Online platforms and new technologies simplify self-publishing for authors who want to bypass traditional publishing companies. Writing the manuscript is the challenge. After outlining and summarising the chapters, the real work begins in developing each character. Once an author has put all his creativity on paper, it’s time to move to the next step. Here are a few ways that new and seasoned authors may self-publish and distribute books.

Vanity Press

Authors pay a vanity press company to finalise the book by editing the copy, formatting the pages, and designing the book cover. Once the project is completed, the author may order copies of the book for a price and resell the copies. Many novelists find commercial success from the vanity press process. The author may also purchase marketing kits and distribution packages. However, new authors regularly lose money and sell a small number of books.

Marketing

Successful vanity press authors take control of the marketing process by developing and implementing a plan to raise awareness about the book’s publication. Such a plan incorporates digital and traditional marketing channels. These marketing options may include radio, television, print, and a variety of social media platforms. Marketing and selling is the only way an author may put his or her book in the hands of interested readers.

Book Signings

Setting up a book signing is an easy process. A self-published author may consider stepping outside of the traditional book signing model to approach smaller stores or retail chains to arrange for signings. A writer may simply cold call local stores to establish a date to sell the book to the store’s customers. Store-level managers often have the authority to approve book signings outside of a retail location. Depending on the store’s traffic, the author may sell between 20 to 50 books in one day by approaching every prospect. These pop-up book signings offer the author an opportunity to build a fan base.