So you've written a novel... now what?
A lot of people dream of writing a novel, but for most people it remains a dream forever.
The sad truth is that even for those that manage to finish their book, most remain unread: bought by family and friends perhaps, but a long way off the bestseller lists. But why? One reason is that the skills needed to publish and market a novel are very different from those needed to write the thing in the first place.
A lot of people dream of writing a novel, but for most people it remains a dream forever.
The sad truth is that even for those that manage to finish their book, most remain unread: bought by family and friends perhaps, but a long way off the bestseller lists. But why? One reason is that the skills needed to publish and market a novel are very different from those needed to write the thing in the first place.

In a traditional publishing model that wouldn't matter so much. The author's job is to focus on writing a book that is good enough to attract the attention of an agent. Then the agent pitches that book to a publisher and it's the publisher's job to work with booksellers to get the book out to the public.
But what if you are self-publishing? Then the author runs into two problems. First, the relative ease of getting your book out there means that competition is fierce. And second, the author finds themselves suddenly having to make decisions about marketing, cover art and half a dozen other subjects that they may know little about.
Now, I am by no means an expert on self publishing. And this series of posts is not intended to be a roadmap. I encourage any authors out there to read widely and consult YouTube videos and the advice of writers' groups. The best thing you can do is gather as much information as you can and work out what works best for your particular style. I hope that this blog helps in some small way.
Over the next few blog posts I will try and document my experience publishing on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). I can't say this is a comprehensive guide to self publishing, but my experience may help you on your journey, even if only as an example of what not to do.
But what if you are self-publishing? Then the author runs into two problems. First, the relative ease of getting your book out there means that competition is fierce. And second, the author finds themselves suddenly having to make decisions about marketing, cover art and half a dozen other subjects that they may know little about.
Now, I am by no means an expert on self publishing. And this series of posts is not intended to be a roadmap. I encourage any authors out there to read widely and consult YouTube videos and the advice of writers' groups. The best thing you can do is gather as much information as you can and work out what works best for your particular style. I hope that this blog helps in some small way.
Over the next few blog posts I will try and document my experience publishing on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). I can't say this is a comprehensive guide to self publishing, but my experience may help you on your journey, even if only as an example of what not to do.