How To Self-Publish

John Locke's story of success selling his self-published books, and the scandal it kicked up, provides multiple lessons on why the best way to long-term success is writing quality books and putting in good, honest hard work.

Ready to get your book sales cranking this holiday? Your book cover, storefront, metadata, and marketing plan should all work together to make your holidays bright.

I encourage you to consider your own foundational inspirations when it comes to the written word. Who made you want to write in the first place? What works do you think are perfect — the ones you keep coming back to? Whose skill do you aspire to channel or match?

I think as human beings we all have something of value to share with the world and we shouldn’t be afraid to share our stories.

Self-publishing used to mean forgoing the resources of traditional publishing and running your entire independent enterprise by yourself. Thanks to technology and the increased connectedness allowed by the Internet, indie authors now have access to experts, marketplaces, and readers. What's not to like?

This is the sixth entry in a series in which I detail the entire experience of self publishing my book. The goal is to offer tips and strategies so you can learn from my successes and mistakes. This week: cover design and interior formatting.

Creating a distribution channel through non-bookstore retailers is a good way to start your special-sales efforts because it is much like selling through bookstores.