Top 4 Self-Publishing FAQs: Part II

Last month I wrote a post about the cost of self publishing and told you I would address other FAQ in future posts. Well, I always keep my word, so here we go. This week I will address the common question “How long does it take to self publish?”

The length of time it takes to self publish a book varies from company to company and from project to project, but it is almost always quicker than traditional publishing.

Some companies offer extremely quick turnaround times such as a few days to a few weeks. When considering these options, be sure to think about the quality of the book you want to print as well as your budget. You shouldn’t sacrifice quality for a quick turnaround time, and fast options are sometimes more expensive. While these options are good for some people, they aren’t for everyone.

Most people can expect to have their book self published in 2 to 3 months. This allows time for important aspects of publishing such as cover design. However, if your book needs extensive copyediting, the process could take a little longer.

If you have specific questions about how long it will take to self publish your book, contact your self publishing company. Also, be sure to check out my previous post answering the question “How much does it cost to self publish?” and check back every Monday for other FAQ.

If you have questions about self publishing, feel free to comment below and I will try to address your topic in a future post.

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.

Top 4 Self-Publishing FAQs: Part I

Last month I wrote a post about the cost of self publishing and told you I would address other FAQ in future posts. Well, I always keep my word, so here we go. This month, I will be doing a series about the top self publishing FAQs. Here is what you can expect.

Each week I will share information about one of the self publishing questions I am frequently asked. These are the questions I plan to cover:

How long does it take to self publish?

How much money will I make from self publishing?

Where can people buy my self published book?

I’ve already completed the first FAQ: How much does it cost to self publish? So be sure to go check out that post.

Also, if you have any questions about self publishing, feel free to comment below and I will try to address your topic in a future post. Be sure to check back every Monday for the answers to the FAQs.

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.

Should You Self Publish a Paperback or E-book?

Authors often ask me whether they should self publish a paperback or an e-book. I always tell them to do both. Here is why.

1. Not everyone likes e-books.

There are people who prefer paperback books to e-books. They love the feel and smell of paperback books, and they don’t use e-readers. If you only offer an e-book version, you won’t have access to this group of readers.

2. E-books are growing.

Despite my last statement, a significant number of readers buy and love e-books, and the number of people who use e-readers is continuing to grow. E-books are the future of publishing. By offering an e-book, you are not only staying on trend but you are also able to reach a large market of readers who prefer e-books.

3. Paperback books make great gifts.

There are many benefits to paperback books. For one, they make great gifts, but they are also great marketing tools. If you do book signings or readings, you will want to have a paperback version of your book. You can also donate paperback versions to local libraries. With a paperback version, you will have a physical copy to show and sell when you are marketing your book.

4. E-books are great for online marketing campaigns.

Using social media and your website, you can encourage readers to download your book. This often has a high success rate because it is quick and easy. They can immediately buy, download, and read your book without waiting for a paperback copy to arrive in the mail or to make a trip to the store. You can also offer free giveaways or samples of the book to encourage readers to download the e-book.

As you can see, there are benefits to both types of books.Even though e-books are a popular trend right now, paperback books still play an important role in the publishing industry. By self publishing both a paperback and e-book version, you can maximize your ability to reach readers and enjoy the different benefits of each format.

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.

3 Ways to Find More Time to Write

Since I didn’t post on June 21, I want to wish you a happy belated summer solstice! It is one of my favorite days of the year because it is generally the longest day of the year, which means I feel like I have more time to get things (like my self publishing projects) done. Even if you missed the opportunity to work on your writing this summer solstice, you can still find ways to stretch your days and make more time to write. Here are a three ways.

1. Write while you drive!

The average person in the US has a 25.4 minute commute to work. Round trip, that gives you almost an hour of writing time every day. Invest in a voice recorder and work on your stories while you are driving. You can simply brainstorm ideas or speak entire passages to transcribe later.

2. Write while you wait!

How often do you find yourself waiting in a doctor’s office or in the carpool line at school? Use that time to work on your writing. Keep a notepad with you or download an app on your phone that lets you record your thoughts.

3. Write on your lunch hour!

Just because you work during the day doesn’t mean you can’t find time to write. On your lunch hour, find a quiet place and break out your notebook or laptop. Even if you only work on your project for part of your lunch break, those extras minutes add up.

I’d love to know, how do you sneak in time to work on your self publishing projects?

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.

5 Reasons to Self Publish a Book in Honor of Your Dad

Yesterday was Father’s Day and many of you celebrated your childhood hero who helped you become who you are today. But why limit celebrating your wonderful father to just one day out of the year? Give him the gift of eternal praise by self publishing a book in his honor. Here are five reasons to self publish a book in honor of Father’s Day.

1) Books last forever.

Father’s Day only happens once a year, but a book is an eternal gift that keeps on giving.

2) Share him with the world.

If you have a fascinating story about your father, why not share it with the world by turning it into a book? There are many inspiring father out there, and readers would love to know their stories.

3) Write a special thank you.

Even if your book isn’t about your dad, you can still dedicate your book to him. In the beginning of your book, write a special note thanking your dad for everything he has done for you and tell him just how much he means to you.

4) Make him proud.

Fathers love to brag about their children, no matter how old they are, and being a self published author is definitely something to brag about. Your dad will love showing off your book to all of his friends and acquaintances, as well as random strangers.

5) Don’t forget yourself.

If you are a father, you owe it to yourself to make your dreams of becoming a self published author come true.

I’d love to know, do you plan to self publish a book in honor of your dad?

 

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.