Chicago Comic Con 2013 presentation by Michael Zummo and Brittney Brauer on how to bring your book to market through self-publishing. Zummo's series, D'mok Revival, was used as a case study.

1. Bringing your dreams to market

2. Michael Zummo
D’mok Revival Series
Author
Brittany Brauer
Principal of
B.Brauer Author
Services

3.  Explain the path of self-publishing
 Talk about what to do
 Talk about what to watch out for
 Where to put your money
 D’mok Revival: Awakening as case study

4.  There once were great titans of publishing…
 Then came the Internet
 Then came eReaders
 Then came the mobile device revolution
 Then Amazon thought it was a good idea…

5.  Writing your manuscript
 Finding an editor
 Determining your distribution format
 Creating your final product
 Distribution and marketing
 Connection with your fans
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6.  Traditional route
 Publishers
 Literary Agencies
 Self-publishing

7.  It’s all about the right words (editing)
 Everyone judges a book by it’s cover (it’s how
our brain works)
 Production quality

8.  What do they do
 Different types of editors?!
 How to find a good one
 How do they charge?
 What can you expect when working with one

9.  Early content review and formatting of original
manuscript in 2005
 Detailed story editing of book one in 2012
 Technical editing before publishing in 2013

10.  Branding
 Interior
 Exterior
 Marketing materials
 How to find and evaluate one
 What you should have in the end

17.  Physical formats
 Dimensions and details
 Selecting a printer
 Digital vs offset printing
 Proofs
 Turn around time
 When there’s problems…

18.  Soft cover, perfect binding
 7 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
 507 pages
 Mira Publishing
 Offset printing
 60# text paper
 <?> cover stock

19.  Selecting your device
 Identifying appropriate format (epub, mobi)
 Get the right program
 Create your files
 Amazon (KDP)

20.  Converted from MS Word document
 HelpNDoc Professional Edition
 Mobi format
 Amazon KDP

21.  ISBNs, UPCs, and EANS (oh my)
 eBook vs physical book
 Continuum of work vs profit
 Royalties and distribution costs
 Shipping and handling
 Engaging traditional brick and mortars

22.  Myidentifiers.com 10 pack
 Physical books and ebooks
 Amazon for both formats
 Doing the fulfillment
 100% royalties secured minus costs
 Physical distribution via local book stores

23.  Know your market
 Messages that matter
 LAUNCH PARTY!
 Professional reviews (ARC copies)
 Contemporary Internet marketing
 Signings and tours
 Advertising

24.  I’m a hard core geek (gamer and role player)
 Series web site with blog, forums
 Facebook, Google+, Twitter
 Ads in magazines, reviews
 Conventions
 Launch party

26. Presentation special
$7.00
(plus tax)

27.  Cover design
 Title page
 Copyright
 Table of Contents
 Chapter headings
 Inner chapter breaks
 Font selection
 Margin specifications

28.  Author’s note
 Prolog
 Epilog
 Author Bio

29.  Back cover
 Spine design
 Cover stock decision
 Paper stock decision (60# text)

30.  Identify device(s) it will be read on
 Appropriate file format for the identified
device(s) (epub, mobi)