What Every Writer Should Know to Get Started
Updated March 2022
More and more people ask me how to get started in indie publishing (sometimes called self-publishing). After eight years and writing sixteen novels for middle grade readers and two for adults, I’ve sold over 400,000 books and learned a ton. It’s fun to help other aspiring writers get on the path to publishing their first book. Knowing where to start is important, but just as key is knowing where not to go. Too many writer friends have been scammed out of thousands of dollars from predatory groups that care about making a buck than helping your book.
I recently led a webinar on self-publishing with James River Writers that is available for a small fee on the Teachable platform.
Here are several interviews I’ve given about my experience as an author that you might find helpful!
If you’re starting out and decide to go the indie route, I’d recommend starting at KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), which now serves as a one-stop shop for both ebooks and paperback, and Ingram Spark for bulk print orders or to get into bookstores and distributors. These companies are easy, inexpensive, and will get you on your way. While it still depends on your particular situation and what you aim to get out of writing and publishing, for the majority of writers, going the indie route might make the most sense. More than ever before, getting a book deal through the gatekeepers with a major publisher (or even an agent before that) is akin to winning the lottery. I was recently at a writer’s conference where some young agents described how they get dozens of queries a day, and that only one or two in a thousand may actually get a book deal. Those aren’t good odds, but hey, if you have the next breakout novel of the year, go for it!
For the rest of us, writing a great book is hard, but the process part of indie publishing has evolved to where anyone can do it. You just need to know where to start and when to hire experts along the way. It’s like being the general contractor for a construction project but without the shovels. Take your time. Have fun. Don’t get discouraged. For the first time in the history of the world, you can get your words out to the masses without having to ask permission. What you do with that opportunity is up to you. Make the most of it.
Get Involved with the Community
Getting involved with a community is another great way to keep from being isolated as a writer. A smaller critique group in your genre is a great way to start, but here are two groups I’d strongly recommend:
- If you’re in Richmond, Virginia, James River Writers is a fantastic group that has may helpful events and courses throughout the year.
- The Alliance for Independent Authors (Alli), which has great information and some deep discounts on valuable services. You can join at this link, of which I’m an affiliate. Another strong group is the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) which also has many great resources.
Here are links to some other fantastic resources to help you get started in your writing journey:
How to Self-Publish Your Book (by Jane Friedman)
The Key Book Publishing Paths (by Jane Friedman)
Explanation of the Traditional Publishing Route Steps (by Jane Friedman)
Explanation of the Self/Indie Publishing Route Steps (by Jane Friedman)
How To Self-Publish A Book in 10 Steps (by David Gaughran)
Review of indie publishing options (by Joanna Penn)
The Creative Penn (podcast and great resources for writers at all stages)
Self Publishing Formula (advice from a new and also a proven author)
Sell More Books Show Podcast (weekly news updates from the publishing industry)
If you’re specifically writing and publishing children’s picture books, you will find this article helpful from author Darcy Pattison or this website from Laurie Wright.
Each year more helpful tools are developed to aid in the process of indie publishing. Here are some the tools and companies that should prove invaluable as you get a bit further down your author journey.
Book Funnel (service for delivering free and advance copy ebooks)
Vellum (interior formatting software for ebook and print)
eBookLaunch (the company I use for my book cover design)
Reedsy (freelance marketplace for top-notch editors, designers and more)
BookBrush (a book-specific kind of mini-Photoshop for covers and ad creatives)
If you have further questions, please reach out through the “Contact” tab tab above on the site header, and I’ll try my best to help you out.
Good luck and keep writing!
Steve
