Writing a book and selling a book goes from easy to hard, harder, and hardest.

Anonymous once said, “the beginning is easy, what happens next is much harder.”

For me, it all started with a short story and ended with three novels. Between the beginning and the end of a novel comes what I call writer’s sweaty time. You have your own version of a writing journey. We share that certain feeling; the time spent staring at a blank page, waiting for exactly the right word. We know what it is like when the story finally comes to life, and the struggle to find our way to the end, often surprised when we actually make it there.

Writing seems like hard work, right?

Looking back, writing was the fun part of the journey for me and, in retrospect, turned out to be the easy part. When I finished my first novel I sat back with a smile of celebration, unprepared for the next steps. Those next steps included editing, cover design and the choice of a printer.

EDITING

I have a hard time doing my own editing. I keep missing the same mistakes over and over. I need a good editor, someone who understands the grammar and spelling, but also follows the story flow. Whew! That was my reaction when I realized how much it would cost. How many of us have a limitless budget to pay for editorial services? I certainly didn’t. Whether we are on a fixed income in retirement, or carefully balancing time between family, working and writing, the real cost of editing can be daunting. The cost of not editing, however, can be disastrous.

It was my good fortune to discover an editor that was talented and reasonably priced.

COVER DESIGN

I’m not proud of the look of my first two books. There are some OK cover templates on the market, but they tend to look bland, and frankly like templates. If you want to make a book stand out in the crowd you need a cover that will do your book proud. I tried the generic cover templates, and while nice, as in OK, they lacked a look that would have someone reaching for them on a crowded shelf in a bookstore. But I was fortunate to find someone who could design an outstanding cover, and at a price I could afford.

How lucky was I? I ended up with an outstanding designer, someone who translated my novels into a graphic design, the covers looking great, each hinting at the story between the covers.

PRINTING

Today, writers have several good printing options to choose from. Independent authors can pick from a variety of companies serving the self-publishing community, and easily found using your favorite search engine. I use one that offers a menu of print options, but allows me to take advantage of print-on-demand (POD) technology. I don’t need to use my garage or closet as a warehouse, and the cost of printing a large number. I can use the POD computer. When I have an order for a novel I go online and my computer/warehouse springs into action and shipping takes care of the rest.

I have learned to look carefully at the internet ads offering self-publishing services. Unfortunately there are some scoundrels lurking on the internet, waiting to take advantage of a writer’s ego. It pays to ask around and make sure you check references.

Once the books are written and printed comes the hardest part.

THE HARDEST PART

In Julius Caesar Brutus made what was called the unkindest cut of all. To borrow that phrase, from a writer’s point of view, marketing is the hardest part of all. Few of us have the knowledge of, and talent for, marketing. Yet, as writers, we are expected to market our novel, like actors thrust on stage, actors without a script.

I can tell you from experience how much courage it took to walk into a bookstore for the first time, not to buy a book, but to ask them to sell mine.

I thought I had a grasp of what it would take to market my novels, but learned by trial and error, and ended with a portfolio of ideas for low-cost, do-it-yourself marketing. I have learned to embrace the saying that we sell books one-at-a-time, the old-fashioned way.

Not everyone has the stomach to be a relentless self-promoter, but that is what it takes. There is no magic that will turn my novel into a best-seller and all the fame that goes with it. I am learning to sell one book at a time, the old-fashioned way.

BUT WAIT, THERE IS HELP

Are you thinking about becoming an indie author and taking control of your publishing destiny?

Welcome to the Indie Publishing Revolution. There are resources for writers just like you. You can find help that will provide you with a triptych, a guide to you as an emerging author, one who is considering self-publishing. Their goal is your book in print, as a book you can be proud of.

I use Createspace, an Amazon publishing arm, but there are others that offer similar services; Bookstand Publishing, IUniverse, Lulu, etc. They all provide a menu of service allowing you to pick and choose that which is right for you.

There is a review of self-publishing I found most informative. Check it out at http://reviews.cnet.com/self-publishing/. It is a helpful, unbiased review.

