1. Build in at least eight weeks between finishing your book and publishing. This gives you time to get everything in place. By which I mean your chosen design process, typesetting for the e-book and print, proofs and your marketing timetable for your launch date and beyond.
2. If you can only pay for one service, I’d recommend a professional cover designer. I used Mark Thomas on Reedsy who was terrific. Reedsy offers the whole professional gamut from editing and proofing, to design and marketing. As a new independent, I also found their blog pages invaluable.
3. If you employ a proof-reader, which saves an inordinate amount of checking and re-checking the text, make sure you don’t do so too early! Leave it until the last possible moment, as in when you’re as sure as you can be that you have actually placed that final full-stop. I had a wonderful proof-reader whose eagle eye I wasted by asking her to proof too soon.
4. Read up on the actual publishing process with Amazon (and whoever else you're going with). Think about whether or not, for example, you want to join Kindle Select. There are pros and cons and opinion is divided.
5. Spend time working out which Amazon categories and keywords your book fits into. This is a veritable science. Placing your book in the ‘right’ place can make a massive difference to sales, even ensuring your title goes up the best seller lists in a specific category. The beauty of this is: you're an Amazon bestseller! Reedsy run a free course on categories and keywords – and other sites such as Kindlepreneur offer a range of helpful advice.
6. When it comes to uploading your book onto Amazon, take your time! I rushed it and missed the box that I should have checked to delay the publication date. Useful if you want to take advantage of a pricing deal or other incentives. If you do not check the box, your e-book is published pretty quickly – as in within a few hours in my case.
7. If you have a specific launch date and/or you want author copies printed to send out to reviewers, make sure that the paperback version is uploaded in plenty of time, as in at least a week before you need your books in their correct location. I thought it would take a maximum of 48 hours to get copies but it was four to five days! Any longer and I risked not having any books at the launch!
8. Read up on the myriad ways of marketing your book and have a plan that suits your title. The advice and information can feel overwhelming. As the old adage says: take what you like and leave the rest, for now anyway. I’d recommend sticking to three core ideas that you know you can manage and then follow through with other strategies when you see what works best for you.
9. Always build your brand. Sorry if you’re squirming but that’s the reality. This is how you’ll find your readers and, more importantly, your readers will find you. As part of that exercise, have a reader in mind: gender, age range, their interests and concerns. Loves and hates. What do they watch and listen to. Who else are they reading alongside you?
10. It can be nerve-wracking at times so remember to enjoy it. You have something to say and you've said it. Your passion will be infectious. Good luck!