Salwa Emerson’s Post

Every writer begins their writing journey with the question, where do I start? Writing the book is half the battle, the other half is the publishing process. When I published my first book (KaleStone), I knew nothing about publishing and paid Amazon $3,000 to handle publishing for me. Now I have published several books (The Backup Superhero, The Original Superheroes, and Anywhere Else) for free, received several publishing contracts, and continue to grow my audience across several mediums. Starting Your Publishing Journey: A Beginners Guide covers everything I wish I would have known before I published my first book (and spent $3000 on it). A New Era for Writers! We are now in an era where writers have numerous options to publish their work. This brings many questions and unknowns to the publishing process. Do I go with traditional publishing or the self-publishing route? How do I get a publisher to publish my book? How do I make a cover? How do I find an agent? How do I market my book? How do I find new readers? Where do I self-publish my book? How do I get on Amazon or in book stores? How do I publish my book myself for free? Many writers don't know what an author's platform is or the importance of building their brand as an author. This is the very first and most important step in the publishing process. Starting Your Publishing Journey: A Beginner's Guide helps you build your author platform to publish your book while pulling in new readers and growing your author brand. Starting Your Publishing Journey: A Beginner's Guide teaches you: How to write a great synopsis for your book How to build your author platform and brand. The differences between traditional publishing and self-publishing How to get traditionally published The publishing process includes finding agents and querying them What a publisher and agent are going to expect you to already have and do How to self publish What services can help you self publish How to make important decisions for self-publishing About free resources, you can use for every step How to market your book Building an author website Building an email list How to keep content fresh Different types of campaigns and emails to send How to grow your subscribers How to use social media to market your brand and books How to use paid advertising Worksheets and resources are provided to help with each section What will you gain after this course? After going through Starting Your Publishing Journey: A Beginner's Guide you will know how to publish your first book (or next book) and grow your audience so it ends up in your reader's hands. You will be able to do all of this on your own for free or using relatively cheap solutions. On sale today! #gumroadday #Gumroad #publishing https://lnkd.in/eF747GAs..

Navigating the world of publishing can be like trying to navigate through a dense jungle. It's overwhelming. People with a book or book idea can get so overwhelmed that they stop writing or sharing their message. Or worse, they write and publish without knowing all the facts and watch their book sit there without any readers. I certainly couldn't cover all the facets of this in one post, but let me lay some of this out for you so that you can begin to understand the options. With publishing, there are basically three ways/models you can follow. 1. Traditional publishing. There is a huge vetting process, and getting accepted can take years where they look at your writing skills but increasingly more important is your social media following. Then they are paid through owning the rights to your book and taking a percentage of every book sold. The cost can increase with marketing, as you are heavily responsible for the number of books sold. And forget about retaining your voice, you are a number in a machine and they hold all the power. 2. Self-publishing. You are pulling together developmental and copy editors, formatter for typesetting in multiple formats, graphic designer for book cover, and learning how to put the book up yourself onto Amazon. But then you retain all the rights to your work and you retain all the proceeds. You are still in charge of all books sold; you have no strings attached to the sale of those books but you run the risk of selling no books at all. A marketing plan is essential and very few self-publishers create a plan. 3. Then there are hybrid publishing houses like mine. And not all hybrids are like mine. In HOPE you invest with me upfront and I bring together the skilled experts to create your book, help you with the bestseller process, help you design a marketing plan for book sales, and getting an ROI on this book that interweaves with your existing business. In this model, you still retain the rights to your book and collect all royalties from book sales, while also retaining your creative rites and voice. In HOPE we connect with your heart and message we energetically connect with your book, we help you bring together your community to support your book launch, and we help you create a focused plan to sell your books to those who need your message in a way that feels fun to you. Above all, you don't have to navigate this decision alone. Don't rush, collect all your facts. And above all, go with your intuition. How have you felt in your interactions with the company? You need someone who cares AND who is also going to actually help you get your book out into the world.

