SELF-PUBLISHING RESOURCES
FOR NEW AUTHORS
As many of you likely know, I am a first-time author hoping to publish my first book in February of 2021. When I first decided to write, I did what I always do. I dove headfirst into researching anything and everything I could about the writing and self-publishing world. It is an endless task as the articles and YouTube videos available are likely in the millions. Okay, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but it can’t be too far off. I literally think one could create a full-time job out of nothing more than author research.
In many ways, it has been something akin to learning a whole new industry. From the ground up, I have taken it subject by subject and researched everything I could find. There is admittedly tons more to learn, and I have no doubt I will be doing so until I am old and grey, but I would like to share what I have learned so far.
I believe that as authors, we should help each other. There are more than enough pieces of pie to go around in the publishing world, so why not share what we can, when we can?
The information below has been acquired through hours upon hours of research. While I have tried some of them, I have not tried all. I do intend to work my way through the list and will be happy to report my findings. I hope you will share some of your favorite resources as well. I am always eager to learn.
GRAMMARLY
This is a free grammar check site that is very useful. There is also a Premium option, but the free option is very robust.
PRO-WRITING AID
This is similar to Grammarly but with a little more detailed reporting, in my opinion.
UPWORK
This is a site where you can discover freelancers such as editors, proofreaders, cover designers, etc. It is very user friendly from start to finish. Just do your due diligence and thoroughly research the freelancer before hiring them. Creating an account is free, but the amount you pay for services is negotiated between you and the freelancer.
REEDSY
This is another site where you can hire freelancers. I listened to a podcast that included one of the creators of Reedsy. One thing that seems to stand out about this platform is they thoroughly vet each and every freelancer, only accepting a small percentage of those that apply. This, in my opinion, makes it feel like they are of much higher quality than other sites. They have Designers, Publicists, Editors, Marketers, Ghost Writers, and Web Designers. That quality does seem to come at a price.
VELLUM
This is an on-line book formatting program. You can outsource it, but that can become quite costly, and you have to pay that fee for each book you publish. With Vellum, you pay a one-time fee and can format as many books as you like. There is a learning curve, but every review I have seen refers to them as user-friendly and professional. Unlimited Ebooks and Paperbacks runs $249.00, and Ebooks alone run $199.00
STORIAD
This is a book marketing program. This program will create a marketing plan for you. You can also build media kits to send sample books out to influencers for ARC reviews. They have a free option with limited tools, or you can pay monthly at $29.95 for a full list of offerings. You can cancel at any time.
99DESIGNS
This is a cover design platform. You can use it in two different ways, either by working directly with a designer or starting a contest. The contest version lets numerous designers submit their ideas, and you pick the one you like best. The fees vary.
K-LYTICS
This allows you to deep dive into research surrounding your GENRE. They offer information in many categories that can help you position your book with the best sales potential. It is pricey with a regular monthly fee of $47.00. They note that you can cancel at any time.
WEBSITE HOSTING
Bluehost is the one I use. They are affordable with different options and use WordPress themes. I will admit that it took me a great deal of time to learn how to work with the theme, but I am pleased overall. Their customer service has been right there anytime I needed help with a handy chat feature.
MARKETING SITES
I have not used any of these yet, and as I understand it, there is a learning curve. I do look forward to exploring each one and finding what works best.
Amazon
Bookbub
Goodreads
Book Riot
Book Reviewers & Influencers
AUTHOR TUBERS
These are Author Tubers that I have found particularly useful and keep going back to time and time again. They are a wealth of information.
Jenna Moreci – Covers various writing and publishing topics with a heaping dose of sarcasm.
Joanna Penn with The Creative Penn – She interviews authors from all genres. She also provides insight into the future of our industry. She is an advocate of diversifying your revenue streams.
Mark Dawson with Self Publishing Formula – He has sold a million dollars in books, offering advice on advertising and the self-publishing industry.
Diane Callahan – Quotidian Writer – She offers an in-depth look at “Show, Don’t Tell.”
Heart Breathings – She has also sold over a million dollars in books and shares the business side of publishing. She is an open book for what has worked for her and what has not.
Dave Farland – He is a best-selling author who has mentored some very successful authors such as Stephanie Meyer. He offers advice on the writing method itself and has an interesting take.
BLOG ADVICE
Create & Go is the best site I have seen for blogging advice. The website and YouTube channel are very informative, and they offer free information just for signing up for their newsletter.