START WITH AN IDEA:

When you start writing a manuscript and an idea pops into your head [for me] it is an annoying buzzing that will not quit.

It takes over my thoughts until I either dictate into a tape recorder or go directly to my computer and start typing. Immediately, my head stops buzzing and I can concentrate on other matters.

Once it is in my computer I can go back to it on a daily basis and add and delete to my hearts content. If my brain is really cooking, my story takes on a life of its own and somehow I am happy with the results.

TRUST IN YOURSELF:

Trust in yourself. When you start showing your manuscript to other people for their opinion, you will be overwhelmed. But you are the author and you make the final decision.

Once the manuscript is written a decision needs to be made. What

am I going to do with it? Does it sit in my computer until it crashes or am I going to try and sell it? or self publish.

An author said to me once and this has stuck with me to this very day. "Only you can make the decision to publish your work. If you don't have confidence in yourself, nobody else will."

WRITING CAN BE EXPENSIVE:

After trying the conventional way to sell two (2) of my books to a publishing company, I decided the expenses were too high and added up fast.

Publishing has changed over the last few years. Publishers are interested in self-help books, or nonfiction manuscripts. My children's books did not interest them.

EXPENSES FOR MAILING YOUR BOOK TO PUBLISHERS:

(1) Double Postage

(2) Copying

(3) Ink cartridges

(4) Double Envelopes

(5) Paper

SELF PUBLISHING:

I decided, I was going to take the expenses for trying to sell my book the conventional method and use the money to self publishing my book.

ALWAYS THINK WITH A BUSINESS HEAD AND NOT WITH YOUR EMOTIONS.

EDITING:

It is not feasible to edit your own work. You are to close to it and you do not see what other people see. Either have a friend edit it or hire a professional editor. Make sure your manuscript is as perfect as you can get it before you publish it. Your name will be on it.

ILLUSTRATIONS:

A children's book definitely needs illustrations. They give the book life. The illustrations and the written word together create the finished product. When you are happy with this you have a winner.

EXPENSES FOR SELF PUBLISHING YOUR BOOK:

(1) Editing

(2) Illustrations

(3) Postage

(4) Copying

(5) Blank CD's or Floppy Discs

(6) Paper

(7) Ink Cartridges

(8) Envelopes

(10)Expenses for Marketing and Advertising

(11)Fee for Self Publishing

BIG EXPENSIVE MISTAKE:

Don't make the same mistake I did and choose the first self publisher that happened to pop up in your computer search. I paid my money and even went and visited the publishing company, but they never could get their act together and my book was never published. I did receive a portion of my money back but I was stressed and very disappointed. That was my first amateur dealings in the publishing world. I will never make that mistake again.

LOOKING FOR A GOOD SELF PUBLISHER:

The next time, I wanted to publish my book, I went to several classes taught by a published author. They have already been through the steps and they are there to answer questions.

PRINT ON DEMAND (POD)

Print On Demand (POD) makes it easy to order one (1) book at a time or thousands at a time. They do give great discounts when you buy your book in bulk or when other people buy your book in bulk.

PACKAGE DEALS:

Some Self Publishing companies have package deals for marketing your book. They also offer the service of editing and illustrations. Some of the publishers will even offer audio book packages. Check out what is best for you and your budget.

FORMATTING YOUR BOOK:

Formatting is the arranging and presenting of your book in the structural way it will be printed. I had formatted my own book to my own specifications. It made me feel very special.

HOLDING MY BOOK:

I will never be able to tell you how I felt to hold my very own first, published book, in my hands. I gave birth to my book and all my characters. They are now part of my family.

BOOK COVER:

The publishing company created my book cover. I really love it. They did a great job. This was included in the original publishing fee.

GRAB YOUR DREAM:

I am very happy with the final results of my first book. I think the publishing company did a wonderful job in a very short period of time. Go for that dream. Keep writing and self publish like I did if you want to take your dreams to the next level.

When you are a writer you feel special because people treat you special. It is a wonderful feeling. Enjoy it. You earned it!

MARKETING YOUR BOOK:

There are many books on marketing for authors. Try reading a couple of them and you will get some ideas.

FROM PRINT TO AN AUDIO BOOK:

I am working now on narrating my book onto a CD. It is a little complicated but the end results will be well worth it. This is a short list of what you will need:

(1) Software

(2) A good microphone or digital tape recorder.

(3) A good voice for narrating your book.

(4) Being creative for sound effects.

(5) Being able to edit the software.

There are many people who are blind, can not read or do not have the time to read. It is so easy to slap a CD into your car as you are driving along and listen to a wonderful book that absorbs your mind but watch your driving.

E BOOKS:

E books are very popular now. This is another way to publish your book. Anything, you do is a plus to get the word out that you are a writer to be taken seriously.

INTERNET:

Selling your book in bulk on the internet is the next best way to sell your book. This is where your marketing skills are required to get your book noticed and sold.

ARTICLES:

Keep writing. I was very excited when I learned about these Ezine articles. I immediately started writing my first one. The best part of all is my book information is on this article. Marketing and Advertising in one short article - FREE.

PUBLIC SPEAKING:

The best person to market your book is you. Your emotions and knowledge of the subject you have written about is the key to your success. Start looking for places that you can give a talk about your book and sell it in the back of the room.

If you are nervous about speaking in public try joining Toastmasters. I did. I really love it. It is a wonderful way to get your creative juices flowing. When the weekly session is adjourned you feel alive and connected to the creativity bursting within yourself.

FAIRS OR CRAFT SHOWS:

Look for fairs or craft shows. They are a wonderful place to sell your book. You can sell your book in bulk while meeting your new fans. Always keep your eyes and ears open to a new idea to market your book.

Let me hear from you. Post a comment on this article. Check out my other articles.

Copyright 2005 to Linda Meckler

Linda has given you wonderful tips for marketing your book.

Currently she is the author of "Ghost Kids Trilogy," three books in one book. CHRISTY 12, AND HER BROTHER BRAD, 16 MOVE INTO AN OLD HOUSE ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN AND MEET TWO GHOST KIDS. Meet a Magical Blue Vase. Join Christy and Brad on a Pirates' Treasure Hunt. ADVENTURE/MYSTERY Love, Family Values and Charity burst off the pages.