Self Publishing Support Thread

[user48675]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone is in the process of trying to self publish their book? This is my debut novel (not sure if there will be any others), and the process is completely new to me.
I'm posted various questions (some have gone unanswered) and I'm hoping others in a similar situation will join and anyone who has been through the process and is able to provide some advice and guidance.

Hi OP, I'm in your boat! Have finished a couple of novels and am starting the process of self-publishing...but I have no idea what I'm doing and it's all a but overwhelming, so this is a great idea for a thread!

HiMyBabyBoyBlue

A couple of novels? That is good going! Which genre are you writing in? Mine spans a few and that is why I think self publishing will be the route I will need to take. Have you tried sending your work off to an agent or did you decide to go straight for SP?

I need to take my work to the next level now. I don't want to change the structure or make major changes but it definitely needs a good copy edit and a great cover.

I have an idea for a second book but it has taken me several years to write this one. I find writing helps me on many levels, I just wish it wasn't so difficult to meet fellow writers (there are a few groups locally I might try when the isolation lifts).

Little bit shocked to find out the cost of sending my work off to a reputable self publishing agency is between £1500-£2500. In my mind I'd only budgeted for £600-£800 and can't really justify much more. Admittedly, the cost includes printed copies of the book. I'm now wondering if just publishing it via Amazon is the way to go (but with a copy edit and book cover). The book was never written for commercial reasons and I don't think it is going to be a best seller! I just want others to read it as although it isn't a self help book it could benefit others. I would like my book to be free of mistakes/some sentence re-structuring. And an attractive cover. All the marketing etc. I would do myself as selling high volumes isn't the end game. A friend has uploaded a book onto Amazon but not used any of the above services, just did it all themselves. I guess the physical copies could be obtained from ordering them off Amazon - is there a discount for the author of the book, I wonder? Could really do with a handhold from someone who has done this!

A friend of mine published her first book on Amazon, not sure of the process but worth looking into.

There doesn't seem to be too many of us self publishers about at the moment. There was a huge thread recently where 90% of contributors seemed to secure an agent.
I half heartedly sent my work to 3 or 4 agents, 3 of whom I never heard back from (end of Feb) but I've now decided I want to take control and publish my own book and it just feels right, regardless of loss of potential sales.
I've had a shock at the cost of copy editing/cover design and I'm trying to line both of these up (some have said, they are simply too busy!) I wish I had the budget to hand my work over and say to a company, "here you go, come back to me with the finished article," but I don't. Luckily, I have a friend who can proofread/help me upload my work onto Amazon.
So, here I am still plodding along, wondering if it is ever going to happen. I'd love to hear from others in the same boat. x