When you think about having your book published you usually imagine the end result, glossy front cover, a dedication at the front, your name in big writing above the title of the book, a blurb and some acknowledgement to the editor/publishing house that took you through the process of written draft to final copy. The last thing you think about is all the associated problems of getting it published. Lets face it, your chances of being picked up by a major publishing compay like Random House or Penguin is minimal for a first time author. Just getting through the laboriously tedious red tape, time frames, no guarantee of response from people you've sent your manuscript to or even worse, a negative letter in the mail telling you to stick to your day job, can finish off most people.
There is an alternative though, and one that allows you to bypass all of the time consuming and energy depleting search for a publisher. Think about self-publishing because this will allow you to determine what you want to put into your book without any creative differences with your editor/publisher and unwilling compromises. Sandra Cherry has recently gone through the self-publishing option and chose not to even approach the recognised publishers because of their discouraging attitude toward unknown first time authors. Self publishers however are more open to the risk taking ventures of authors and can encourage even the smallest pursuits. Sandra recently released The Cherry Project and has had a positive journey self-publishing and marketing her book. She shares her advice and secrets with Midlifexpress.
Advice for Self-Publishing and Marketing
Firstly, Sandra believes that self-publishing is a financially manageable alternative that allowed her to be pro-active and follow her own path. She wrote The Cherry Project - a self-help book with the input and involvement of interested friends. Understanding that having a web presence to help market the book she approached a friend in graphic design to illustrate the cover and another friend who was a web designer to put together a website. The cost to Sandra so far? Nothing.
Now that she had a web presence she was able to send out the link to her site to major book stores. She received a reply within three days from a major bookstore. The CEO had been on her website and sent her an email informing her that The Cherry Project was the sort of text that they would sell in their store. He wanted to know about bulk orders and when she could have the book ready for their stock.
With a major book seller behind her Sandra contacted several self publishers and asked for quotes. Sandra decided to go with loveofbooks.com because of a more competitive quote, excellent service and very personable assistance. However, Sandra suggests approaching a range of self-publishers and go with whoever offers you the best deal and service for your needs.
Having decided on a publisher she was emailed an enormous amount of information for first time publishers including:
- applying for an ISBN number and bar code which is essential for any text and
- a CIP (Catalogue In Publishing) for libaries.
Within five days of submission of the book the approved proof was returned to the Publishers in Queensland and two week's later Sandra's first edition was received in Melbourne ready to go. Keep an eye out at bookstores for The Cherry Project as it is now in wide distribution or you can purchase your copy directly from Sandra's website at:
To win a copy of The Cherry Project go to our FAQ page.