My Writing Journey: Part Two
My Writing Journey:
Part Two
So I wrote a book. However, I was going to quickly learn that the real work was about to begin.
But before I got too ahead of myself, that pesky voice returned. "Who was going to publish me, the little fish in the big, big pond?"
Remember my analogy about looking in the mirror with that goal list taped nearby? I realized I had been staring at the answer every morning.
It was me! I had heard from many writers about how their manuscripts were rejected by various publishing companies. Heck, even Stephen King was rejected many times before he found success with a publishing company. Enter our saviour...The internet age! I realized that through internet resources, I had the ability to publish my creation and make it available to an audience.
I knew this choice was going to lead me down an unknown path, but I had recalled my strongest skill that I learned back in school…to be resourceful. There is so many resources available to the average person now, more than even twenty years ago. I could take to the library and read up on self-publication and promotion- and I did!
I spoke to friends who were first time writers and others who wrote for newspapers or magazines. I was surprised at the information I could find through word of mouth. But for me, the most promising solution to publication was found online.
I had be told of an online self-publishing company called lulu.com. There are others, like Smashwords, Amazon KDP, etc… I chose lulu.com because it was created by a Canadian entrepreneur who lived in the same city where I worked. It also appeared easy to use, but that being said, I’m sure I would find other sites easy to use with enough practice. The point is, I picked a vehicle for which to piece together a solution to part of my final goal, and decided to stick with it!
This print-on-demand site allows the writer to upload his or her manuscript, convert it to the desired format for publication, preview it, and then make it available for circulation and purchase.
Voila! Most of the solutions to my needs of being published were found on one web site. That being said, it was fairly easy, but not without its hang ups. When needed, I checked online for tutorials to find solutions the odd time I was stuck uploading, converting, or changing a setting for my book. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves in my journey.
What is important at this stage of the game is stating that I was able to find another solution to the puzzle that represent the smaller goals that make up my one final goal: to successfully write a book and publish it!
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Contact me if you are interested in guest blogging on A.E. Albert: A Writer's Blog.
This print-on-demand site allows the writer to upload his or her manuscript, convert it to the desired format for publication, preview it, and then make it available for circulation and purchase.
Voila! Most of the solutions to my needs of being published were found on one web site. That being said, it was fairly easy, but not without its hang ups. When needed, I checked online for tutorials to find solutions the odd time I was stuck uploading, converting, or changing a setting for my book. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves in my journey.
What is important at this stage of the game is stating that I was able to find another solution to the puzzle that represent the smaller goals that make up my one final goal: to successfully write a book and publish it!
As long as you are moving forward, it’s a good sign. Baby steps. Baby steps!
Using Lulu.com, my a Saviour
After creating an account on lulu.com, I walked through the step by step procedure to get the book uploaded for sale as a print book. The site can also prepare your book as an ebook. After uploading the PDF, the online converter must change it into a specific file type so the company’s printer will print it properly. Once you download its converted file, which takes a few moments, you preview all the pages and make sure it looks correct.
After the manuscript is deemed ok by you, you can go on to design the cover using their software. You can upload your own pictures or use stock photos from other websites for a fee. The site then creates a downloadable version of your book’s cover. Check it out to ensure that it looks perfect.
Then you set things like the selling price, genre, and book description for when it goes on sale on lulu.com. Lulu also sells your books through amazon.com and the apple ibookstore, which is good for circulation and distribution.
Using Lulu.com, my a Saviour
After creating an account on lulu.com, I walked through the step by step procedure to get the book uploaded for sale as a print book. The site can also prepare your book as an ebook. After uploading the PDF, the online converter must change it into a specific file type so the company’s printer will print it properly. Once you download its converted file, which takes a few moments, you preview all the pages and make sure it looks correct.
After the manuscript is deemed ok by you, you can go on to design the cover using their software. You can upload your own pictures or use stock photos from other websites for a fee. The site then creates a downloadable version of your book’s cover. Check it out to ensure that it looks perfect.
Then you set things like the selling price, genre, and book description for when it goes on sale on lulu.com. Lulu also sells your books through amazon.com and the apple ibookstore, which is good for circulation and distribution.
I found lulu.com very helpful to make the entire process relatively easy, especially for a first time writer. I mean, hey, it’s enough work to create your story. Getting it published shouldn’t be daunting enough to kill your goal of being a published author.
Within minutes of completing the upload of my material and setting the descriptors and pricing, I was given the option of purchasing an original master copy. Seeing my book available on the lulu.com market was very thrilling, and so I eagerly ordered my master copy.
Touchdown: Proofing your Master Copy
Less than a week after placing my order, I received my master copy in the mail-paperback number one, hot off the press!
