Do you want to get into self-publishing online? Perhaps you’ve heard that you can make money writing ebooks for Amazon’s Kindle, and after reading some of them, have decided that you can write them too.
Over the years, I’ve written many books, some traditionally published by major publishers. Over the past decade however, I’ve focused on self-publishing for two simple reasons: you have more control and you make more money.
Self-publishing your books is both fun, and easy. Before you get started on your own book, download some of the many free ebooks which are available. This lets you research for free.
Here are three simple tips to help you to get started self-publishing your books.
1. Write What You Enjoy Reading
If you’re not a big reader, change your habits. Bestselling author Dean Koontz once said that a writer’s only recreation should be reading. You read not only to discover what’s selling right now, but also to get comfortable with language and grammar.
Decide whether you’d like to write fiction (novels and short stories), or nonfiction (material that’s factual). Check out the top-selling material on Amazon, and read some of it.
Once you’ve completed this basic research, decide what you like reading most. It’s very hard to write material you hate to read, or by which you’re bored.
2. Write 50 Titles
Once you’ve decided what you want to write, type out 50 titles. If you like, you can use some of the titles on Amazon to help you to brainstorm. Don’t copy them – just use them as a guide to what readers expect.
If you’re writing fiction, think of a word which is common in your genre. For example, in the romance genre, “love” is obviously common in titles. Add another couple of words, and you’re done. Here’s an example: “Sweet Savage Love” by Rosemary Rogers. When this bestselling book was published in 1974, it kicked off a whole new genre of books called “bodice rippers”.
Writing horror novels? Until you’re as famous as Stephen King, consider using words which are common in your genre. Examples: “creature”, “ghost”, “dark”, “bodies”, and so on.
Titles for nonfiction are easy. Nothing beats “how to” in the title. People always want to know how to do things, so think about what you know, and how you might help other people.
3. What What You Want to Know
Writers are often told to “write what you know”, however this can be limiting. Consider writing about what you want to know.
Readers like to learn, as they read. Bestselling author Patricia Cornwell started a trend when she wrote about a medical examiner. Twenty-three years after her first book Postmortem, was published there are endless writers in this area, as well as TV shows like CSI.
I’ve no idea whether Ms Cornwell decided to write about dead bodies before or after she got a job in the office of a medical examiner. You don’t have to get a job in order to write about it. However, do remember that readers want to learn. Learn what interests you, then pass the information on to your readers in an entertaining fashion.
Publishing Kindle ebooks is enjoyable, and it can be profitable too. These basic tips will help you on your journey to publication and sales.
Bonanza: TWO offerings this week
Why TWO offerings? It’s a long story and concerns a group of writers I’m coaching, so I won’t share it. Julia suggested that since we were offering the two programs to writing students anyway, we should offer them to our loyal readers because you deserve it, and that’s so true. Thanks for reading — I truly appreciate YOU. Enjoy. π
Important: please be aware that every writing guide and class we offer is DIFFERENT – there’s no rehashed material. We need to make this plain because we always receive questions about programs which are on similar topics. Read the program descriptions, and if you’re not sure which is right for you, ask – we love to hear from you. π
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photo credit: cindiann via photopin cc
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Angela Booth
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