Self-Publishing Decisions?!#@

“The journey to self-publishing is paved with a thousand decisions!” Self-publishing, while accessible to many, can be challenging. Every step forward seems to unveil yet another self-decision, requiring research and deliberation. Aspiring authors often grapple with questions such as, “How can I enhance my online sales?” and “How should I price my book?” In this blog, we will delve into these inquiries, offering insights and strategies to help you navigate the intricate world of self-publishing.

How to get started?

You’ve finished your manuscript, but what next? Is it a polished gem ready for the world, or does it require further refinement and editing? The choices you make at this stage, will set the stage for your entire publishing journey.

Solution: All manuscripts will need editing; but what level of editing do you need? You may consider getting an appraisal, developmental edit, copy/line edit or proofread. Many books undergo more than one level of editing. Investing in professional editing and proofreading services elevate your manuscript. You can also opt for beta readers to assist in refining your writing. The key is ensuring your work is the best it can be before you start the publishing phase.

ISBNs

Do you use your ISBN, one provided by a platform, or choose to go under the banner of another business?

Solution: You can acquire your own ISBNs to retain control over distribution and metadata. Alternatively, for a professional ‘published’ look to your book, you can go under the Turtle Publishing Banner. We organise ISBNs for our clients whilst you still retain your self-published commissions. If you choose to use the free ISBNs from Amazon or other platforms, you should be aware that you can only use those ISBNs on the chosen platform, and will need to arrange new ISBNs for alternative platforms. This can cause copyright challenges in the future.

What size should my book be?

Selecting the appropriate size for your book is a crucial decision in the publishing process. It’s often something that is decided ‘later’ but if you don’t make the decision early, it can cause issues in your pricing, illustration or cover sizing, and distribution decisions. 

Solution: Consider your genre, target audience, price points, and the content of your book. Novels and non-fiction works often favour the standard trade paperback size, as it strikes a balance between readability and cost-effectiveness. On the other hand, art books, and children’s picture books may require larger dimensions. Additionally, think about how your book will fit on bookstore shelves and how it will look and feel in the hands of readers. The size you choose should enhance the reader’s experience and align with your book’s content and genre.

Distribution Channels

The question of where and how to distribute your book is crucial. Will you choose Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) exclusivity, pursue broader distribution through aggregators, or explore various platforms and formats?

Solution: Investigate the benefits and drawbacks of each distribution option in relation to your objectives. Many authors commence their journey with KDP and later extend to other platforms. Understanding the pros and cons of each will help you align your decision with your book’s goals.

Marketing and Promotion

After publication, you’ll face the formidable challenge of marketing and promotion. How do you connect with your intended audience, construct your author brand, and drive sales? Furthermore, “How can I improve my online sales?” looms large.

Solution: Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy encompassing social media promotion, soliciting book reviews, establishing an author website, maintaining email newsletters, and participating actively in online author communities. Utilising Amazon Advertising for long-term sales is a proven strategy.

Pricing Your Book

“How should I price my book?” you might wonder. Fortunately, there are several launch pricing strategies to enhance long-term sales.

Solution: Ultimately, pricing is your prerogative. Experiment with different pricing strategies and continually assess the market response. Flexibility in altering your book’s price can optimise profits over time. I often recommend a ‘first-month’ pricing strategy for my clients to maximise initial sales and assist long-term organic reach of your book.

The self-publishing journey is indeed a labyrinth of countless decisions, each carrying significance for your book’s success. With a meticulous approach and a commitment to aligning choices with your goals, you can confidently embark on this expedition toward becoming a published author. The challenges may be many, but the fulfilment of witnessing your work in print and reaching readers makes the voyage undeniably rewarding. Take each step thoughtfully, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance when needed. Your unique publishing odyssey awaits, and every decision brings you closer to realising your dream.

At Turtle Publishing, we are dedicated to guiding you through every step of your self-publishing decisions. You have the flexibility to choose how you’d like us to assist you. Whether you’re seeking a professional book cover design or prefer to entrust us with your complete manuscript for comprehensive services encompassing editing, formatting, cover design, uploads, keyword optimisation, online distribution, and Amazon Advertising, we’re here to cater to your specific needs.

Our approach is tailored to meet you where you currently stand, taking into account your existing knowledge and expertise. We seamlessly integrate your unique insights with our wealth of experience to ensure you receive the best value for your investment in your book publishing journey.

By collaborating with us, you not only save valuable time, leveraging our expertise, but also make financially prudent decisions throughout the process. Self-publishing can be a steep learning curve for many, and whether you desire to learn the intricacies of the process with our guidance or prefer to have us handle it all for you, our dedicated team is here to provide the support you need.

Book a 20-minute free consultation with us, and let’s see how we can help your book dream come true.

Kathy Shanks

Turtle Publishing was founded in 2020 by self-employed designer and happily married mother of two, Kathy Shanks. With 20 years of design experience and having created her own journal in 2019, where she subsequently believes that the ‘universe started throwing books at her’, Kathy is passionate about creating designs that convey the right emotion and ‘vibe’ to the right audience and specialises in budget friendly publishing solutions.