This document describes the challenges faced by self-published author David Burrows in writing, publishing, and marketing his epic fantasy trilogy "The Prophecy of the Kings". It outlines the many roles a self-published author must play, from writing to editing to publishing to marketing. It details Burrows' experience navigating the publishing process from initial manuscripts to print-on-demand publishing to book signings and marketing efforts. The document serves to illustrate the trials and tribulations faced by self-published authors in bringing their books from idea to finished work.

1. Trials and Tribulations of a
Self-Published Author
David Burrows
Author of The Prophecy of the Kings
An epic fantasy trilogy
http://davidburrows.org.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/authordavidburrows

2. David’s Books

3. The Presentation Describes How I Created
my Books?
• How did I go from words on A4 to the final
article?
• Or as Baldric (Black Adder) put it
– How did the state of being at war come about
from the state of the war not being?

4. Author Skills - Ideal World
• Writing should be idyllic. On a beach,
creating a masterpiece

5. However - Self Published Author Skills
• A self published author needs the following skills:
– Writing
– Imagination
– Proof reader
– Editor
– Publisher
– Artist
– Literary agent
– Web design
– Marketing
– Financial
– People skills
– Front man
– Drive!

6. How to write a novel?
http://davidburrows.org.uk/start_a_book_tips.html
• How to Start Writing a Book
• My Top Tips for Writers
• My Experiences Creating a Plot
• Creating Character names
• Advice on Choosing a Genre
• Making your Plot Interesting
• My Advice on Writer’s Block
• Should you Pay for a Review?
• How to get Published
• A guide to Self-Publishing
• Writing a Synopsis and a Blog

7. How to find the time?
• My Experience
– Pregnant wife
– Three books
• At least two pregnancies
• OR
– Broken leg
• Couple of short stories

8. Difficult Experiences
• Names
– Moira
– Ariome
– A witch!
• On line Editors
– Sharks on the Internet
English is personal taste

9. My Experience with Literary Agents
• Are you an established author
• No?!
– Then it will be rubbish, dear.
• Friend and family
– They would say that, dear
• US experience
– Pat Gibson and the FBI

10. Baby Steps?
• Library offered to host manuscripts
featuring local authors.
• My first publication
– A4 in a folder!
• Result?
– People are fussy and who can blame them.

11. Next Step Book Publishing
• Build a printing press
• Plenty of glue
• Not too much glue!!
• Industrial line

12. Book Publishing
• Build a printing press
• Plenty of glue
• Not too much glue!!
• Industrial line
Page 1 Page 2 A4
• Use of a cloth spine
• A4 in two columns Page 1 Page 2
A4

13. Now What?
• Back to the library
• Success of sorts…

14. POD – Print on Demand
• LULU, Createspace
• Professional book publishing
• One off printing
• Book covers!!

15. POD – Print on Demand
• LULU, Createspace
• Professional book publishing
• One off printing
• Book covers!!
Some published books ….

16. Marketing
• Website
• Links to book
• Reviews
• Book signing
• Talks
• Forum
– By invitation only
More sharks

17. Marketing
• Website
• Links to book
• Reviews
• Book signing
• Talks
• Forum
– By invitation only
• Costs money!
More sharks

18. Marketing
• Website
• Links to book
• Reviews
• Book signing
• Talks
• Forum
– By invitation only
marketing writing

19. Marketing
• Website
• Links to book
• Reviews
• Book signing
• Talks
• Forum
– By invitation only
marketing writing

20. Book signing
• Be prominent
• Fliers
• Business Cards
• Talk to folk
• Media coverage
– Before and after

21. Where Too Now?
Who Knows? Life is a Journey.
Questions?