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Since so many people have asked about my journey to self-publishing, here are the two paths I recommend. I am just one indie author, and these are the paths I have taken. There are several other indie authors out there. They may have taken widely different paths than I have; they could even disagree with me, or they could totally agree with me. What I am trying to say is that not one path fits all. Take from these lists/paths what you want and need. This is just a guide to kind of help you.
If you want a more detailed explanation of each point and the price ranges, please visit this link.
Extensive Self-Publishing Path:
If you have the time, money, patience, and people you trust in every step, then I suggest you take this path.
Finished novel (all drafts completed)
You should feel like your story can’t go any further at this point unless you have help.
Beta Readers (2-3)
Make all corrections that you deem relevant from Beta Readers.
Reread your novel (Make sure it’s perfect again)
Developmental editor
Reread your novel (Make sure it’s perfect again)
Developmental editor
You don’t have to do this second check.
If you do, reread your novel (Make sure it’s perfect again)
Copy editor
Reread your novel
Line editor
Reread your novel
Proof editor
Reread your novel
Send to the copyright office (Optional. I recommend this.)
At this point, you’re done with the novel. Now, you have other things you need to do:
Website
Domain name, unless you want it under your name. I’m not talking about a pen name; it’s more like a publishing name. I used Startree Books.
ISBN & Barcode
Cover Artist
Character Art (Optional)
Subscribe/purchase ARC sites: Bookfunnel, or ARC registration list
Social Media (at least 2)
Sales Sheet
Sales Email
List of places to do book signings
Make bookmarks
Order proof of your book
Reread book
Once you have everything purchased, all your stuff created, and the novel has gone through all the edits, you’re now ready to start the path to publish.
Place the novel on Amazon and other book retailers with your pre-order date
Register for your ARC system
Do a Cover Reveal
Ask for ARC readers (keep on site 1-3 months)
Publish Book
Buy Copies
Do Book Signings
Get on podcasts
Do interviews
Advertise, Advertise, Advertise!
Essential Self-Publishing Path:
If you don’t have one of the four things mentioned above (time, money, patience, and people you trust), I suggest you take this path. Either path can be okay. It just depends on how much you trust yourself, your book, and those on your team, that determines what’s essential. Bolded in purple are steps I find not essential.
Finished novel (all drafts completed)
o You should feel like your story can’t go any further at this point unless you have help.
Beta Readers (2-3)
o If you skip this step, I’d developmentally edit my book at least once
Make all corrections that you deem relevant from Beta Readers.
Reread your novel (Make sure it’s perfect again)
Developmental editor
Reread your novel (Make sure it’s perfect again)
Developmental editor (if you did no beta readers, and can afford it, get a second check)
If you do the above, reread your novel (Make sure it’s perfect again)
Now this part is the tricky part. How much money do you have? How much time do you have?
If you can only afford 1 of the three editors, I’d recommend the one you’re the least comfortable in. I would at least do 1.
Copy editor (This is probably the first one I’d get rid of, if funds are limited.)
Reread your novel
Line editor (This one I’d most likely keep if I could only choose one. I explain why in the detailed self-publishing post)
Reread your novel
Proof editor (This is the next one I’d get rid of.)
Reread your novel
Send to the copyright office (Optional. I recommend this.)
At this point, you’re done with the novel. Now, you have other things you need to do:
Website (This is a must do)
Domain name, unless you want it under your name. I’m not talking about a pen name; it’s more like a publishing name. I used Startree Books.
ISBN & Barcode (This is a must do)
Cover Artist (If you’re good at Canva or your own art, skip)
Character Art (Optional)
Subscribe/Purchase ARC sites: Bookfunnel, or ARC registration list (If you don’t care about getting reviews, skip) But I recommend this one. Don’t trust all your friends and family to post.
Social Media (at least 2)
Sales Sheet (If you want to see your book in B&N and local book stores)
Sales Email (Same as above)
List of places to do book signings
Make bookmarks
Order proof of your book (Check to make sure it looks right)
Reread book (Not necessary)
Once you have everything purchased, all your stuff created, and the novel has gone through all the edits, you’re now ready to start the path to publish.
Place the novel on Amazon and other book retailers with your pre-order date.
Register for your ARC system.
Do a Cover Reveal
Ask for ARC readers (keep on site 1-3 months)
Publish Book
Buy Copies
Do Book Signings
Get on podcasts
Do interviews
Advertise, Advertise, Advertise!
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