What are the benefits of self-publishing in the current industry landscape? Self-publishing gives authors full control over their work, including content, cover design, pricing, distribution, and marketing strategies. This allows them to release their work much more quickly, sometimes within a matter of days or weeks, especially in digital formats. Writers who are self-published typically earn higher royalties per book sold compared to traditionally published authors. Through various platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Smashwords and others, these creative artists can reach a global audience without the need for a traditional publisher's distribution network. Self-publishing also allows authors to experiment with different genres, writing styles and formats without constraints imposed by traditional publishing houses. And yes, self-published books remain available for purchase indefinitely, allowing authors to generate income from their work over the long term. Many self-publishing platforms provide authors with detailed sales data and analytics, allowing them to track their book's performance, understand their audience better and adjust marketing strategies accordingly. Some authors choose to pursue both traditional and self-publishing routes, a model known as hybrid publishing. Overall, self-publishing offers authors more autonomy, faster time to market and potentially higher financial rewards, making it an attractive option in the current industry landscape. However, it requires authors to take on additional responsibilities such as editing, marketing and distribution, which may require investment in time, effort and resources. What’s in your writing? Share you thoughts below! Momentos Vivos #creativity #motivation #entrepreneurship  

There's a process to publishing. If you intend to PURSUE traditional publishing, then what you must do to improve your chances of your manuscript being accepted is to: 1. Write the story. 2. Edit and revise the story. (This may take several rounds.) 3. Find publishers who handle material like yours. 4. Follow their submission guidelines to the letter. 4.1. If the publisher does not accept unsolicted submissions, then find literary agencies that hande material like yours. 4.2 Follow their submission guidelines to the letter. However, there's a lot to unpack in that list. You'll need to write a stellar query letter and a synopsis. If you write nonfiction, then you'll need to write an effective book proposal. All these documents—query letter, synopsis, proposal, manuscript—mean doing your research to craft persuasive, effective content correctly formatted for the recipient. To find those agents and acquisition editors receptive to your work, you must also do your research. That research begins with the Writer's Market, Writer's Digest, and the Literary Marketplace. These are long-standing, authoritative, reliable resources for authors. It does not begin with asking strangers on the internet for their opinions. If you want to be a traditionally published author, then you must play the game by the rules set by the big players: publishers and literary agents. There is no substitute or shortcut. If you decide to self-publish your work, then you may do as you please. You may follow any process you wish, skip steps, whatever. That won't necessarily yield the best result, but you won't be denied publication due to shoddy workmanship, failure to follow the rules, or ignorance of the process. If you decide to self-publish, there is a process that yields best results, but only if you're willing to invest in the quality of the product you want to sell: your book. When you self-publish, YOU are the publisher, and that means you are responsible for everything a traditional publisher does. Traditional publishing is expensive, which is why authors receive such a low percentage of the royalties on books sold: the publisher has to recoup their expenses and make a profit.

The Business of Publishing Series (Part 2) [FROM THE BLOG ARCHIVES] Some of the hesitation I hear regarding a plan for book writing comes with the unknown. As a business owner, you've planned a launch or two (or 10, or 50), but you've never spent months writing and then publishing a book. Who do you need to hire? What steps come first? Here’s what you need to know. To allow plenty of time for schedule mishaps, breaks, and, you know, life and business, allow six to nine months for this process. (More wiggle room in the schedule never hurt anyone, did it?) Sure, you could do it quicker than that, but putting together a high-quality book takes time. Ready to dig in? Let’s start with a big-picture look. The three big pieces of the book publishing puzzle are writing, production/publishing, and marketing. Marketing is in the mix for the entire time, because you simply can’t wait until the book is ready and available for purchase to start marketing it. With the other two steps, though — writing and production/publishing — there is a clear order: A book needs to be written before it can be produced (edited/formatted) and published (printed/purchased). Anything to be done that falls under “writing” should come before “publishing” tasks. (The exception here? Finding an editor and designer. The work won’t be done until later in the process, of course, but you need to find and secure those service providers before you need them.) The Details Within those bigger pieces are lots of smaller steps/tasks. Some of them are moveable. For example, the book cover can be designed before the book is edited or after. Some aren't. Consider this: A manuscript cannot be sent out for feedback until it is written. A book cannot be formatted until the manuscript is complete. (It can be edited, but it shouldn’t be!) A book cover cannot be designed without a title/subtitle. A book cannot be reviewed until it is written. Start by creating a master list of tasks. Break them down as needed. Don’t put “write book” on your list, for example. Instead, list “write Chapter 1,” “write Chapter 2,” and so forth. Where Should You Start? Sometimes you have a clear idea of when you want to launch your book. If you’re speaking at a conference, for example, and have the opportunity to sell books there, that’s a no-brainer. Often, though, you don’t have a hard deadline. In that case, just pick a launch date. You need to have a way to build a schedule, and this gives you that. These are rough time frames, but they tell you what the process generally looks like: Writing: 2-3 months Editing: 1-2 months Design (interior): 1 month Proofreading/uploading: 1 month With a launch date, reverse-engineer a book time line (aka production schedule). That way, you know when to start writing in order to maintain that schedule. Questions? Let me know in the comments. Read the full blog post here: https://lnkd.in/e35D6cfk

