Are you intrigued by the thought of Kindle publishing? If you’re a new author, you may be thinking that self-publishing is “vanity publishing” (it’s not) or is somehow of lesser value than “real” (traditional) publishing. (It’s most definitely not.)
Over the past few weeks several readers have asked whether it’s too late to get into Kindle publishing and how to get started. They also wanted to know how much they should “pay a publisher.” (Read on.)
I won’t get into an argument about self-publishing versus traditional publishing, because the strategy you choose depends on:
- You and what you hope to achieve; and
- Whether or not you get an offer from a publisher if you want to pursue traditional publishing.
As for authors paying publishers, here’s all you need to know: publishers pay YOU.
Apropos of which, here’s an excellent article on author scams. You’ll avoid them all when you remember the three words we mentioned: publishers pay YOU.
Kindle publishing: is it too late to start?
In a word, no.
Let’s look at three tips to start your own Kindle publishing career and/ or business venture.
1. Write the kinds of books you enjoy reading
Bestselling author Dean Koontz once said that a writer’s only recreation should be reading. You’re reading for entertainment, primarily, but you’re also reading to learn what’s selling right now.
The big benefit of all this binge reading is that you become comfortable with language and grammar.
Decide whether you’d like to write fiction (novels and short stories), or nonfiction (material that’s factual). Then decide what you like reading most. It’s very hard to write material you hate to read, or by which you’re bored.
2. Play the 50 titles game
You never know what’s lurking in the back of your mind that would be fun to write and will make money too.
Give yourself an hour to brainstorm. Without thinking about it too much, jot down 50 titles.
Can’t get inspired? Use titles on Amazon as examples to help you to brainstorm. You’re not copying, you’re using others’ titles as inspiration for your own.
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’ve got a title.
Writing horror novels? Until you’re as famous as Stephen King, consider using words which are common in your genre. Examples: “creature”, “ghost”, “dark” etc.
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 are you excited and curious about?
Writers are often told to “write what you know”. Consider writing about what you want to know.
Kindle publishing: it’s not too late. Start NOW, but…
Please remember that writers write.
Writing comes first. How you publish what you write is a business decision.
Kindle publishing is an option. So is creating a blog as a magazine. Or creating an email newsletter for subscribers and charging for it.
Whatever you choose, have fun with your writing. 🙂
[wbcr_advert_snippet id=”3734″]
Nonfiction Ebooks Goldmine: Write and Sell Nonfiction Ebooks In 24 Hours Or Less
You're a writer. You need to make money from your words. What if you could create AND sell a nonfiction book in just a day?
This book will show you how to think outside the box, get creative — and SELL what you create. Making money from your writing can be a real challenge, especially if you're limiting yourself to trading hours for dollars. When you get paid by the hour, even if you're making $200 an hour, you're limited.
More info →
Sell More Books Today: The Simple Secret To Successful Fiction
Your books aren't selling. You've done everything right, but you may have missed an essential element of bestselling fiction...
That element is suspense.
More info →
Publicity And Marketing Magic For Writers: How To Build Your Writing Platform And Sell More Every Day
Write, and publish, and promote your writing... You can change your life as a writer in an hour, when you discover the art of publicity and platform.
More info →
Planning And Writing A Hot-Selling Series: Selling Writer Strategies
Try writing in series. Your audience loves to binge on entertainment, whether it's a series on a streaming service, or a series of books. Marketing series fiction and nonfiction is much easier than marketing standalone books.
More info →
Copywriter and marketing pro Angela Booth maintains a busy copywriting and ghostwriting practice. Fascinated by online marketing, she wrote one of the first business books for internet marketing, published by Allen & Unwin. She’s been an enthusiastic blogger since the late 1990s.
