I'm not a self-publishing guru, just someone who decided to jump in with both feet and give it a try.
In October of 2019, I self-published my first book on Amazon. The book features a collection of 50 years of my personal poetry.
After that, I went on a tear and self-published seven more books in approximately twelve months; two are sayings for cards, and the other six are personally written riddle books. I'm currently writing my seventh riddle book. Looking back, I still can't believe I accomplished all that in such a short time. I get tired thinking about it!
My self-publishing journey involved teaching myself every step along the way. It was challenging.
A Quick Summary Review of What I've Learned About Self-Publishing Non-Fiction Books So Far:
1. Pick a Niche
After writing a poetry book and two books about "What to Write in Cards," I decided that I needed a niche topic. Since I have this crazy ability to write riddles, I decided riddle books would be my niche. However, you can write a series or individual books if you're a fiction author.
2. Why I Wanted a Niche Topic for my Books
Of course, you can write on any topic and self-publish on multiple issues. That's perfectly fine. However, I wanted to select one area to build a website and social media platform to tie into that topic. For fiction writers, an author website is all you need, no matter the variety of topics you write about.
3. Pick a Name for Your Niche Topic That Can Tie Into Your Social Sites, Books, and Website
I chose #Stumped Riddles, which I use in some form or another on all social media sites. I found it best to tie everything together.
Check out the links:
4. Set Up Your Amazon Author Page
Here's the link where you can set up your Amazon Author page. You can take a look at my completed Amazon Author page here.
5. Market and Advertise Your Books
Unless you already have a huge fan base or following, you'll need to advertise. I use KDP Advertising and Facebook Advertising at the moment.
6. Set Advertising Goals
Do you want to build traffic to your website or simply sell books? I send my advertising links to my website; from there, customers can link to the associated Amazon page. I choose not to link directly to Amazon as I aim to build authority and traffic to my site.
7. Converse With People On Your Social Media Posts
I post individual riddles on my website and all my social media links. The riddle answers link back to my site. When people take a guess at the answer, I always respond to each person who posts. I plan to get a helping hand in that area when the volume becomes too much.
8. Check the Negative Reviews on Other Books Similar to Yours
I read multiple negative reviews on books like mine. Those comments give me ideas on what to avoid and add to my books to improve them.
9. Don't Be Afraid to Change the Design of Your Book
Based on input from others or sales volume, avoid getting stuck with an ineffective design. I redesigned my books thrice before settling on the final layout and content structure. I'm currently revamping all of the riddle eBooks.
10. Your Book's Cover Design is Key
All the gurus repeatedly stress one particular point... 'Hire a professional to design your book cover." Of course, I didn't listen, lol. However, I did re-do my covers multiple times and have a knack for creating graphics. If cover design is not your thing, consider paying a professional.
11. Watch Self-Publishing Tutorials on YouTube
Many self-publishing gurus (actual gurus) create helpful, instructive videos. I've probably watched 35 videos or more. You'll pick up little tidbits here and there from each one of them.
Additional Self-Publishing Articles:
Basic Tips for the Newbie Self-Publisher
Confessions of a Newbie Self-Publisher
5 Helpful Self-Publishing Tools
3 Tips for a Newbie Self-Publisher
How to Get Started on Your First eBook
