This essay focuses on three critical publishing skills self-published authors need to learn — before they publish their works. Having a firm understanding of these abilities can make your work more marketable to conventional publishers even if you have no intention of self-publishing.
Studies in the Market
By doing market research, you may learn more about your target audience, their needs, and the best ways to reach them. Knowing both your target demographic and the genre in which you're writing allows you to craft a tale that will resonate with your readers. The tropes that characterize your genre should be used sparingly throughout brainstorming and writing to provide readers a point of connection with your work. You should then provide your unique interpretation of these clichés in pursuit of your creative vision.
Later, while developing marketing materials like adverts and chosen snippets, reinforce this technique. Demonstrate how your tale is unique and satisfying in every way possible to readers. For optimum results, couple this strategy with platform development.
Structure of a Platform
Creating a successful platform requires networking and establishing credibility. But telling the world about your books isn't enough. It's off-putting, so much so that people avoid it. To get something out of a relationship, you have to give something to the other person.
Help individuals with blog posts, Facebook, and Twitter. This may be accomplished in a number of ways, such as by discussing your writing experience, promoting other writers, and sharing tales of your own writing successes. Similarly, if you're part of a literary community, whether it's a readers' or writers' club, participate actively. Keep the emphasis on helping others and preserving the group objectives, even as you feel free to share your work if you need assistance or are encouraged to do so.
You may also publish your work online and promote it through social media. Free stories are great for readers, and comments and shares are great for authors. You may improve your abilities and get more attention in this way. Popular writers like Andy Weir and Beth Reekles got their starts in the same manner. Maintaining contact with your audience and close friends is essential.
As stated by hardcover book printing, Building a platform allows you to establish yourself as an authoritative voice in your field and an indispensable contributor to your community. To put it another way: when it comes time to publish, more individuals will be eager to provide a hand.
Controlling the Clock in the Late Game
It's tempting to set publication dates and organize publicity campaigns as soon as the work is finished. But don't get ahead of yourself, since there's still more to accomplish.
To become a publishable book, a manuscript must undergo the processes of formatting, editing, and cover art design. As a matter of thumb, if you employ a professional, allow one week for formatting a book, one month for editing, and one month for the cover. You may reduce formatting time if you authored your work according to the standards of your selected distribution channels. Running editing and cover art at the same time may save even more time. However, this strategy is only applicable to e-book releases since the cover designer has to know the physical dimensions of the book.
The text has to be laid up in a different way for print than it was for online publishing. Get a proof copy made and check it for mistakes and readability. Remember to factor in an additional two weeks after obtaining the proof to make any necessary adjustments before the book ships from your printer (Lulu or CreateSpace, for example).
Give yourself at least a month, and ideally two, between making the final edits and publishing the piece. Start your advertising and pre-order campaigns now. Push it to the limits to get the word out about your articles on the many channels you've established.
A self-published author has to hone their skills in market research, platform development, and time management before their book can be released. Finding and speaking directly to your target demographic, establishing credibility in the field, and allowing yourself enough time to edit, publish, and market your work will give you a leg up on the competition.
