I finally have two books independently published. Let's see, it has taken a month and a half to get them uploaded and ready for sale. So, I'd say it was indeed a learning experience and at times I questioned my decision. Now that Birdie's Nest and Desires of the Heart are up for sale at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and All Romance Ebooks, I can look back and take note of what I'll do differently next time
Buy links for Birdie's Nest
Buy Links for Desires of the Heart
First thing I'll remember is to not use a page break after each chapter but to use a section break (continuous). This will make it much easier if you want each chapter to begin on a new page.
Second, is to include a Table of Contents. Personally, I never look at them, but husband informed me he uses them from time to time. How about you guys, do you use TOC?The third thing is to be careful how I save files. Some distributors don't want any punctuation in the title of your cover jpg or your pdf document. You can use _and - but that is all. Boy, talk about picky! But, we're talking computers here, not people so I guess it's understandable. So, if you're thinking about indie publishing, try to get in the habit of naming your documents correctly.
I'll still submit to the publishers who have published my books in the past, but not as often.
We've come such a long way from the old typewriter above and the computers and self-publishing of today. Imagine having to typeset an entire book.
If any of you experienced Indie Pubbers out there have any suggestions, please leave a comment with advise.
Thanks for stopping by and Happy Reading and Writing.
Linda
That's great, Linda! I have now published 9 books independently and can't imagine doing it any other way ever again. However, the way technology and publishing change so fast, one never knows what will happen next.
ReplyDeleteLinda, so good to see you learn new ways to accomplish your publishing. There is a learning curve with just about anything new, but once you get past all the mistakes, you'll be a pro. You are not afraid to try, and that's great. Like Palmaltas says, the business keeps evolving, so in order to be successful, you've got to be ready.
ReplyDelete9 books, Pam? Good for you! You're right about things changing so fast. It's hard to keep up.
ReplyDeleteThank you, AnnaD. So true about the learning curve.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I just read your wonderful blog and am so glad I did. I had no idea about not using chapter breaks, but section breaks! Since I'm getting ready to format Refuge! it's a good think I have you out there breaking trail for me. Thanks. Since I've read and loved both Birdie's Nest and A Stolen Chance, I'm off to Amazon right now to grab me a copy of Desires of the Heart. (Tip--could you link the covers direct, so readers can go from this page to the buy-page immediately? And then let me know how for future reference?)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it's helpful, Judy. I didn't know about those chapter breaks either and ended up with both. I can't wait what you think about Desires of the Heart. I've added the links. I usually have them up but was in a hurry. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!
DeleteIt has become much easier than when I first indie-published in 2004. Back then for Kindle you had to write your entire book in HTML code, I kid you not. Took me three months just to get the punctuation and line breaks right. I am so glad no one has to deal with that any more!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and keep learning. It's what keeps our wits and our pen nibs sharp. ;-)
And you can do widgets to market your indie books--just go to Amazon Associates and they formulate the code. You get a little royalty for eachbook sold from someone clicking on your widget.
Well done, kiddo!
~Jude
http://jude-johnson.com
Oh my, Jude, I can't imagine. I wouldn't be self-pubbing as don't understand much about html.
DeleteHmm, I've heard about those Widgets. I'll check them out. Thanks for stopping by.
I am about to launch into the independent publishing world, and am about as non-technical as anyone could be -- I'm finessing the whole issue by having a friend who started out like me and is now a tech whiz format my brilliant literature. It's not that expensive, and when I consider how long it would take me to learn... One of the main problems is the effort of paying attention to stuff that confuses me. My brain, born long before the digital age, keeps arguing that it's never needed this stuff before and doesn't see any reason to change that.
ReplyDeleteBlasted brain!
Good luck with it, Beppie! Sounds like you have some good help so hopefully it will go smoothly. I hear what you're saying, it's hard for us to change unless we absolutely have to. I taught school for thirty years so had to learn to use a computer for that otherwise I'd be in the same boat. Some days I think it's a much better boat as computers can be so frustrating. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI'm too lazy to do Indie publishing. LOL It seems like tricky stuff. Interesting abput the page breaks. I would have thought that would be the very thing you should do. You're mighty brave.
ReplyDeleteIt is a bit tricky, Sarah, but after you learn the tricks it gets easier. I know, same with me on the page breaks. Don't know about the brave part.
DeleteLinda--I'm proud of you. I'm still musing about it, and one day I will. Right now I have a publisher that calls herself "An Independent Publisher." She takes my books, edits once, has artists for the cover, and publishes it. She takes money--I get far more than from any publisher. And my author's discount is way low..about $4.00 for a $11.00 book.
ReplyDeleteStill, I will try it--when the time is right. I like your advice..for now...I don't have any.
Good luck!!!
Thank you, Celia. One day the time will be right. It sounds like you have a good deal going. Now I need to think about getting Birdie's Nest into print. I shudder to think about the formatting for it.
DeleteWoohoo! Awesome news. I'll be checking it out. And Jude, thanks for the tip on the widget. I didn't know about that one.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ciara. Isn't that exciting about the widget? I need to check that out too.
DeleteI never use a table of contents on a fiction book, so don't include them on mine. I love being self-published. I am wishing you great success as a self-pubbed author.
ReplyDeleteI decided not to worry about it also, Caroline. Thank you so much on the good wishes!
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