the description of your book. Honestly, the writing of this is actually more challenging than the writing of your book. Once they've invested in your book, most readers - unless they just hate it - will give you at least 20 pages or so to win them over. In your book description you literally have about 20-30 seconds to win them over.
Again, your book, however wonderful, is unable to speak for itself until prospective readers buy it. Until they do, you've got to do all the speaking. The short version of a great book description is simply stated: in just a few sentences you have 1) tell them, 2) entice them and 3) show them.
Explaining all this is another whole article on its own. If you want a detailed explanation of what's involved, have a gander at my piece dedicated to the topic of doing your book description well.
Attention to these three matters is essential to avoid taking yourself right out of the game from the start. Self publishing on Amazon is an opportunity and a challenge. You have to meet the latter to benefit from the former.
The numbers are pretty revealing. Analysis of U.S. ISBN data shows the number of self-published titles in 2012 increasing to an excess of 391,000. As a percentage, this figure is up 59 percent over 2011 and 422 percent over 2007.
This phenomenal expansion has been the result of the e-book revolution. By 2012 e-books were 40% of those self published ISBNs. That's an increase from 11% in 2007 - nearly a 400% rise.
To you, my dear self publishing author, these astounding statistics should illustrate two inexorable facts. The first is that self publishing opportunities have never been more promising. And, the second: neither has the competition ever been stiffer.
As this competition continually grows, it is essential that you learn to distinguish yourself from the rest of the field. If you're self publishing on Amazon, there are tools available that you need to make the most of if you hope to see success. Consider these three tools in particular. I'm not claiming that getting them right guarantees your book's success; I am guaranteeing that getting them wrong sets you off on the wrong foot from your first self publishing misstep.
First, the author's page provides an opportunity to put up a picture. A strangely large number of aspiring authors seize this as occasion to put up their cover art. No, no, no. Not unless your cover just happens to be a photograph of you. Believe it or not, it's that which prospective readers want to see.
Authors seem to assume no one wants to see what they look like. Actually though that is exactly wrong. It turns out a feeling of connection to the author can be a huge factor in prospective readers pulling out the old credit card on behalf of a book. However great your cover art, it is almost guaranteed that some sense of a connection to you will be more influential.
Classic, shoulders-up, head shots are generally the best. Obviously it helps if you're good looking, so don't be hesitant about choosing your most flattering shot. But, whatever you look like, a personal photo is better than not having one. And do be sure to smile at the camera! (And, no sunglasses!)
A second point for your author's page is the field that invites you to say a little about yourself. Too many authors are much too lackadaisical about this opportunity. Does your book really speak for itself?
Alas, however great your book is, it can't speak for itself if no one reads it! Your mission, dear author, should you choose to accept it, is to actually prompt a potential reader to read it. A conviction that the author who wrote it is interesting enough to have something to say that is worth reading goes some way in that direction.
You're a writer, right? So write. All due and proper modesty notwithstanding, I'm quite certain it's not too much of a stretch to make yourself sound interesting. Emphasize the aspects of your life and experience that reveal you as a good candidate to have written a compelling and engaging book on your chosen topic.
If it's a travel book, what is your travel resume? If it's a detective novel set in 1970s London, what's your interest in or knowledge of the time period? If it's a how-to book, what about your background should instill a feeling of confidence that you know how? You get the idea.
Third, last, but oh so far from least, is the description of your book. Honestly, the writing of this is actually more challenging than the writing of your book. Once they've invested in your book, most readers - unless they just hate it - will give you at least 20 pages or so to win them over. In your book description you literally have about 20-30 seconds to win them over.
Again, your book, however wonderful, is unable to speak for itself until prospective readers buy it. Until they do, you've got to do all the speaking. The short version of a great book description is simply stated: in just a few sentences you have 1) tell them, 2) entice them and 3) show them.
Explaining all this is another whole article on its own. If you want a detailed explanation of what's involved, have a gander at my piece dedicated to the topic of doing your book description well.
Attention to these three matters is essential to avoid taking yourself right out of the game from the start. Self publishing on Amazon is an opportunity and a challenge. You have to meet the latter to benefit from the former.
About the Author:
All you aspiring self publisher types, you need to stay on top of all the hottest tips and trends at Self Publishing on Amazon . Lance Fallbrook regularly scribbles about writing and writers at a number of writing related blogs. Check out his provocative list of top 20 most famous American authors .
No comments:
Post a Comment