Here are some of the things I've experienced so far in my adventures in self-publishing - ideas that, I hope, will help you see the fruits of your labour a bit more clearly when it starts to feel exhausting. (There's a reason for the bee theme. Keep reading)
Bee clear - set objectives:
I have a set of overall objectives for the next six months. Putting my book out there on my own means I need to decide how I define "success". Getting on the New York Times best-seller list is not a reasonable goal. If it happens, I'll be elated. But realistically, I need to define my success by accomplishments that are within my one-man-band's grasp.
I chose not to go the traditional route of finding an agent and a publisher (that is serious hard work in itself). So, I have to be reasonable in what to expect. Targets like units sold, number of FB and Twitter followers and reviews received are all within my ability to influence. Social networking is king if you don't have a publisher's budget for PR! Don't undersell yourself, but be honest with what you on your own can achieve in a set amount of time.
Also, do some research. There are great books out there on how to do this stuff, so don't reinvent the wheel with the basics.
Bee focused - set milestones:
Setting milestones on the road to my objectives has been helpful. For example I took a 'long-weekend' once I had completed certain tasks. For me, getting the launch done, selling all my advance copies and sending out 50 requests to reviewers was a target. My moment to 'take a breather' was not dependent on the responses I got from those requests but the work I accomplished.
Ultimately, getting a certain number of reviews is one my targets and I can affect the outcome by sending out more and more requests until I get there. But I can't make it happen right at this minute. But, the effort I've put in so far on the road to get there should be honoured. *Well done Themo*
Bee relaxed - take a break:
My long weekend meant getting out of my flat away from my computer which meant I couldn't send out emails, etc. The downside to being self-published is social media has also become my job.
I did Facebook and Tweet while in transit to places but getting out and about with friends meant I wasn't sitting at home at my PC plugging away at PR requests, etc. You can only handle so much. And friends are always happy to put forward ideas, but be realistic about what you can take on and when. Just say 'Thanks, that's really helpful. Now let's talk about something besides work'. Remember, if you burn out, your project burns out. Your mental health and well-being are your greatest asset. Respect that and you'll continue in the game. Don't sell yourself short - this is hard work.
Bee a social butterfly - get out there:
Be creative and talk to people about what you're doing. Half of the ideas I've had for promoting my book were suggested by friends. Even if it's just 'stop into this independent book shop and ask questions' it can only yield good things - experience, connections, leads or just a good chat. But, most importantly, always be genuine.
Bee patient - plan your campaign:
There are lots of good ideas out there. There are lots of different and exciting and inventive ways to get your name out there. But, the whole point of having a time scale is because you can't do everything at once. I keep track of all the brilliant ideas I have or friends' suggestions that I think will really make a difference. But, I've given myself six months to reach my overall objectives. There are certain things that I want to do before the Christmas season like pop into bookshops and get some physical copies on shelves. But there are some ideas like 'having a signing at the story-telling centre' that won't really help me get to where I need to be in the next six months. That will be a great idea once the books are in people's hands. So, take time to plot out (and talk out with a friend) what and when you should try out different marketing techniques.
Bee shrewd - evaluate:
Once you've stuck to at a tactic for a bit go thru and see how well it's working. My book has been out for a week. Right now, every thing I've accomplished is purely word of mouth (Thanks sooooooo much to all of my mates! You've all been super supportive and the best). So, I can't say for certain if my quest for 500 FB likes is the way to go. But, I'm sure by the end of November I'll see what way things are going and consider trying out new ideas. That's where you whip out those ideas your friends have given you and can play about.
Bee on the look out - have fun:
We self-publishers are artists. This PR admin stuff can be a drain, but there are still spots of fun creative work in between. So, you get a bit too caught up in designing the wee logo for the press release you're sending out or choosing colours for a spread sheet. It's what we do. Enjoy it! No, the 'business' side won't last forever. But while you're working away out of your comfort zone take pleasure in the moments of creative comfort.
For example, today in the office, someone needed a picture of a cartoon wasp. We couldn't find the right image on a stock website and it just needed to be quick and dirty so I thought, 'Hang on... I'm an illustrator!' My easy-peasy fill work for Redshirt Dead meant I had a quick technique for getting the buzzer that was needed for the job. A drawing that should have taken me five minutes took about 20 while I got the 'shiny bits' just right in Photoshop. But, I found it so satisfying and it inspired me to write this post!!
Here is my 5 minute wasp - combination hand drawing and digital render.
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| Not a Bee |
Enjoy!
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