A primary question, before you undertake writing your book is: What do I want I want it to do?

–  Do you want to just “get it published” to accomplish that dream (or task) and be done with it?
–  Share it with family and associates?
–  Establish your credibility in your career or field of expertise
–  Be a valuable or important contribution to a field or genre
–  Become rich and famous
–  Create a long-term revenue stream?
–  Be a steppingstone to other opportunities
–  Be the first (or one) of many books or create a series or franchise
–  Other

Successful self-publishing includes five key stages:

1. Write your book
2. Amazon Publish
3. Kindle Publish (and other e-formats)
4. Internet Marketing
5. Traditional Marketing

Writing your manuscript, preparing it for publication and having it in print and e-book formats is just the beginning! If you then want your book reviewed, receive awards and – most of all – be purchased, you will need a long-term commitment and plan to market your book (i.e., your product).

Your plan may also include creating demand for your other products/services (e.g., as a speaker, teacher, consultant, tour guide; with CDs, DVDs, workshops, teleseminars, etc.) and future books. There is nothing like a well-produced book to establish your credibility and expertise in a particular field, or as a fiction writer or poet.

While you can do-it-all yourself, be forewarned that the process is is complicated and time-consuming. Editing, formatting (different for print and various eReaders) designing your your cover, writing your author bio and uploading your book are just the beginning of what is required to make your book visible and promote it widely.

Having gone through this process, after 25 years of desktop publishing experience, I was amazed at how much technical expertise and time it takes, and the ongoing effort required for marketing. In addition to my understanding of the process and decades of traditional and online marketing, I  have gathered a great team of experts in editing, formatting, graphic/book design, and social media management to guide and support your success. Visit this link for more information about Self-Publishing and Services to support Self-Publishing Authors through your entire process.