It was the happiest moment of the whole experience to hold in my hands for the first time, the first every print copy of my book!
I hurriedly read through the book, noting any final corrections that had to be made. Admittedly I found a few spelling mistakes that eluded my prior edits, and so I made the corrections and uploaded the revision to my book on lulu, replacing the original version. To be sure that everything was perfect, I ordered the new print copy, and after it came in the mail, I rechecked it and found it ready to go!
Now I did decide to take it one step further, and adjust the original manuscript to be formatted for an ebook. Lulu requires that you create a new entity for your ebook which is different than your print book. The only thing I found difficult about this was formatting my Word file so that it would wind up as an epub file.
Within minutes of completing the upload of my material and setting the descriptors and pricing, I was given the option of purchasing an original master copy. Seeing my book available on the lulu.com market was very thrilling, and so I eagerly ordered my master copy.
Touchdown: Proofing your Master Copy
Less than a week after placing my order, I received my master copy in the mail-paperback number one, hot off the press!
It was the happiest moment of the whole experience to hold in my hands for the first time, the first every print copy of my book!
I hurriedly read through the book, noting any final corrections that had to be made. Admittedly I found a few spelling mistakes that eluded my prior edits, and so I made the corrections and uploaded the revision to my book on lulu, replacing the original version. To be sure that everything was perfect, I ordered the new print copy, and after it came in the mail, I rechecked it and found it ready to go!
Now I did decide to take it one step further, and adjust the original manuscript to be formatted for an ebook. Lulu requires that you create a new entity for your ebook which is different than your print book. The only thing I found difficult about this was formatting my Word file so that it would wind up as an epub file.
I used online tutorials to figure this out as well as a lot of trial and error. You can download an epub file reader for free for your computer from various websites, and after formatting and uploading your file to lulu.com for epub conversion, you can download and preview the converted file on your computer or e-reader. This is very important so that the book flows properly when read on an e-reader.
Once the file is converted properly and the cover image sent and accepted, you can set the price and descriptor the same as your print book. I decided to price the ebook version much lower than the print book, in an attempt to entice more people to download and read the book immediately.
You don’t have to purchase the ebook once it is ready. Just download your free copy and preview it on your e-reader or epub reader. If all looks good, you are ready to go!
Once Your Book is Live, it's Time to Promote
It is all fine and dandy to admire your book sitting there online for sale. But don’t be fooled by assuming that the general public is aware of your book’s existence. You have to let them know that it exists and how to buy it.
You have to promote your book!
I started off with word of mouth. I let all my friends know that I wrote and published a book. I believe that often, your most valued friends will be so excited about your accomplishment, that they may inquire about where to buy it. That’s when you can tell them where to go online and purchase the book.
You don’t have to purchase the ebook once it is ready. Just download your free copy and preview it on your e-reader or epub reader. If all looks good, you are ready to go!
Once Your Book is Live, it's Time to Promote
It is all fine and dandy to admire your book sitting there online for sale. But don’t be fooled by assuming that the general public is aware of your book’s existence. You have to let them know that it exists and how to buy it.
You have to promote your book!
I started off with word of mouth. I let all my friends know that I wrote and published a book. I believe that often, your most valued friends will be so excited about your accomplishment, that they may inquire about where to buy it. That’s when you can tell them where to go online and purchase the book.
Now, if you desire to just get the word out, you can purchase a few copies at your author price (usually less than the sale price), and tell your friends that they can buy the book online, or you can get them a copy at your price. Some friends will hand over the cash just to get their hands on your book faster and cheaper than online. At this point, what you want to do is get it out there! Get people to know about you, and your book!
Another trick I have employed is using Facebook as a promotional tool. I created a Facebook page and added friends of mine and occasionally posted the link to my book on the timeline so it appears for all to see. I wouldn’t suggest posting it every day as it might become more of a burden than a benefit. But every once in a while, throw up a catch phrase with a link to the book.
Another trick I have employed is using Facebook as a promotional tool. I created a Facebook page and added friends of mine and occasionally posted the link to my book on the timeline so it appears for all to see. I wouldn’t suggest posting it every day as it might become more of a burden than a benefit. But every once in a while, throw up a catch phrase with a link to the book.
I’ve also set up a Twitter account and done the same type of promotion through Twitter. Admittedly, I find Twitter promotion a lot of work, as it seems less personal. I see Twitter as large lobby full of people talking to anyone and everyone. But if you market your identity and get people to like you, then they will be interested in what you have to say, or sell!
One more trick I’ve tried is publishing the first few chapters of my book online through a blog site and linking it to my Twitter feed and Facebook. It is my hope that if timed right, a timed release of each chapter will create a following and stir interest in one’s book. Then, when the time is right, suggest that people buy your book to find out what happens next.
