How to self-publish with Abigail Arunga
Times are changing, things are changing and the literary world, with regard to publishing, is not exempt from this dynamic. It has long been the norm that for an author to get published they needed to send a manuscript to publishers and ,if they were lucky enough, an editor would chance upon it and give the green light. Another option would be to set aside a hefty amount for an agent to get your manuscript before the right people at the big publishing houses.
Self-publishing, which involves the author being involved and in control of the whole creative and selling process of their book, is a trend that is being embraced by authors globally. Unlike traditional publishing, where rejection from editors would mean the end of the road for an author, self-publishing offers grand opportunities for writers with determination to fight on and ignore the rejection by big wig book people.
Abigail Arunga, aka theshynarcissist (home of deceptively simple posts bound to leave you in stitches) and self-published author of Akello, an anthology of poems, gives pointers on how to self-publish:
Brave new world
You do not need any certification or other such qualifications to be a self-published author. If you have the money and bravery, you can do it.
Second opinion
Naturally any writer thinks anything they write is brilliant so an outside eye is important. However it should be someone whose writing or insight you actually respect or you’ll ignore everything they say.
Printing
It is of importance to select a good printer. Take care to get advice on printing, the paper quality etc making certain you vet the book each step of the way. Any printer worth his salt should print a master copy for you so as to make any necessary changes before the mass printing.
Distribution
Distribution when you are self-published is basically pimping yourself out. Approach bookshops, approach online stores; wake up approaching really and make everyone you know buy your book.
Get the book in front of readers
One should get a good cover, one that is professionally done, guaranteed to catch the eye of the reader. My cover, which I love, was done by Ian Arunga. An interesting title also works if the cover art doesn’t.
Promotion
Promotion of your book is all up to you. It definitely helps if you have a few dedicated and constant individuals helping you, I had that with my family. An active social media profile helps as well. Try get yourself on TV, on the radio…be your own publicist. Tweet about your book, post little excerpts on Facebook or take a picture of you with the book for your Instagram. As long as it get your book out there and sold, do it.