‘I want to focus on getting the first draft done, then I’ll think about all the publishing stuff.’ I heard this from an author yesterday, and I have a lot of sympathy for his position. It can feel precarious, writing a book: what if you never finish it? Isn’t it jinxing things to start talking about cover designs at this point? And in any case, you already know that writing shapes your thinking: how can you possibly craft marketing copy for a book that seems to be evolving as you write it? And the truth is, if you’re planning to self-publish, it makes sense to focus on the text first. But if you want to work with a publisher that has international rep teams actively selling it into bookshops, libraries and campuses around the world, and reaching out to agents for potential translation deals, I'm here to tell you you need to start thinking about the metadata and marketing long before the manuscript is finished. The actual production process in traditional publishing houses is relatively quick – maybe four months or so from final manuscript through copy-editing, typesetting, proofreading and indexing to final files and printed copies – but the sales cycle takes waaaaay longer than this. Reps are typically ‘subbing’ (selling in) titles to booksellers and key accounts six months ahead of publication, which means publishers have to have presented the titles to the reps – with all the accompanying sales materials, including cover – well before that. We also want to list titles in the buyers’ guides well ahead of publication, as booksellers plan how to make use of their limited space well in advance. (And most have VERY limited space for business books: this is a whole different question and one on which I have strong opinions…) A great side-effect of having the marketing assets ready well in advance is what’s often known as the ‘long neck’: your book will be available for preorder for several months before its release, which means more people can stumble upon it, and you can point people towards a buy link rather than simply telling them lamely to ‘look out for it’ in all the conversations you have during those months. All of this is why I spend so much time in my early coaching conversations with authors helping them get clear on these key questions: what’s the central concept of the book and why is it distinctive? Who’s it for and how’s it going to help them? Because that’s the heart of the marketing copy, and that’s what we’ve got to get across with the cover design. And getting clear on those doesn’t just mean we have great sales material for the reps, it also helps you, the author, write a better book. It might feel safer to shut the door, keep your head down and focus on writing. But taking time to work on the metadata and marketing before you feel quite ready for it will make all the difference for your book and for your readers. (And if you want to talk about getting it out there - drop me a DM.)

Fans of Tilt Publishing no doubt saw the Publishers Weekly article about self-publishing bypassing traditional publishing in number of titles. In the article, Draft2Digital’s Mark Coker is quoted as saying, “[It used to be that] self-publishing was viewed as the publishing option of last resort.” Today, self-publishing is the “option of choice” for many authors, as it offers greater control over their “pricing, promotion, and distribution,” allowing indie authors to connect with their audiences “faster, and more profitably.” 💰   The tide is turning, and it’s looking like money in the bank—"industry observers estimate that annual sales of self-published is in the billions of dollars”—and even publishing deals, with a growing number of traditional publishers in 2024 signing major deals for previously self-published books and series, particularly in the genres of romance, horror and romantasy. Several traditional publishers have even created imprints and programs dedicated to bringing in self-published authors.    If you were waiting for self-publishing books to be more “legit” before hopping on the bandwagon, it’s already here. It might be a publishing path worth exploring for your next book.   PS: Want to know more about self-publishing versus traditional publishing? (I can help you with both!) I’ve opened my calendar to chat with a few people about their options and can help you find the best path forward for YOU. Click on the link below in the comments section to book a call with me. https://lnkd.in/gU834HaC