There are so many ways of promoting one’s work. Authors can even apply for interview time on the radio, create commercials on Youtube, or make new author appearances at their local bookstore to meet with potential readers.
The bottom line is, after you have created your book, you must put effort into promoting it. I used to believe that the big wig publishers could do all the promotion for you. But it has come to my knowledge that many publishing companies request that new authors already have a following to help promote their book to the world.
One more trick I’ve tried is publishing the first few chapters of my book online through a blog site and linking it to my Twitter feed and Facebook. It is my hope that if timed right, a timed release of each chapter will create a following and stir interest in one’s book. Then, when the time is right, suggest that people buy your book to find out what happens next.
There are so many ways of promoting one’s work. Authors can even apply for interview time on the radio, create commercials on Youtube, or make new author appearances at their local bookstore to meet with potential readers.
The bottom line is, after you have created your book, you must put effort into promoting it. I used to believe that the big wig publishers could do all the promotion for you. But it has come to my knowledge that many publishing companies request that new authors already have a following to help promote their book to the world.
I say, in that regard, give it a good shot yourself, and use any or all of the promotional tools above to get the word out. Even if you have to give a few books or ebook copies away, once the word gets around, the demand will grow. Create the demand, and you will become the supply!
Don’t Stop Now, Write Your Next Book
While wrapping up my book, I had ideas from time to time about a new story. Here I am a first time writer and I already have plans for a second book! It’s a great idea to jot down ideas on paper or on a voice recorder when you have them so that you might be able to begin new literary works in the future. After all, why stop at one book, when you have the talents and ideas to share new stories with the world!
So after uploading my romance novel, I tried to stay in the frame of mind where I set aside a bit of time to continue writing, be it small ideas or several pages. I gathered any ideas I had for a new story and put together a broad timeline for my next book. By putting together these new ideas into a timeline, I now have a rough draft for another novel.
To be honest, I did not create my first novel in this fashion-of following a rough timeline. But I did find that creating this new story “skeleton”, it not only urges me to continue writing my book, but also divides up the whole story into smaller manageable chunks. Splitting a larger goal into smaller ones makes achieving the goal less daunting, especially if you plan to put together something several hundred pages in length.
So in conclusion, I urge any new writer to set a final goal, divided into smaller goals along the way. You may wish to make a checklist for your literary project. Oh, and tell people what you are doing (not what you eventually intend to do). This way, the pressure is gently on you to be driven to accomplish your goals.
Writing that book and being published is easier than ever. See it as a bridge you plan to cross towards the reward at the end. The bridge exists, providing the path to the tangible end result. Once you tell someone you are going to cross that bridge, they will expect you to do it.
Don’t Stop Now, Write Your Next Book
While wrapping up my book, I had ideas from time to time about a new story. Here I am a first time writer and I already have plans for a second book! It’s a great idea to jot down ideas on paper or on a voice recorder when you have them so that you might be able to begin new literary works in the future. After all, why stop at one book, when you have the talents and ideas to share new stories with the world!
So after uploading my romance novel, I tried to stay in the frame of mind where I set aside a bit of time to continue writing, be it small ideas or several pages. I gathered any ideas I had for a new story and put together a broad timeline for my next book. By putting together these new ideas into a timeline, I now have a rough draft for another novel.
To be honest, I did not create my first novel in this fashion-of following a rough timeline. But I did find that creating this new story “skeleton”, it not only urges me to continue writing my book, but also divides up the whole story into smaller manageable chunks. Splitting a larger goal into smaller ones makes achieving the goal less daunting, especially if you plan to put together something several hundred pages in length.
So in conclusion, I urge any new writer to set a final goal, divided into smaller goals along the way. You may wish to make a checklist for your literary project. Oh, and tell people what you are doing (not what you eventually intend to do). This way, the pressure is gently on you to be driven to accomplish your goals.
Writing that book and being published is easier than ever. See it as a bridge you plan to cross towards the reward at the end. The bridge exists, providing the path to the tangible end result. Once you tell someone you are going to cross that bridge, they will expect you to do it.
Finally, all left that is required, is your desire to cross! Do it step by step and don’t rush. As long as you keep moving forward, at whatever speed, you will reach the end!
Just picture yourself holding that book in your hands and smiling! It worked for me, and it can work for you too. Now stare down that bridge, and start walkin’!
You can find A.W. Clarke's novel at:
Just picture yourself holding that book in your hands and smiling! It worked for me, and it can work for you too. Now stare down that bridge, and start walkin’!
You can find A.W. Clarke's novel at:
Subscribe to our mailing list
Contact me if you are interested in guest blogging on A.E. Albert: A Writer's Blog.
