How to self publish, part four

In part four of my series describing what I learned while self publishing my own book, I will discuss online resources and connecting with potential readers.

So, you've gotten your manuscript read by some beta readers, you're working with your editor, you've contracted an artist for a book cover . . . now what do you do?

You start building an online presence, that's what.

Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are all good platforms for letting people know who you are and giving them updates. Let them know about your progress, share interesting tips or advice you've gotten, and most importantly announce and publicize your releases.

Setting up a profile on Goodreads.com also is something I would highly suggest. Some reviewers will expect you to have one so they can check out your book; plus it's another avenue to get your name out there as well as the name of your book. It lets readers leave reviews and rate your novel as well, and your book could end up as a suggested book on other pages of similar books.

Social media should supplement a website, though. Without any sort of site where people can find out about you and your work you will look like an amateur. Squarespace is what I used to build mine and I was fairly pleased with it. It seemed like both an affordable option and one that gives you the creative freedom to make it look unique. As an author you should make sure to include a few things for certain. Post information about each book with as much art as you can provide, give readers an idea what those books are, and show people where they can buy them.

Also be sure to include some information about yourself and how to get in contact with you. Many writers are introverts and one of the most difficult things they find they have to face is not only marketing their books but also marketing yourself. You need to build up a personal brand and cement yourself as a skilled writer and a reliable content creator.

Once you have a manuscript in its final draft stage the next thing you will have to do is reach out for reviews by ARC readers. "ARC" stands for "advanced reader copies," and pretty much means it's a version of the finished book that you send to these reviewers prior to the actual publication. ARCs generally don't receive payment for a review. You are sending them a free copy of your book (and thus providing them with content for their own blogs and websites) and in return they are giving you a free, unbiased review. And I mean unbiased. They are not going to market your book for you, they are going to give their honest opinion on it and some people will not connect with what you write - it's not a knock against you, it's just an inevitability.

A great source for finding ARC readers is The Book Blogger List. Besides having a lot of resources for writers you should check out, it contains lists of blogs and websites full of potential ARC readers. Not all of them do ARCS, not all of them will want to review your work, and not all of them will review work in your genre, but you will find plenty who do.

Most ARCs will accept an eBook copy so long as you have it in the proper format. A mobi file is the most common, there's a good site where you can convert a Microsoft Word document to a mobi file for free at this link. Be aware that some reviewers will only accept paper copies and that would mean shipping a physical copy of the book to them, and shipping costs can add up. ARC reviews will come in handy when it comes time to market your book. Include positive reviews in one-sheets and other promotional material. Also make sure to link the reviews you get (at least the positive ones, heh) on your social media pages.

All of this is still a learning experience for me, and I expect it will always remain that way. I am currently still trying to market my first book and learning the ins and outs, but hopefully this will help someone else get a head start on their own process.

As always, good luck.

Eamon