Lessons learned in self-publishing

[Janette Toral]

Publishing a book, documentary, magazine, research report requires a lot of time, effort, and resources. Revenue does not only come from book sales but in other areas too. As I'm trying to help out club members who have their own book project ideas in mind, I decided to come up with a Self-Publishing Guide: A Practical Guide for Aspiring Writers (vers.... I'm currently working on two book projects (one of them is Blogging from Home) and will update the guide as I go through the process.

Here are some lessons learned as well that I have realized since the release my first book in the year 2000:

1. Follow your passion
When sharing a book project idea to friends, I get full acceptance or doubts in the idea. Listen. Consider those doubts as risks that have to be mitigated. If you will be shouldering the expense of your book project, the feedback you'll get should not be taken for granted.

2. Don't rush
As a book can put you in a good or bad light, do what you can to ensure that you have the best edition before printing it.

3. Get suppliers that care and reliable
Get contractors who will take pride in handling your book project and care enough that it will come out as nicely as possible.

4. Focus on a one-year sales period
If your book focuses on technology, make sure to aim for a one to two year sales cycle so you'll be able to come up with another update soon rather than be preoccupied in disposing your inventory.

5. Be conservative
Get a reasonable number to target for your book project. My projects have range from printing 500 to 5000 copies. If you are a first-time publisher and not confident on how much copies you'll be able to sell, it is reasonable to start from 200 to 1000 and grow from there. This may affect the amount you'll charge for your book.

6. Get bulk buyers
Find ways in being able to sell your book in bulk. This includes having a reseller program, sell copies during speaking events or require a minimum purchase. Contact companies who may be inclined to disseminate your book as a giveaway.

[Janette Toral]

Hello Grace. Thank you for sharing your insight and hope you can blog about your book project too.

As books become more expensive, most buyers tend to buy those that they need the most. That is regardless whether it is for knowledge building, entertainment, or give-away.

The right motivation is another important factor. That is why we ask questions on what need are we trying to fill, where does our book fit in the supply chain, and why will audience find our material worth getting.

[Agape Grace Miguel]

Yeah Ms. Janette, I agree with that. I guess, people right now are more discerning. That's what I observed as I test the waters with my friends in one of my ongoing book projects. I guess din Sir Ng, if I may suggest, we need the right motivation in publishing a book. 'Coz it's a legacy, it should be something out of what our hearts are passionate about and not what we'll get out of it.

Hope to build future partnerships with you guys. And Sir Ng, goodluck on your book project. See you around.

[Janette Toral]

Hi Wilson. I agree that you can have a blog or put a website first. This helps in:
- establish your identity
- build a following
- earn recognition

Normally, this takes a year or two. Afterwards, one can start venturing in a book project and let no one around have no doubt on your capability in becoming an authority for such a topic material.

[wilsonng]

thanks Janette. this is a big help as I plan my second book. I am thinking one of the things that we can do is blog first.....

I reckon we want to release a book to be famous.... but it is a hard way to get there. It is better to try to become famous, and then release a book... I think.