Hi!
Something different from The Writers’ Lodge today (and I’ll be telling you just how different at the end of today’s issue — be prepared for a surprise!) Plus, a confession. Buckle up…
While most of the issues of The Writers’ Lodge have been concentrating on the art of writing itself, I’m aware that whenever we’ve talked about publishing we’ve been referring to ‘traditional’ publishing, and so far haven’t really discussed self-publishing.
I’m certainly not a snob about those who self-publish (though that snobbery undeniably exists out there), but since I’ve never done it (so far at least), I don’t really feel I have the experience to write about it.
So today I’ve invited author Lucy Thomson — someone who has got the expertise — to write this newsletter, and to share her tips and tricks for those who want to put their work out there into the world without having to go through the route of traditional publishing.
Introducing Lucy Thomson!
“Lucy Thomson is a self-published author from the United Kingdom who has gained a loyal following for her captivating and thought-provoking novels. Born and raised in a small village in rural England, Lucy always had a passion for writing and storytelling. After completing her degree in English Literature at the University of Oxford, Lucy decided to pursue a career as a writer.
Despite facing numerous rejections from traditional publishers, Lucy refused to give up on her dream of becoming a published author. Instead, she decided to take matters into her own hands and self-publish her first novel, "The Secrets We Keep." To her delight, the book quickly gained popularity and received positive reviews from readers around the world.
Since then, Lucy has published several more novels, including "The Weight of Memories," "A Place in the World," and "Echoes of the Past." Her books explore a range of themes, from love and loss to identity and belonging, and are known for their vivid characterisation and atmospheric settings.
Lucy is a strong believer in the power of self-publishing and encourages other aspiring writers to take the leap and publish their own work. When she's not writing, Lucy enjoys hiking in the countryside and exploring the historic towns and cities of the UK.”
Dear Readers,
Are you an aspiring writer looking to self-publish your own fiction book? Self-publishing can be a great way to get your work out into the world and connect with readers. However, it can also be a daunting task if you’re not familiar with the process. But don't worry, with the right approach and tools, you can successfully self-publish your own book.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
Write and Edit Your Manuscript
Before you even think about publishing, make sure your manuscript is the best it can be. Take the time to write and revise your story multiple times until you feel it’s polished and ready for readers. You can also hire an editor or beta readers to help you refine your work.
Choose Your Publishing Platform
There are many self-publishing platforms available, such as Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Barnes & Noble Press, and Apple Books. Research each platform to determine which one is the best fit for your book and your goals.
Create Your Book Cover
Your book cover is the first thing readers will see, so it’s important to make a good impression. You can create your own cover using software like Canva, or hire a professional cover designer to create a custom design for you.
Format Your Book
Once you have your manuscript and cover ready, it's time to format your book for publication. This involves formatting your text, adding images, and ensuring that your book meets the guidelines of your chosen publishing platform.
Set Your Price and Publish
Once your book is formatted and ready to go, you can set your price and hit the publish button. Congratulations, you are now a self-published author!
Promote Your Book
Promotion is key to getting your book in the hands of readers. You can promote your book through social media, book review sites, and by reaching out to book bloggers and book clubs. You can also consider running a book giveaway to help generate buzz.
Self-publishing can be a rewarding experience, but it takes time and effort to do it right. By following these tips and putting in the work, you can successfully self-publish your own fiction book.
Best of luck to all aspiring writers!
Lucy
And now… my confession
Have you guessed?