5 reasons to self-publish | Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva

10Apr 2015

Is Self-Publishing Right For You? Question #5

by Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva ⋅ Leave a Comment

Before you decide whether or not self-publishing is right for you, take a look at the following question.

5. Are you willing to pay a vanity or subsidy press a large sum of money to do the leg work for you?

I’ve never worked with a vanity or subsidy press so I cannot give you any firsthand knowledge, but I have read a few articles that are in favor and against their practices. Vanity and subsidy presses have been given a bad name because they often ask for upfront money in order to publish your book. I’ve read that sometimes they do not deliver on what they promise and require that you purchase your books from them using their offset shipping methods. Many self-publishers prefer POD shipping so that they’re not inundated with tons of books that they are not able to sell right away.

It is up to you whether you want to give a vanity or subsidy press a chance or not, but make sure that you negotiate on the price and do not buy too many books unless you already have purchase orders on hand. Also, make sure that they deliver on everything that they promise you. If they promise to promote your book or provide you with 100 free copies, then make sure that you get your monies worth. Hope this helps!

For more information on POD and offset printing, check out this article from Publisher’s Weekly.

About Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva

Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva is an authorpreneur, teacher, blogger, educational consultant, and writing coach. She wrote the award-winning Broccoli Chronicles and is the CEO of Building Voices and TCD Kids Foundation. She tweets at @taneekabdasilva.

06Mar 2015

Should You Self-Publish or Not?

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Below are three reasons why you should and shouldn’t self publish!

REASONS TO SELF-PUBLISH

1. Longevity

2. Creative Control

3. Flexibility

REASONS TO NOT SELF-PUBLISH

1. If you are not able to multi-task and wear multiple hats.

2. If you lack vision and can’t see past your first manuscript.

3. If you do not desire to be in charge and be your own boss.

More to Read:

Is Self-Publishing Right For You? Question #4

Is Self-Publishing Right For You? Question #3

Is Self-Publishing Right For You? Question #2

Is Self-Publishing Right For You? Question #1

About Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva

04Mar 2015

Is Self-Publishing Right For You? Question #4

by Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva ⋅ Leave a Comment

Before you begin looking for publishers you should ask yourself, is self-publishing right for you?

TAKE A LOOK AT THE 4TH QUESTION TO THIS SERIES.

4. Are you limited with marketing, publishing, and technology skills and would prefer someone to represent you?

Self-publishing demands that you wear multiple hats. You are responsible for writing, marketing, publishing, sometimes editing, graphic design, and a list of other stuff. As a self-publisher, you don’t have the luxury of just writing. If you prefer to just write and never deal with the marketing or publishing side of the business, then maybe traditional publishing is a better route for you.

Self-publishers are multi-taskers who have a diverse skill set. It’s becoming more popular to see that the author and the illustrator are the same person. In addition, many are learning how to to design their own websites and promotional materials. Even more so, authors are now becoming publishers who bind and print their own books.

Traditional publishing is great route to take especially if your publisher has a solid marketing plan and can guarantee to sell at least 100,000 copies, but if you prefer to be your own boss, then self-publishing might be a better option.

You owe it to yourself to really investigate the pros and cons of self-publishing and whether you have the stomach to digest everything that it entails. Don’t short change yourself!

About Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva

09Feb 2015

5 Good Reasons to Self-Publish

by Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva ⋅ Leave a Comment

Below are 5 good reasons why you should self-publish your novel instead of going with a traditional publisher. Make sure that you do your research before making any hasty decision and remember to believe in yourself no matter what!

1. Creative Control – Never allow someone else to control or dictate your creativity. They might not understand the creative force that drives your vision and ideas.

2. Compensation – Never allow so many hands to dig into the pockets of your book. Make sure that there’s enough profit for you.

3. The Long Haul – Never limit yourself to a particular moment in time. Think bigger and higher and longer.

4. Pricing – Never over price or under price your book unless you are comfortable with it.

5. Flexibility – Never allow rigidness to hinder the success of your novel. Try to think outside of the box.

RELATED ARTICLE:
5 Reasons to self-publish

About Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva

03Feb 2015

Is Self-Publishing Right For You? Question #3

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Is Self-Publishing Right For You? Find out today!

3. Do you want to see your book sitting on the shelves of Target, Wal-Mart, and/or Barnes and Noble?

Every author desires to see their book carried by the top retailers in the world, but they must keep in mind that shelf space is not free and therefore it drastically cuts into their profits. Yes, it’s a great accomplishment to see your book displayed among a million other books, but when it’s all said and done, how much money do you really make?

Many self-publishers prefer to work with Amazon, Indie Bound, BN.com, and a few others because you are able to offer a slightly lower wholesale discount in exchange for their distribution. That doesn’t mean that you become sedentary and expect for your book to sell itself, it just means that you are able to get a larger slice of the pie.

I will ask the million dollar question again… is self-publishing right for you? This is a question that only you can answer. It is a growing route for new and upcoming authors and has proven to be a very lucrative profession for many people. With anything, you still must work hard and believe in yourself.

About Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva

30Jan 2015

Reasons to Self-Publish

by Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva ⋅ Leave a Comment

Self-publishing gives you the opportunity to channel your creativity into a finished product and the freedom to be your own boss.

