The process of writing and publishing a book are two of the most exciting things a creative person can do. They can also be two of the most daunting tasks a person can undertake. Here you’ll find insight and guidance on your journey to make the process go more smoothly. This page is an index of all the blog posts and tutorials I have created on self publishing, also known as indie publishing. Some of the posts will link you to resources that I or my clients have found helpful. Some will be tutorials that I put together myself. As each resource goes live I’ll link to it here, so you’ll always have a handy index to find what you’re looking for.
Introduction
Getting Started
Understanding Copyright and Contracts – EVERYONE should read this one!
Choosing Indie or Traditional Publishing
Vanity Presses and paying for publishing
Pre-Publication
General Resources for Everyone
How to find quality service providers
Building Your Author Platform
Using a Publishing Imprint or Pen Name
What is a platform? And why you should start building it immediately
Creating a fanbase
Building your website
Choosing a website name, aka a Domain Name
Registering your domain and choosing hosting
Using WordPress
Choosing a theme
Essential pages on your website
Helpful plugins for authors
SSL Certification, and Google prioritizing
RSS Feeds
Reader Magnets
What is a Reader Magnet?
How do I deliver a Reader Magnet?
Mailing Lists
Social Media
Preparing to Publish
Getting a Book Cover
Covers for different format types
Making your own vs. outsourcing
Cover Designers
ISBNs
What are ISBNs, and do I need one?
Purchasing an ISBN
Parts of a book – Pages you’ll need to prepare in advance
Decorative Elements
Metadata: Categories & Keywords
Book Descriptions
Formatting your book
eBooks
eBook file types – Mobi vs. Epub
Reflowable vs. Fixed
Formatting your own manuscript vs. Outsourcing
Formatting your own manuscript
Print on Demand
Formatting your own manuscript vs. Outsourcing
Formatting your own manuscript
Audiobooks
Why do audiobooks?
How do I get an audiobook made?
Publication
KindleUnlimited vs. Publishing Wide
Publishing to Retail Stores
Print-On-Demand Distribution
Audiobook Distribution
Alternate forms of selling
Selling Direct
Kickstarter
Libraries
Bookstores
Patreon
Book Launches
Launch Strategies
Book Reviews
Marketing
Building a Fanbase or Customer base
Developing a business strategy
Tactics vs. Strategy
Picking the tactics that work for your strategy
Wide vs. KU strategy
The power of free
Using bonus material
First in Series Free
Kindle Countdown Deals
Using a Free period to get reviews
Bookfunnel and StoryOrigins
Content Marketing
Blogging
Newsletters
Podcasts
Advertising
Advertising Readiness
Promo Sites
Publishing Special Projects
Poetry
Children’s Books
Fiction vs. Non-Fiction
The Business of Publishing
Taxes and Business Structure
Cash Flow
Productivity & Mindset
Self Publishing is All About the Long Tail (Or: Why Your Backlist Matters)