For many years it was my ambition to write a book. I wasn’t particularly bothered about publishing it – I just wanted to write it. I knew that I wanted to focus on relationships that end in murder! And I wondered if there was every an occasion when murder could be justified. Finally I found time to write, and it was a complete pleasure. The complexity of the plot, and ensuring that everything ties together was great fun.
But then – when it’s finished – what do you do with it? I was under pressure from my various readers to get it published, but I didn’t really have much heart for chasing agents and all that went with it. I was offered a publishing deal, but it somehow didn’t feel right and I wasn’t comfortable with the company. So I did nothing.
And then just recently I decided that as it’s just sitting on my computer, I may as well publish it for the Kindle. Easy, I thought! Well – I think it IS easy if you go the simple route. But I want the book to be as professionally presented as possible. And not just for the Kindle – for other e-book formats as well. And whilst I’m at it, what about blogs, Twitter, Facebook, web page? So I’m going all the way!
This blog aims to give people a bit of an insight into the joys of publishing an e-book, together with as many tips as I can find along the way. It is created from my own experience, with the intention of making it easier for other authors to make the most of their indie publishing venture. The blogs are listed in full on the HOME page of the site, but then divided into chapters which may be more helpful under the AUTHOR HELP section.
Finally, I discovered that although there are many reviews in the US who will write a free of charge review, this was not the case in the UK – or at least, not as far as I could discover. And so I am beginning a project to write reviews for other UK writers. Please see the REVIEW section of this blog. Although I will be putting the reviews on this site – it won’t have the number of readers that authors will want. So I will publish the reviews to either Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com – whichever is preferred by the author.
I would love to received your comments – please keep them coming!
Thank you for aiming your blog in a direction that will help the rest of us navigate the ever-changing publishing world. I’m nearing the publishing decision, and look forward to learning from your experiences!
Please be aware that – as I keep saying – I don’t have all the answers. I can only say what I did, and hope that it helps. Thanks for the encouragement – another post should be going up very soon.
Hi Rachel,
I just stumbled upon your blog. Really like the lay out and content, looking forward to reading more. Well done on your book!
Vina
Thanks Vina – I hope you find something useful. I’m trying to do another post today – but I’m also trying to reorganise my office at the same time! Not very compatible.
No problem – and I sure did.
I know that feeling. Now I find the best way to get writing is to think up a truly awful activity that needs doing (like rearranging the kitchen cupboards), then write to procrastinate doing that. There’s no end to what you can accomplish when you’re trying to put off doing something else.
Hello Rachel,
I can’t thank you enough for your blog and your time. I’m picking up your tips on your posts about marketing and self-publishing. I wish I found your post earlier before I published. I will be more experienced 2nd time round. Liked your ‘Twitter – a matter of personal taste or a set of rules post’ – makes me feel so much more humbled when I tweet as a writer and domestic goddess:)
Hello Rachel…I am about to launch my first novel with the help of Createspace, so I’m in the “how to market my book” phase of the process. I found your blog by watching your podcast with Joanna Penn. This has been a very solitary journey for me and I’m thrilled to FINALLY find people willing to share information. To say I’m a newbie would be a gross understatement…eighteen months ago, I didn’t even own my own computer (I know, unheard of in the 21st century, huh?). As of now, I have written a novel, set up a website/blog, started on Facebook and Twitter, and I’m about to launch my novel on Amazon and Kindle…thanks for the most part, to people like you that are willing to share information, and my new best friend Google. Bravo on the success of your book (I shall be purchasing my own copy) and your blog. I look forward to following you.
Thanks Taylor, and the very best of luck with your first novel – exciting times!