Self-Publishing Support Thread

[APodPerson]

Hi all,

Following a number of other threads suggesting this, I thought I’d set up a support thread for us self-publishers (although traditionally published are welcome too of course).

The purpose would be for us all to support each other, share our books, tips and tricks that have worked, and anything else self-publishing related.

MNHQ have given us the go ahead, although of course we need to make sure we behave ourselves, and if it ends up being nothing but spam it'll get pulled.

So, Rule 1: No spam!

I suggest one post introducing yourself with a link to your books, and goodreads profile, twitter, fb page, website etc, but then no further links or any kind of self promo unless it is directly related to a question from another poster.

Blether, I self-published my first book (an ebook) then helped a friend of mine set up a publishing company for the paperbacks. Sort of a bit of both, but I did a lot of the set-up with the publisher. I got the security of knowing my books would definitely be published, and the clout of working through a publisher.

Ahh ok, that could be it, Imperial. Shall have another look later on.

There is the option to download a mobi for kindle file - hmm. I did it and it worked.

Thanks, imperial! X

Looks like my novel won't be making its way into the world via the traditional publishers, so I'm joining this thread as a fellow would-be 'indy' novelist.

I'm finding it horribly intimidating at the moment, but trying to get my head round all the complexities of marketing, cover design etc.

Welcome Granita, although in rather disappointing circumstances for you. You're the boss of your novel, how it's designed and laid out is all your choice and nobody can tell you it's wrong. Gerrit out there and join us at Chorleywood.

Hello everyone. What a great thread. Total novice here. I wrote a short piece called baba, and on a mumsnetters advice (you lot have been so utterly supportive and brilliant), published it on wattpad there are also 3 other short pieces on there.

Since I published, I have started to rewrite baba. It was generally noted that the original was more like an essay. So now it's sounding and looking more like a short story.

I'm not sure what I should do with it now though, once the new version is finished. Should I replace the old one on Wattpad, with the new one? Should I make it totally new, and publish it again on Wattpad? Or should I self publish on amazon?

any advice would be greatly appreciated xx

Thanks very much, Fackinell! I know there's a lot of experience and encouragement on this thread, so hopefully this is the start of a new journey...

I'm sure it is, Granita. A lot of us on here have been responsible for our own advertising and marketing so feel free to ask away.

Charlie, if it were me then I'd replace it. I did this with my first novel after feedback. I tidied it up a bit and changed a couple of things that reviewers consistently said they didn't like, so mine is really a second edition now. Could you have a look around for competitions to enter? I have no idea how to publish a short story on Amazon. How short is it? I imagine that may be difficult to price. Do you intend on writing a book of them?

One down, eleven rejections to go...! I am stepping closer to self-publishing!
I was planning to have a welcome break from writing, now that my novel is being laughed at considered by agents, but after two days I felt the need to start writing something else. I'm treating it as a summer project and writing ad hoc straight onto wattpad. Thanks to apodpersons recommendation on page one of this thread, I've just bought a lovely cover for £24 from goonwrite. And I guess I'll see how it goes!

Ahh crap. Sorry to hear that, Olives. I'd say go with the creative flow. There will be times when you want to write but are staring at a blank computer screen. You're best to go for it if the creative juices are flowing. And think how nice it will be when you get an acceptance and you can say that you have a few chapters of your new book for them to look at.

Thanks Fackinell. I'm also finding that writing something else is excellent for helping me forget all about 'that other novel'!

Thanks for the advice, fackinell. I will replace on Wattpad. I never thought about whether I'd be able to publish it as a short story. It's currently at around 3000 words I think.

Thing is, there is so much to this story that I've omitted, I could easily make it into a novel. It just scares me, writing something that long. I never know how to end either. Creating chapters terrifies me for some reason

Anyway, maybe I'll give it a go. Try a novel. And get it on amazon. Thanks xx

That's good, Olives, the wait is awful I'm sure

It's a scary thought, Charlie but if you have so more to tell then thats a great start!! Try and see your chapters as mini short stories, each chapter will take a new turn and before you know it, you'll have a book and can join the rest of us on Amazon.

Fackinell, I'm actually very chilled about the whole thing. It's just something I thought I would 'give a go'. I'm under no illusion that I will gain success or recognition, and I am long enough in the tooth to not get unduly upset by rejection. Been there, done that! I'm happy that when I decide to self-publish I will have a whole novel, all done, to plonk on amazon and if I sell any copies I will be thrilled.

Charlie, I look forward to reading the new version of Baba and think you should go for the novel! Could you add imag

...blast! I'll continue...
Could you add imagined scenes/scenarios that take it away from real life? Use the real Baba as a springboard for a whole story?

fackinell and olives, thank you for your responses. Some sound advice and great encouragement. I have decided to go for it as a novel [scared face].

I have had a good long think about it and I think I should take out a rather personal part about my sister. Its quite a large and important part of the story, but it just doesn't feel right airing her private business. OK, on an anonymous forum that my sister would never in a million years read - but if I am really going to do this, I want to use my real name and I want my sister's support with the whole process. She can even help me with details of the book.

Sorry, I'm waffling now - I have a tendency to do that.

How many words should I be aiming for?

Also apologies that every post I have written has been about me! I am just a bit wrapped up in it right now.

This is a great thread, and everyone has been making very useful comments and some good advice. Its really taken away the mystery of publishing / self publishing for me. It IS attainable after all!

Congratulations on your decision, Charlie. A typical sized novel is around 80k words or more. Yes, if its a negative aspect on your sister's life and you're using your real name then that's probably is a good idea to remove it. One of mine is based on truth but as it's humour, my family don't mind.
tillIgetfamousandtheysue

I have just been staring blankly at my writing for the last hour.

I am lost.

*cries

Charlie, can you make a plan? Make a list of chapter numbers - say 30 - and roughly think what you could include in each? Would it help??

Or make a list of scenes you would like to include?

disclaimer: I am still a complete novice at this whole game!

Olives - thank you. I will make a list of chapters and scenes. It just seems so daunting. I only have just over 3000 words - and a novel is usually around 80k?! ARGH!

I am still determined though. Coming on here does wonders.

Sorry for hijacking the thread everyone - I will go away and try to get this done!

That's what this thread is for, Charlie. can you start with looking at what you've already done and adding 'threads' to pick up on later?

I'm planning on doing four hours this afternoon and I really can't decide where to take it. This usually happens after a few chapters though.

After an agonising morning, I have started to make leeway! I have basically started from scratch. Will write the novel in third (rather than 1st) person.

Its really quite difficult going back over old stuff that happened in my life, bad stuff. It got me down a little today, but I am kind of over that, and my decision to make it less about my life and more fictional has helped.

Thanks for your support, and I hope you too make some leeway today fackinell