Which is right for you: self-publishing or traditional? Choosing between self-publishing and traditional publishing is one of the biggest decisions an author has to make. Each route has its own advantages and challenges, and what works best depends on your goals, timeline, and resources. Understanding the pros and cons of both options can help you decide which path is right for you and your book." Many authors feel torn between the allure of a traditional publishing deal and the control and speed of self-publishing. Without clear guidance, it’s easy to get stuck in indecision or go down a path that doesn’t align with your goals. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of self-publishing and traditional publishing to help you decide: 1. Self-Publishing: - Pros: - Full creative control: You decide everything from cover design to pricing. - Faster to market: You can publish your book as soon as it’s ready. - Higher royalties: You keep a larger percentage of each sale (up to 70% on platforms like Amazon KDP). - Flexibility: You can update, rebrand, or release new editions without restrictions. - Cons: - Upfront costs: You’re responsible for editing, design, and marketing expenses. - Limited distribution: Traditional bookstores and libraries may not carry your book. - Marketing burden: You’re fully responsible for promoting and selling your book. 2. Traditional Publishing: - Pros: - Credibility: A traditional deal often boosts your status and opens doors to media coverage and bookstore placement. - Professional support: You’ll have access to editors, designers, and marketing teams. - No upfront costs: The publisher bears the cost of producing and distributing your book. - Cons: - Loss of control: The publisher makes the final decisions on cover, pricing, and sometimes even content. - Longer timeline: It can take years to land a deal and publish a book. - Lower royalties: You’ll typically earn 10-15% of each sale, much lower than self-publishing. Which publishing route are you leaning toward—self-publishing or traditional? Let’s talk about your goals and which path might be best for your project!

Best Self-Publishing Platforms In 2024: Which One Is Right for You? Via Spines: https://lnkd.in/eFrFRARU. "Self-publishing has revolutionized the book industry, offering authors unprecedented control and creative freedom over their work. Unlike traditional publishing, self-publishing allows writers to retain their rights, set their own schedules, and receive a larger share of the profits. This approach has democratized the publishing world, enabling countless writers to share their stories without the barriers imposed by traditional gatekeepers. Choosing the right self-publishing platform is crucial to an author’s success. The ideal platform can significantly impact a book’s reach, quality, and profitability. Each platform offers unique features, services, and distribution options, making it essential to understand what aligns best with an author’s specific needs and goals. From user-friendliness and cost-effectiveness to marketing tools and global reach, the right choice can streamline the publishing process and maximize an author’s potential in the competitive book market. Understanding Self-Publishing: Self-publishing is the process where authors self-publish their books independently, without relying on traditional publishing houses. This approach offers numerous benefits, including complete creative control, higher royalty rates, and faster time-to-market. Authors can decide every aspect of their book, from cover design to marketing strategies. In contrast, traditional publishing involves submitting manuscripts to publishing houses, where acceptance rates are low and the process can be lengthy. Traditional publishers handle editing, design, and distribution, but they also take a significant portion of the profits and control over the book’s final form and marketing efforts." #SelfPublishing #BookCoverDesign #BookCoverDesigner #MaugeDesign

Best Self-Publishing Platforms In 2024: Which One Is Right for You? Via Spines: https://lnkd.in/eN99GGwC. "Self-publishing has revolutionized the book industry, offering authors unprecedented control and creative freedom over their work. Unlike traditional publishing, self-publishing allows writers to retain their rights, set their own schedules, and receive a larger share of the profits. This approach has democratized the publishing world, enabling countless writers to share their stories without the barriers imposed by traditional gatekeepers. Choosing the right self-publishing platform is crucial to an author’s success. The ideal platform can significantly impact a book’s reach, quality, and profitability. Each platform offers unique features, services, and distribution options, making it essential to understand what aligns best with an author’s specific needs and goals. From user-friendliness and cost-effectiveness to marketing tools and global reach, the right choice can streamline the publishing process and maximize an author’s potential in the competitive book market. Understanding Self-Publishing: Self-publishing is the process where authors self-publish their books independently, without relying on traditional publishing houses. This approach offers numerous benefits, including complete creative control, higher royalty rates, and faster time-to-market. Authors can decide every aspect of their book, from cover design to marketing strategies. In contrast, traditional publishing involves submitting manuscripts to publishing houses, where acceptance rates are low and the process can be lengthy. Traditional publishers handle editing, design, and distribution, but they also take a significant portion of the profits and control over the book’s final form and marketing efforts." #SelfPublishing #BookCoverDesign #BookCoverDesigner #MaugeDesign