Does anyone write non-fiction, especially self-publishing?

[MaybeDoctor]

Hi, I have nearly finished the draft of a non-fiction book. Does anyone else successfully write non-fiction?

I am considering self-publishing and have ideas for future books that would create a small stable of titles. But I am open to sending it to an agent or publisher - any suggestions?

[iwroteabook]

Not really in a position to offer helpful advice or suggestions, but wanted to add encouragement.

I have just (last week) self-published a non-fiction book in a niche related to my work. I've sold 30 copies which I feel ridiculously pleased about.

Like you, I have other titles to add - it's all very exciting. What are your plans for marketing if you self-publish?

[MaybeDoctor]

Congratulations on your book - I am also hugely excited that you have replied to my post, as not many people seem to do non-fiction.

Would you mind sending me a link via PM? How did you find the process of self-publication, getting a cover, setting a price etc?

For promotion, I am hoping to use social media (obviously) but perhaps also some classified ads in connected publications?

[iwroteabook]

I've sent you a link to the amazon page - actually feel quite amazed that I am on there!

To self publish I worked with Indie Authors World link here They offer a complete package or you can pick and choose elements where you need support. They made it all easy and I also learnt a lot so that next time I can do more of the process myself.

So I used one of their contacts for the final edit (had used two other free sources for initial proof checking). I chose a couple of key elements for the cover and they found the graphic designer, added in a few other elements and suggested the final design with the tree wrapping around the spine and onto the back cover which looks really good in hard copy. They guided me through the process of getting ISBNs etc - all of which will be easier in the next book.

It's been a great learning adventure.

[iwroteabook]

For marketing, I assume that you are very familiar with the topic area for which you are writing and have an established network. So I am promoting my book initially through my network.

For me that includes attendance at trade shows (promotion and direct sales) and advertising in a couple of niche publications. The adverts are in magazines where I already have both advertising and editorial presence, but I'm also going in cold to a new magazine, and I'll be interested to see how that goes. For the mags where I have existing contacts the editor is going to review the book and write an editorial (they are always hungry for news). If you have the chance before you complete and publish your book see what you can do about generating good links with people like that.

PM me with details of the area you are working in, if you don't want to post it here.

[MaybeDoctor]

Your book looks lovely and you seem really well set up in terms of the direct link between the book and the work that you do, your networks and your existing contact with publications.

I will say a bit more about that and about my own situation via PM.

Just out of interest and for the benefit of anyone else following, the services of Indie Authors World seem quite pricey compared to designing a cover and buying other services separately - did you feel they added value? Was arranging the paper version included in the price?

Thanks.

[LineyReborn]

On a different thread on this board, ages ago, someone talked about CreateSpace on Amazon and I've been looking into that.

[iwroteabook]

maybedoctor I agree that the prices of Indie Authors World were quite high. I got in contact with them through personal recommendation and having looked at some of the other options in a similar price range I liked the personal contact and support. I leave the process feeling that I understand what was happening at every step, and that I was in control and making choices, with guidance. And yes arranging the paper version was included, as was support for setting up my own imprint for the range of (future) books, obtaining and registering ISBNs, linking the book title with the ISBN, linking the print andkindle versions. There is wide distribution possible, amazon of course, but also barnes and noble and other booksellers such as Waterstones (they have an account with the printer so I don't have to supply them with sale or return copies).

I was also put in contact with other self-publishing authors which was a great support network.

lineyreborn I looked at create space too but because of my aims and ambitions for a range of titles, and the market I'm in, I really wanted a high quality product, and for me the investment seemed to be worth it. Do you want to share what you're writing?

maybedoctor you asked in your pm about the kindle price. Looking at the market I have published in there were 2 distinct price ranges: £12-16 for print (and about half that for kindle / e-version) OR £2-3 and about 99p for kindle. I was clear which bracket I wanted my book to be placed in! But Amazon seems to be a bit of a law unto itself on pricing the kindle version and it varies from day to day.

[ImperialBlether]

Can you tell us why you're not pitching it to agents?

[ImperialBlether]

Can you tell us why you're not pitching it to agents?

[MaybeDoctor]

I am open to pitching it to agents - who would you suggest for non-fiction?

[ImperialBlether]

Oh there are lots who deal with non-fiction. You'd have to go through all the agencies and look at who deals with what and who they represent to find someone suitable. I wouldn't self-publish if I was going to pitch to agents, though.