THE EXPERIENCES OF A
FIRST-TIME SELF PUBLISHER
For me, to
help me clarify my thoughts, to assess my progress – or otherwise – and to look
back on what worked, what didn’t and what might.
For other first-timers who are publishing, or considering doing so – who
just might laugh a little, learn a little, and avoid some of my mistakes.
For the world at large – hoping some of you will find my experiences of
interest, and maybe chip in with ideas and suggestions of your own.
FIRST FALTERING STEPS
Publish on Kindle, for free?
Sounded too good to be true! I looked into it, and discovered that yes – it is
true. Not only true, but publishing looked amazingly easy. I ploughed through
the publishing section on the Amazon site and formatted my book as per instructions.
A few hitches with the table of contents were quickly sorted.
So far, so good. Now for the
scary part. I am computer literate to a point – very comfortable with email, word
processing, searching the web, ordering goodies on-line - but this was a whole
new ball-game. Still, nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Equipped with formatted book
file, computer and IT-knowledgeable friend Elisabeth, I sat down to do the
great deed. A moment of panic when the system demanded something called an IBAN
in order to pay my royalties. Elisabeth calmed me down and a close examination
of my bank statement discovered said IBAN lurking quietly in the top corner.
Filled in the rest of the boxes, pressed the publish button, and success! Your
book, the system informed me, will be available on the Amazon site in
approximately twelve hours.
Twelve hours plus one minute
later, I raced to the computer and logged in. Yes – there it was! My novel – my
very own novel – up there for all the world to see and buy. Starry eyed, I floated
up there on cloud nine, my imagination running riot as wonderful visions flashed
through my mind – the fantastic reviews, the bestseller list. Move over J. K.
Rowling, I’m on my way. When are they making the film?
Well, it was very nice up
there in the clouds, but then reality set in. Did I say it was easy? Yes, I did
– or to be more exact, I said that the publishing part was easy. Enthusiastic,
impetuous and incredibly naïve, I hadn’t really thought further than that. But a
couple of weeks later, I am just beginning to realise how much I still have to
learn.
Watch this space!
