A Few Useful Self-Publishing Tips

1. Research & Educate Yourself
When self-publishing your book it is best to learn all there is to know before making that commitment and step towards book publishing. Read books, participate in book writing and self publishing seminars. Get to know others who have already done what you’re trying to do. Take a look at existing published books and study the inside and covers of the books that appeals to the masses. Think of alluring titles for you book. Choosing the right title can be one of the most needed elements to engage potential readers. Create a book that has an appealing, brief, clever and concise title with an eye catching cover. Remember your book cover and title is the first impression you get to make to the consumer.

2. Understanding the Competition
In doing your research, be sure that your book is not written on a subject that has been over done. There are guides that you can use as reference to see what’s been done. You can also study the delivery style for inspiration on how you can improve your presentation. Are the currently published books on your subject matter too lengthy or too short? Do they lack luster? Think of how you can provide never before done, rich and captivating content in your new book.

3. Seek the Professionals
Have a professional edit/proofread your book. A second pair of eyes always seems to catch what you didn't. Make sure your book has an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) which is a number that uniquely identifies your books and book-like products published internationally. To obtain one go to ISBN Application Process. Once you own your ISBN this makes you an official self publisher. You will need a Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) which is an identification number that the Library of Congress assigns to titles most likely to be acquired by the Library of Congress. There is no charge to obtain a LCCN just simply go to LCCN Application Process to complete application and receive an account number and password. This process generally takes two weeks. You also need to look in to obtaining a European Article Number (EAN) Bookland Scanning Symbol. Click here for a list EAN Bookland Barcode Suppliers.

4. Promoting Your Book
Have your marketing and promotions strategy together prior to publishing and printing your book. Know your target market. Understand what relevant magazines, newsletters and associations might benefit your book promotions. Utilize every form of media, press releases, local and literary media. Everyone you meet could be a potential customer, directly or indirectly. For true success your book has to literally be all you do, think or speak. Promote, market and publicize at any given opportunity.

Establishing a Retail Price

First, you must try setting your own retail price for your book. Avoid the publisher that tries to force you into extremely lofty retail prices. In order to sell your book in a retail environment, you must be sure to have your book priced at 2 ½ times your cost.

Large book selling chains expect to make a minimum of 50%. You must also take into account any possible freight fees. So basically if it cost approximately $5 per book to print then you will need to price it at least as $10.95. This will allow you to break even at least. If your book costs more to print, you must raise your retail price in order to break even.

Check to see if your publisher offers something called offset printing also known as traditional printing. Traditional printing is actually the best way to get the best price on a huge volume of books at one given time. Although it is the best way to go it is not offered by most of the large self-publishing companies today.