Publicizing Your Self-Published Book

Self-publishing is becoming more and more popular these days.  One teen publisher - I think it was called Flux - was actually trying to persuade authors to come to them instead of self-publishing.  If persuasion is needed, you know that self-publishing has some benefits that publishers don't.  Here are some ways you can publicize your book if you don't have a publisher to do it for you.

If you want to sell your book on Amazon, or anything like that, you'll need to get an ISBN number.  This is a thirteen-digit number that goes on the back of the book next to the barcode, and it is used to identify your book and you.  Unfortunately, getting ISBN's aren't as easy as a click of the computer mouse.  Morris Publishing, the company we're going to use, says,

Morris Publishing cannot apply for you since we are the printer, not the publisher. Use caution – some companies offer "discounted" ISBNs; however, they will be listed as the publisher, not you.

Filing for a single ISBN can be done at www.myidentifiers.com for $125. Create an account so you can manage all your ISBNs. When you file for a single ISBN, you will receive it right away and can then assign book information that will automatically be filed with Books in Print, the main directory used by bookstores, retailers, and libraries.

1.  Okay, I don't know if this still goes on, but the Panera Bread chain used to have a deal where first-time authors could come in and advertise their books.  I really don't know all the details, and I looked for a hint of anything like that on their website....but no luck.  I think if you want to pursue this you'd have to contact them personally.

2.  Local bookstores - especially small chains.  My dad already talked to the lady at our small, local bookstore, and it sounds promising.  They just want to see the book before consenting to let me sell it there (probably for a modest slice of profit) to make sure it's not something I stapled together at home.  :P

3.  Coffee shops.  You can always ask! Never know what kind of opportunities could turn up.

4.  Book fairs.  If all goes well, I hope to sell my book at MACHE, the annual homeschool conference in our state.

5.  Amazon.  Go to the very bottom and click, "Sell Items".  (Well, duh.)  They do charge a selling fee.  Of course.  I'm not sure if I'll do this yet.

6.  Blogging! All of you know almost all about my book, and hopefully I'll sell a few copies through that.  No pressure... ;)

Well, all till next time! Tell me if you have any questions or anything and I'll try to find out for you.

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P.S. I've been meaning to post this for a long time, but my friends Bethany and Elianna have started a wedding blog HERE! I'm sure it would make their day if you became a follower.

Thanks for reading,

Ellyn