I want to share with you in this blogpost the process of self-publishing books and why I chose to self-publish.
My back story:
It was over a game of pool and general conversation about wants and desires that led me on a journey to self-publish my first book, Thoughts of an Unspoken Mind. I can assure you that God knows how to put the right people in your path at the right time. And, it's important to have people in your life who believe in you and support your dreams no matter how big or small they are. After I was told that someone could possibly help me with writing and publishing a book, I didn't believe it at first. A few days after that conversation, I received a text instructing me that the person who could guide me in this process is waiting for me to reach out to him. I was astounded. Normally, I don't like to ask for help. In this case, I had to let go of my prideful ways to chase my dream. I reached out to the person and he was extremely helpful. He humbly answered all of my questions and left me with this statement, "I just hope I helped enough to get you moving forward". And, it's free. With his words in mind, I started the process of self-publishing.
The Process of Self-publishing:
Register your completed manuscript with the U.S. Copyright Office. It is important to register you work so no one else can take credit for it.
After you receive your copyright, you can start publishing. I choose Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing because it was free to use. Also, I used Barnes & Noble Press, which is also free. There are many avenues to do self-publishing. Choose what is best for you.
Once you have chosen the site you will use, you can start creating your book.
During the creation process, you have the option to design your own book cover or use a pre-generated cover and upload your manuscript.
After you upload your manuscript, you will need to format it to fit your book size.
When you have completed the formatting of your book, then it will be ready to publish. Your book will go live and be ready to sell in a few days.
Suggestions
I would recommend self-publishing to anyone willing to put in the time and effort that it takes to complete this process. This is a process that requires attention to detail. Please remember you will be doing everything by yourself. There is no editor to help revise or format the book. Amazon and Barnes & Noble will check the book for minor errors before allowing the book to go live for sale but will not make any revisions. This is a very time consuming process yet rewarding.
Reflection
During this process, I learned so much about writing, editing, and myself. It made me realize my strengths and weaknesses. It revealed my capabilities. I was able to find my passion, also. As I am writing my next few books, I don't think I'll be self-publishing those books. I encountered so many frustrations formatting the book that I wanted to give up but I didn't. Not to get off the subject, I need you to know, when you are trying to progress in life, the enemy will always show up to try to hinder your process but you have to keep pushing. Something greater is waiting in the outcome of your process. Ok, back to what I was saying. I took some necessary breaks and I was determined to get this book published. But I hesitated with clicking that little "publish" button when I was done. My friend, who encouraged me to get started with writing and publishing my book, told me if I keep procrastinating, I'll always want to add something or find something wrong with the book. It took me 3 days after the book was completed to click that little "publish" button. I did it though. 24 hours later, I received an email saying my book was ready for sale online at Amazon in 2 versions, Kindle and Paperback. I cried! I only shared that with my kids and my friend who helped me during this process. I ordered an author's copy to see the quality of it. I was amazed at what I accomplished. In August 2022, I shared it on social media. Then I decided to do the self-publishing process again with Barnes & Noble. Again, formatting was frustrating. The paperback and Nook eBook version went live for sale in October 2022. I have since pulled the paperback off sale because I've noticed some formatting problems. When I have time to fix it, I'll release the paperback to go on sale again.
For now, my book is still and always will be available on sale at Amazon, paperback and Kindle version, and Barnes & Noble, only in Nook eBook version. The links are provided below:
Amazon
Barnes & Nobles, Nook eBook version
Links
If you are thinking about self-publishing or would like more information about it, I would like to provide you with links that could help you get your process started.
Links:
U.S. Copyright Office
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
Barnes & Noble Press
This YouTube video was helpful with self-publishing on Barnes & Nobles:
UPDATED 6 FEB 2023:
48 Hours Publishing is another good avenue for self publishing.
I hope this information was helpful to anyone looking to write and/or publish a book. If you any questions, please feel free to send me a message or email me directly at booksbyliz1980@gmail.com.
Best Wishes,
♥️Sincerely Eliza
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