Many authors never see the day when their work is actually published into book form. For many, it’s an endless collection of torn pieces inside of a notebook or crumbled pages that once have served as a place holder for their coffee. The desire to publish traditionally is losing its appeal every day because great writers are tired of sitting on the back burner waiting for a publisher to believe in them. Well guess what? We need to start believing in ourselves!

Self-publishing is becoming more attractive every day because it evens the playing field, giving everyone a chance to become a successful author. So why should you self-publish? For creative control, flexibility, and longevity…and so much more!

My advice, don’t let your talent dwindle or vanish into thin air just because of someone’s rigid expectations or submission guidelines. Take charge, be bold, and put one foot in front of the other…and walk!!

RELATED ARTICLE:
5 Reasons to Self-Publish

About Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva

28Jan 2015

Is Self-Publishing Right For You? Question #2

by Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva ⋅ Leave a Comment

Is self-publishing right for you? This question might help you determine whether or not to self-publish your book.

ASK YOURSELF THIS!

2. Do you want to become an expert in your field, grow your company, and/or build your author platform?

There are so many people who believe that a book will automatically sell and speak for itself. Well, that’s not true because books can’t speak. They are unable to tap customers on the shoulder to say, “Please purchase me!” Therefore, it is our responsibility to showcase our finished product to the world.

First, start off by becoming an expert in your field. Check out books in the library and read several articles that provide an in depth insight about that genre or subject area. Post frequent articles on your blog showcasing your knowledge base and find opportunities to guest post. Make sure that you have published at least two to three books in that particular genre in order to show your credibility.

Second, try to make pertinent decisions that grow and not hinder your company. Seek partnerships that add value and validity to your business. Don’t overspend, but set aside a lump sum of money for marketing and advertising.

Last, make sure that you develop a fan base and build your platform as an author. Stay consistent, confident, and creative. Make sure that you connect with readers through book signings, book fairs, and book readings. Also, reach out to people through social media such as: Twitter, GooglePlus, Facebook, Goodreads, and more.

If you are interested in taking your book to the next level then you must push yourself and believe in your work. “When passion meets excellence then the limits are removed.” – Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva

About Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva

20Jan 2015

Is Self-Publishing Right For You? Question #1

by Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva ⋅ Leave a Comment

Is self-publishing right for you? Here is one reason for why you should or shouldn’t self-publish your book.

1. Are you only interested in the milestone of publishing your book or do you plan to sell millions of copies?

Some people are only interested in publishing their book. Their goal is neither to sell tons of copies nor to become rich. Believe it or not, but some people are only interested in achieving milestones for the sake of self-gratification. Well, what does that mean?

Think of having a bucket list where the first item on your list is to become a published author. Even more so, think about dedicating the next two to three years of your life simply to see your title in print or better yet, to see your book on Amazon.

There are many authors that rarely sell any books. It’s not because the book is poorly written or that the main character is unforgettable. It’s likely due to the lack of advertisement which as a result can hinder sales.

You’re probably wondering why would someone write a book and not advertise it? Well, the answer is simple. The creative side and the marketing side are two different things. Some people are only wired to be creative and inventive, and are unable to tap into their left brain thinking in order to manage their book events, attend book fairs, or organize book signings. The marketing aspect is a different animal to tame and therefore some people don’t have the desire to do it. Some are pleased with just scratching that item off of their bucket list. Is that you?

Check out Ways to Promote Your Book for tips on advertising and promoting your novel!

About Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva

17Jan 2015

5 Reasons Why You Should Self-Publish

by Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva ⋅ Leave a Comment

5 reasons why self-publishing is right for you

Self-publishing is not for everyone, but it offers another route for those that want to carry out their own vision. There are many reasons to self-publish, but below are the top five.

1. CREATIVE CONTROL
As a self-publisher, you have the ability to be your own boss and manage the whole operation. You are able to set your own goals and deadlines. Traditional publishers rarely solicit your input in the creative or marketing side. Normally, they determine the release date for your book in addition to the book’s cover. With self-publishing, you are able to design your own cover, determine the book format and size, and much more!

2. COMPENSATION
You are able to potentially make more money as a self-publisher because you cut out the middle man and the unwanted costs that traditional publishers pay.

3. THE LONG HAUL
Traditional publishers stop promoting your book once the new best thing hits the market or once your sales drop. As a self-publisher, you can promote your book for as long as you like.

4. PRICING
Self-publishers can adjust the price of their book whenever they decide to. As a marketing tool, you can lower the price during the holiday season or offer an ebook version for a fraction of the cost.

5. FLEXIBILITY
There is minimal flexibility with traditional publishers. As a self-publisher, you can change the release date of your book in order to buy you more time. You are able to periodically adjust your wholesale discount. You are even able to offer freebies and giveaways in order to expand your customer base.

Still not sure, then check out Is Self-Publishing Right For You?

About Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva

29Apr 2014

Welcome to my blog!

by Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva ⋅ Leave a Comment

Welcome to my writer blog, teacher blog, and self-publishing blog

Welcome! I’m Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva, author of the award-winning Broccoli Chronicles. This is where you find writing and educational tools to help kickstart your writing career.

Check out our resources and tools for aspiring writers, self-publishers, educators, and folks who love to read children’s books.