I found an editor, a designer, and became an “accidental marketeer” committed to offering affordable, good reads. Then the magic happens. My readers make the vote that counts, reading and liking what they read. I have weathered the trial and error storm of writing and publishing and now stand ready to share that experience with others who are considering the independent choice.

I wish you good luck with your writing and encourage you to consider becoming an Indie Author

Chuck Waldron is an indie author of three novels. His website is www.writebyme.ca and he welcomes your questions and comments.

I grew up listening to my grandfather, an Ozark Mountain story teller, spinning tales of the caves on his farm, describing them as hiding places once used by Jesse & Frank James’ gang. It didn’t matter if the stories were true or not. Those legends set fire to my imagination, creating images that emerged slowly over the years, finally igniting as my short stories and novels.

Now, thirty-plus short stories and three novels later, ideas keep coming, with novel number four well underway. Do they share anything in common? Each has its own unique voice and tale to tell, some in the old style and some in the flavors of Chunky Monkey and Marshmallow-Cherry swirl. Yet, at their heart, my stories tell a tale of the human condition – the good, the bad and the ugly.

My literary roots, planted in the American Midwest, thrived when transplanted – over thirty-nine years ago – to the rich, cultural soil of Ontario. Warmed by a Florida sun, I now divide my winters between Port St. Lucie and Port St. Joe. Those roots have grown to become the life I’ve always dreamed of having: writer, dreamer and storyteller. Who could ask for more?

Author: Chuck Waldron
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Digital publishing or electronic publishing is a way to distribute written and artistic works quickly and globally without investing a lot of time and resources into their publication. There are advantages in publishing digitally because it is environmentally superior to using paper and ink production that uses up natural resources and water.

When works are produced electronically they can be easily searched and edited and changes are not costly to make at any point during production. Works can be uploaded to the Internet or sent out on CDs and DVDs. This makes this method of publishing ideal for the scientific community because they can publish current research without the timely delays normally occurring with printed publications.

Many works are found on the Internet and sold as e-books. New technology has developed e-book readers that are portable and eliminate the need for a computer set up. Online anyone can publish whatever they want to simply by creating a website or uploading their work to another website for viewing.

Making money with digital publishing may be slightly more difficult than with traditional publishing. There could be a higher profit potential however because there are virtually no natural resources like paper involved. Once created, the digital product only needs to be marketed and delivered electronically. There are no production costs, binding, packaging or mailing costs involved unless a person is selling their product on CDs or DVDs.

Digital publishing offers anyone the opportunity to create intellectual works and sell them without going through traditional publishing channels. It also offers writers the opportunity to freelance and ghost write for others. Electronic publishing can greatly broaden the reach for digital books and manuals. These works can be sold worldwide at the touch of an electronic button. Delivery is instantaneous and payments likewise are faster to the author.

Books that are published and recorded digitally are never out of print and can be accessed through digital libraries and outlets such as Amazon and other online booksellers. There are many digital publishers who would purchase electronic submissions. Digital journals, e-magazines, e-books, online newspapers and magazines and podcasts are all types of digital publishing.

For authors who want speedy results and faster payments using digital publishing for their works is an alternative to going through the very time consuming process of selling their works through traditional outlets such as print magazines and book publishers. They can even sell their works directly by placing ads up on auction websites such as eBay.

Delivering the product following receipt of payment is just a mouse click and delivery is instant to the purchaser.

One problem that may occur with digital publishing is the ease with which written works can be plagiarized and copied. There is very little to stop this activity even with protective devices such as CopyScape services that will show if a piece has been published on the Internet previously.

Digital publishing has brought speed and distribution reach to the publishing industry unlike any other method. It is usable and accessible to anyone with a computer and can bring great written works to any remote area of the world.

Martin Alan enjoys writing on subjects such as literature, digital publishing, digital magazine, publishing software and self publishing. He also enjoys keeping up-to-date with the latest developments and innovations in technology and online marketing.

Author: Martin Alan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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