The document outlines the basics of the self-publishing process including cover design, editing, formatting, copyright, ISBN, distribution, print books, and marketing. It discusses why an author may choose to self-publish, such as control over the process and higher royalties, as well as reasons not to like lack of business skills or time. The document provides resources for each step and warns about scams, advising authors to read contracts carefully and check qualifications of any companies or individuals hired to assist with self-publishing.

1. By author Aria Kane
aka Sarah Nicolas
The Basics of Self-Publishing

2. What We Will Cover
 Each step in the process so that you can decide if self-
publishing is the path for you.
 Resources you can use to learn more details about each step
in the process.
 How to avoid scams and unqualified service providers

3. About Me
 Sarah Nicolas:YA, traditionally published
 Aria Kane: Romance, hybrid
 Publishing Industry Experience
 FormerAuthor'sAssistant & Freelance Publicist
 Managing Director of PitchWars
 Book Riot Contributor
 Library Event Planner

4. What We Will Cover
 CoverArt
 Editing
 Formatting
 Copyright
 ISBN
 Ebook Distribution
 Print Books
 Marketing

5. Why should you self-publish
 Control over the process
 Genre
 Romance
 Sci-fi
 Nonfiction
 Thriller/Mystery
 Higher royalty per book
 Prolific

6. Why should you not self-publish?
 Not a business-minded person
 Time
 Genre
 Literary fiction
 Children’s
 Risk
 Distribution

7. Cover Design
 Consider:
 Thumbnail
 Size
 Pre-mades vs custom
 Stock photography vs original art
 Do not slack on cover design – it is your#1 marketing tool!

8. Editing
 Developmental Editing
 Line Edits
 Copy Edits
 Finding an impartial editor is the key to your book’s success
 How to find an editor:
 Find out who edited self-published books you liked
 Ask authors for recommendations – they are always willing to
recommend people they love working with
 Search websites like bibliocrunch, not craigslist
 Always get references, samples, and possibly a sample edit

9. Ebook Formatting
 You will need .mobi for Amazon and .epub for everywhere
else.
 pdf is great for reviews.
 Best: hand-code in html, then convert
 Conversion programs like Sigil & Calibre
 Smashwords “meatgrinder”
 Always include active links to your other books
 DIY or hire someone?

10. Print Book
 POD vs Print Run
 POD Companies
 Kindle Direct
 IngramSpark
 Lulu
 Printers
 Always get a proof before ordering/publishing
 Distribution

11. Print Formatting
 Can be done in MicrosoftWord,Adobe inDesign, many other
programs.
 Pick your printer/POD service first, then make the
document according to their specifications.

12. Copyright
 To register or not to register?
 Notice of copyright: ©2015,Aria Kane, all rights reserved

13. ISBN
 An ISBN is required when you want your books to be sold in
bookstores.
 Some review sites/publications also require one
 Some self-publishing companies will provide one for you
 Each format has its own ISBN (.epub, paperback, hardcover)
 Buy your own: $125 for one, $295 for 10, $575 for 100,
$1500 for 1000

14. Ebook Distribution
 Distributors
 Smashwords (percentage)
 IngramSpark (fee)
 BookBaby (fee)
 Lulu (percentage)
 Direct to Retailers
 Kindle Direct Publishing (also print)
 KDP Select
 Barnes & Noble Press (also print)
 Kobo’sWriting Life

15. Marketing
 Have a marketing plan in place before your book is published
 BlogTours
 Traditional media interviews
 Social Media
 Paid advertisements
 Facebook,Twitter, Goodreads, Google, Blogs, Mailing Lists
 Reviews

16. Assisted Self-Publishing
 Individual contractors who perform or coordinate the entire
process for you.
 These are usually people who have been author assistants or
publishing professionals for a while and have picked up many
of the skills required to self-publish.
 Some literary agents offer this service to their current clients
(i.e. you will not be signed on for an assisted self-publishing
project)

17. Vanity Presses
 Vanity presses market themselves as traditional or subsidy
publishers, but charge high fees and do very little or no
marketing/distribution for you.
 Not selective – pay to play
 Turn-key solutions will often cost more than hiring the
individual contractors
 Do your research, proceed with caution

18. Avoiding Scams & Unqualified
 READTHE CONTRACT
 How are royaltyies calculated?
 What are the fees?
 Deadlines
 Avoid transfer of rights
 Exclusivity
 Do you control the price?
 Get references, ask in-depth questions
 Check qualifications, experience

19. Advice from the pros

20. Advice from the pros

21. Advice from the pros