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.
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
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…
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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It’s all about the right words (editing)
Everyone judges a book by it’s cover (it’s how
our brain works)
Production quality
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
Early content review and formatting of original
manuscript in 2005
Detailed story editing of book one in 2012
Technical editing before publishing in 2013
Branding
Interior
Exterior
Marketing materials
How to find and evaluate one
What you should have in the end
Physical formats
Dimensions and details
Selecting a printer
Digital vs offset printing
Proofs
Turn around time
When there’s problems…
Soft cover, perfect binding
7 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
507 pages
Mira Publishing
Offset printing
60# text paper
<?> cover stock
Selecting your device
Identifying appropriate format (epub, mobi)
Get the right program
Create your files
Amazon (KDP)
Converted from MS Word document
HelpNDoc Professional Edition
Mobi format
Amazon KDP
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
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
Know your market
Messages that matter
LAUNCH PARTY!
Professional reviews (ARC copies)
Contemporary Internet marketing
Signings and tours
Advertising
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