A big thing I’ve learned so far self-publishing (well, working my way toward it) is that lots of planning goes into it. Even as you’re writing the book, you still have to plan. You have to plan your next book; you have to plan for editing, release dates, and bunches of other things. I’ve read plenty of articles where people argue for traditional publishing for this reason. They say it takes up so much time, time that could be used writing. You know what? It’s called time management. And you also know what? I don’t spend every minute of my day writing. I just don’t. Nor do I spend all day planning stuff, but some things you do have to plan for:
Your next book
You want that thing almost ready to go as soon as the first one releases. You can’t wait too long to release your next book because you want to stay fresh in people’s minds.
Editing
Lots of editors fill up months in advance. If you want your book to release on time, make sure you have your editing lined up. And once it’s edited still make sure you have some time to read through it again and get yourself a printed proof copy (if you’re planning for print).
Cover Release/Blog Tour/Book Blitz
Many of the blog tour sites also fill up in advance. I waited a bit too long to schedule my blog tour, so it’s taking place 20 days after my release, but that’s okay because you still have to keep word out about your book even after the initial release.
Advertising
Same thing. Depending on where you plan to advertise, make sure you book it in advance. I booked my banner for a popular YA site a couple of months in advance, and some of the other ad locations on the site were already sold out until the beginning of next year.
The Cover
I almost forgot the cover! I make all my own covers, so mine are done well in advance, but still, I go back like five hundred times and make small changes. But plan for an awesome cover and time if you need any revisions to it. Don’t settle on some cheap looking thing. If you don’t have the skills, seek someone out, and make sure that someone you seek has the skills. Also remember, if you’re doing a cover reveal or blog tour or anything, your cover needs to be done in advance.
I think I covered a good chunk of all the things you have to plan when you’re self-publishing. Even if you’re publishing traditionally you still have to plan some things too (marketing, your next book), so it’s not just us indie folk.
Bye for now!