Thanks largely (though not exclusively) to the model and tools provided to us by Amazon, self publishing continues to experience a meteoric rise in popularity. Not all self publishing efforts though are created equal. Below are some tips to help get you ahead of the curve.
The numbers are pretty revealing. Analysis of U.S. ISBN data shows the number of self-published titles in 2012 increasing to an excess of 391,000. As a percentage, this figure is up 59 percent over 2011 and 422 percent over 2007.
This phenomenal expansion has been the result of the e-book revolution. By 2012 e-books were 40% of those self published ISBNs. That's an increase from 11% in 2007 - nearly a 400% rise.
For the aspiring, self publishing, author these numbers point to two obvious facts. One, the opportunities have never been greater. And, two, neither has been the competition.
As this competition continually grows, it is essential that you learn to distinguish yourself from the rest of the field. If you're self publishing on Amazon, there are tools available that you need to make the most of if you hope to see success. Consider these three tools in particular. I'm not claiming that getting them right guarantees your book's success; I am guaranteeing that getting them wrong sets you off on the wrong foot from your first self publishing misstep.
First, on your author's page you are given the opportunity to post a photo. A surprising number of authors chose to post cover art. Don't do this unless your cover is a picture of you. That's what readers want to see.
Authors seem to assume no one wants to see what they look like. Actually though that is exactly wrong. It turns out a feeling of connection to the author can be a huge factor in prospective readers pulling out the old credit card on behalf of a book. However great your cover art, it is almost guaranteed that some sense of a connection to you will be more influential.
The classic, shoulders-up, head shot is the safest way to go in choosing a picture style. Obviously, as in most walks of life, you've got a leg up if you're an especially good looker. As a consequence, don't hesitate to post your most flattering photo. I assure you, though, what you look like matters less than that you have a personal photo. Not having one denies that personal touch that often makes the difference. And please do smile into the camera! However many times you have to redo it. (And, good gracious, don't wear sunglasses!)
A second point for your author's page is the field that invites you to say a little about yourself. Too many authors are much too lackadaisical about this opportunity. Does your book really speak for itself?
It doesn't matter how good your book is, it can only speak for itself if people read it! Your job is to get them to read it. If a prospective reader comes to think that the author is interesting enough to have written something they'll find worth reading that is some considerable distance in the right direction.
You're a writer, right? So write. Make yourself sound interesting. And an emphasis upon those aspects of your personality and biography that would make you a good candidate to produce a revealing and compelling book on the topic of your actual book is a good idea.
If it's a travel book, what is your travel resume? If it's a detective novel set in 1970s London, what's your interest in or knowledge of the time period? If it's a how-to book, what about your background should instill a feeling of confidence that you know how? You get the idea.
Finally, last, but very much not least, give great consideration to your book's description. Believe it or not, this little bit of composition is truly more challenging than writing the actual book. Once they've laid down their hard earned cash for your book, most readers - unless they find it simply dreadful - generally give your book around 20 pages or so to win them over. In your book description, however, you have maybe 20-30 seconds to accomplish that feat.
Again, the book can't speak for itself until prospective readers have bought it. Until then, you've got to speak for it. The short version is simply this: all in a few sentences, you have tell them, entice them and show them.
Explaining all this is another whole article on its own. If you want a detailed explanation of what's involved, have a gander at my piece dedicated to the topic of doing your book description well.
What we've covered here should go a long ways in improving your potential for success on Amazon. Getting these points right is essential to keeping your book from falling behind the curve right out of the gate. Self publishing on Amazon is a challenge and an opportunity. You have to successfully address the former if you hope to benefit from the latter.
The numbers are pretty revealing. Analysis of U.S. ISBN data shows the number of self-published titles in 2012 increasing to an excess of 391,000. As a percentage, this figure is up 59 percent over 2011 and 422 percent over 2007.
This phenomenal expansion has been the result of the e-book revolution. By 2012 e-books were 40% of those self published ISBNs. That's an increase from 11% in 2007 - nearly a 400% rise.
For the aspiring, self publishing, author these numbers point to two obvious facts. One, the opportunities have never been greater. And, two, neither has been the competition.
As this competition continually grows, it is essential that you learn to distinguish yourself from the rest of the field. If you're self publishing on Amazon, there are tools available that you need to make the most of if you hope to see success. Consider these three tools in particular. I'm not claiming that getting them right guarantees your book's success; I am guaranteeing that getting them wrong sets you off on the wrong foot from your first self publishing misstep.
First, on your author's page you are given the opportunity to post a photo. A surprising number of authors chose to post cover art. Don't do this unless your cover is a picture of you. That's what readers want to see.
Authors seem to assume no one wants to see what they look like. Actually though that is exactly wrong. It turns out a feeling of connection to the author can be a huge factor in prospective readers pulling out the old credit card on behalf of a book. However great your cover art, it is almost guaranteed that some sense of a connection to you will be more influential.
The classic, shoulders-up, head shot is the safest way to go in choosing a picture style. Obviously, as in most walks of life, you've got a leg up if you're an especially good looker. As a consequence, don't hesitate to post your most flattering photo. I assure you, though, what you look like matters less than that you have a personal photo. Not having one denies that personal touch that often makes the difference. And please do smile into the camera! However many times you have to redo it. (And, good gracious, don't wear sunglasses!)
A second point for your author's page is the field that invites you to say a little about yourself. Too many authors are much too lackadaisical about this opportunity. Does your book really speak for itself?
It doesn't matter how good your book is, it can only speak for itself if people read it! Your job is to get them to read it. If a prospective reader comes to think that the author is interesting enough to have written something they'll find worth reading that is some considerable distance in the right direction.
You're a writer, right? So write. Make yourself sound interesting. And an emphasis upon those aspects of your personality and biography that would make you a good candidate to produce a revealing and compelling book on the topic of your actual book is a good idea.
If it's a travel book, what is your travel resume? If it's a detective novel set in 1970s London, what's your interest in or knowledge of the time period? If it's a how-to book, what about your background should instill a feeling of confidence that you know how? You get the idea.
Finally, last, but very much not least, give great consideration to your book's description. Believe it or not, this little bit of composition is truly more challenging than writing the actual book. Once they've laid down their hard earned cash for your book, most readers - unless they find it simply dreadful - generally give your book around 20 pages or so to win them over. In your book description, however, you have maybe 20-30 seconds to accomplish that feat.
Again, the book can't speak for itself until prospective readers have bought it. Until then, you've got to speak for it. The short version is simply this: all in a few sentences, you have tell them, entice them and show them.
Explaining all this is another whole article on its own. If you want a detailed explanation of what's involved, have a gander at my piece dedicated to the topic of doing your book description well.
What we've covered here should go a long ways in improving your potential for success on Amazon. Getting these points right is essential to keeping your book from falling behind the curve right out of the gate. Self publishing on Amazon is a challenge and an opportunity. You have to successfully address the former if you hope to benefit from the latter.
About the Author:
All you aspiring self publisher types, you need to keep up on the killer tips and trends at Self Publishing on Amazon . Lance Fallbrook regularly scribbles about writing and writers at a variety of writing related websites. Check out his controversial list of top 20 most famous American authors .
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