A guide to self-publishing for nonfiction authors.
Increasingly authors self-publish, not through the thinly disguised scam of a vanity press, but via well-known Internet sites. A curious thing happened on the exodus from mainstream megaliths to Print-On-Demand–fledgling authors enhanced their public exposure, maintained creative control and increased their net income from sales. For example, Carol Leonard, author of the bestselling Lady’s Hands, Lion’s Heart: A Midwife’s Saga, is one such success story. Her book was self-published after a major house turned her pithy tale into pablum. Pinhiero and Russell both make a comfortable living in their respective niche markets (bookkeeping/management/publishing/taxation and RV life). This book provides nuts-and-bolts basics for transforming a nonfiction manuscript into a viable income stream. The strategy includes establishing a business office, a website, blog and learning how to promote a book on Amazon. The authors contend that a writer must know his or her market and competition, and they are advised to work with a competent editor to ensure a professional presentation. The authors also provide extensive information on the process of publishing through CreateSpace, along with the pitfalls that may be encountered. Author ownership of ISBNs is recommended, and a publishing imprint can be registered with Bowker, thereby placing the author on a par with any major house. Also discussed are â€œderivative products” and exploiting one’s nonfiction niche through related follow-up books that refer to and build on previous works. There are also interviews with authors, including Leonard, references, resources and an index, giving writers ample reason to believe their fate is not the slush pile. A caveat: the steps presented are for nonfiction manuscripts and are not necessarily applicable to fiction.
Easy-to-follow guide for the nonfiction writer willing to develop the necessary business acumen to successfully self-publish.