The fact that you are reading this on your mobile or computing device is testament to the change in how we consume the written word. Words have moved from the traditional confines of print publishing, which included books, magazines, newspapers, newsletters, to a more dynamic, digital environment – smart phones, tablets, laptops and eBook readers. Suffice it to say, ‘old’ paper is being replaced by ‘new’ touch-screen.
Screen the New Print
This paradigm shift creates an opportunity for self publishing writers, providing a platform to publish their ideas and stories directly on to the screens of their readers.
Consider this: E L James (Erika Leonard), who is the author of the very popular Fifty Shades of Grey, self-published the novel through an Australian publishing house as an eBook. The fan base of the novel pushed the popularity of the book to meteoric heights which, in turn, caught the attention of Vintage Books. The rest, as they say, is history.
Succeed in Selling Your Story
In an age of instant connectivity, an eBook is the fastest, surest way of telling your story to your audience; just the way you want to. You (the author) remain in firm control of all aspects of publishing: right from the cover design to the publicity and marketing. Two fantastic things emerge from this process: one is the immense pleasure of watching your book hit digital stores almost instantly; second, you get a larger chunk of the royalty now that you are the captain of the ship. A self-published author can earn a sizeable percentage of their book’s earnings (as high as 70%). Contrast this to the standard 10% new authors get when they publish their books through the traditional method.
There are virtual platforms, such as NotionPress, that allow Indian authors to create their e book for virtually no cost. If an author needs to consult an expert on any aspect of their book ranging from manuscript to promotion, the platform will charge a fee.
Unleash Your eBook’s Potential
Since you are the captain of the ship, you can steer your book to success with two basic, common sense, but vital steps:
1. Get Feedback
The feedback can be from a professional editor, a writing group, or your own family. I cannot stress enough how important this step is. In self-publishing, you do not have access to the editorial process which is part of traditional publishing. Most writers feel that their book needs no revision or editing; it is perfect just the way it is. The truth, however, is the opposite. Constructive feedback almost always improves the manuscript you worked hard on.
2. Promote, promote, promote
It is your book, it is your story, and it is your baby. Now step out and let the world know about it; the digital world in particular. Get the word out on your Facebook and Twitter profiles. The professionals begin promoting their book before it is even finished. Generate an interest of your book among followers and readers by releasing juicy bits of information.
Get Set, Publish
If you have a story ready to be told, then do not waste precious time on pursuing a traditional publishing path. Create, click, and load your book online. The opportunity for self publishing writers is right here, right now.
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://writingtipsoasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/img-109061105-0001.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Anand Changali is a compulsive writer whose first love is cinema. He has written scripts for animation shows, and animation films, in addition to blogs and articles for the digital domain. His book, The Princess in Black – An Unheard Story of the Mughals, has been picked up by Srishti Publishers. [/author_info] [/author]