resources for writers

Last month, I listened in on a terrific Writer’s Digest University webinar entitled “Seven Secrets of Successful Self-Published Authors.” The webinar was presented by Keith Ogorek, Senior VP of Marketing, Author Solutions Inc. (ASI).

ASI has become a leader in self-publishing by introducing new technologies and services to help more authors achieve their personal publishing goals. The firm has worked with more than
85,000 authors and 120,000 titles.  ASI is a partner in the Abbott Press division Writer’s Digest.

While working with many self-published authors, Ogorek noticed that those authors who achieved the most success and satisfaction tended to have certain things in common. Authors who didn’t possess these traits or pursue certain actions often were disappointed or frustrated with their self-publishing experiences.

Ogorek is currently publishing a series of posts on his Indie Book Writers blog that delve into these seven traits in more detail. But here’s a quick rundown of the seven traits and actions he discussed in the webinar.

Successful self-published authors can describe their audience in a way that is not unrealistically broad. They can picture their audience in terms of age, gender, interests, and where they go when seeking information.

Successful self-published authors believe in their work. Instead of fearfully sticking their novel in a drawer, they move forward with confidence, even after being turned down by literary agents or traditional publishers.

Successful self-published authors set a deadline for having a finished book in their hands. Sometimes this may be a milestone birthday or scheduled speaking engagement. Or, it could be just a random date. After setting a deadline for completion,
authors then work backward and develop a timeline with project-milestone dates for submitting the final pages to printing, proofreading the layout and design, and having the manuscript edited and cover designed. Experienced self-publishing consultants can help authors establish realistic deadlines and timetables for each phase—including action items authors might otherwise overlook.

Successful self-published authors understand their publishing goals and options.  Because writers today have so many options, Ogorek firmly believes “It’s the best time in history to be an author.” But, successful authors first take the time to understand the pros and cons of each option before choosing which route is best for them. The three main options include: traditional publishing, do-it-yourself publishing, or supported self publishing. Which option is best, says Ogorek, depends on each author’s talents, commitment, and patience.

For example, the traditional publishing route first requires selling the work to a literary agent, who must then sell it to a publisher. Authors may get more personal support with
traditional publishing, but must give up final control of the content, cover
design, and when the book is published.

The “do-it-yourself” publishing route (through companies such as Lulu or CreateSpace) gives authors total control over every phase of the process. The author can choose to
assemble his or her own team of designers, editors, and publicists as needed.

Supported self-publishing companies such as Abbott Press give authors easy access to publishing and marketing consultants who can edit manuscripts, design the book, and suggest marketing strategies. With supported self-publishing a manuscript can be converted into a marketable book within about 60 days.

Going the self-published route doesn’t eliminate opportunities to have the same work produced by a traditional publisher, Ogorek emphasized. But whatever route is chosen, authors must be prepared to commit a certain amount of time and money, particularly during the promotion and marketing of their books.

Successful self-published authors know the power of social media. Many authors use blogs to build a following long before their book comes out. Authors also use blogs to position themselves as experts in fields related to the subject of their books and establish online dialogues with potential buyers of their books.

Succesful self-published authors put together a marketing plan before publication. In addition to being able to describe who their readers will be, successful authors plan how they’re going to reach them and decide what kind of marketing help they need to build a groundswell of support even before the book is published.

Successful self-published authors plan a book-launch event. A scheduled book launch party motivates authors to get things done.  Ogorek said it’s also a great way to celebrate that “You’ve written to the finish” and achieved your goal of publishing a book.

About The Abbott Press

The Abbott Press is the new publishing division of Writer’s Digest, which has been providing education, resources, and inspiration to authors since 1920.  (Check Writer’s Digest University, Writer’s Digest magazine, and the Writer’s Digest bookstore.) In this video, Phil Sexton of Writer’s Digest explains what sets Abbott Press apart from other self-publishing companies.

LINKS

Indie Book Writers Blog by Keith Ogorek

About Author Solutions, Inc.

About Abbott Press

Writer’s Digest University

Writer’s Digest Bookstore