With self-publishing a non-fiction book, there are two roads to choose from, depending on your aims. So let’s look at some self-publishing methods.

So you want to Sell to Bookstores?

If you believe your book will be pertinent to most traditional bookstore readers, then you could use a book distributor. If you do this, you will need to order at least 500 copies minimum, and you’ll have to prepare your efforts (after writing) around six months ahead of launch date. The distributor will expect about 65-70% of the RRP. As an Indie publisher, you’ll only have two or three distributors to try, and the book must be of top quality, with a fairly prominent market.

It’s also a lot more work and expense because you’ll have to either do PR a lot (go on the radio, write releases to business media, forge relationships with magazine editors and so on) or hire a book publicist.  You may pay to advertise in Books+Publishing magazine, like all the other traditional publishers.

With a book publishing budget of around $5,000 (incl. upfront print order, ISBN, layout, advert, and change fees) this may be viable for you, if you calculate good profits after say 50% are sold. (You could also approach a niche publisher/small press).

There is another way.

Maybe you want to Sell to your Audience…

If you speak regularly, or you’re a trainer, or you have a huge social media presence (talking thousands here), then you might consider selling books or product to your students or audience.

… You can still opt to sell print-on-demand through online bookstores, for a small number of sales.

… You can sell books through your own web store or retail/market stall.

… You can even sell books through Facebook (non-direct) and Amazon, and ebooks through Smashwords, iBooks, B&N Nook, Amazon Kindle, etc.  AND

… You can sell books or DVDs at your talks, workshops and seminars.


Print-On-Demand Suppliers

  1. IngramSpark (Lightning Source’s simple platform) — Great for hardback, nice look to covers, speedy turnaround, expensive to ship small orders.
  2. Lulu.com — Dip your toe in with POD here, but don’t use their editing services.
  3. Amazon KDP and Kindle Print — Some love it, no revision fees, author copy shipping can be expensive and readers must wait 5-15 days.
  4. Blurb — best for Photo books, fairly expensive print costs. (Can also utilise Ingram distribution through Blurb).
  5. Barnes&Noble Press — more tailored for a northern hemisphere audience. Not sure.

If any other company is offering print-supplier services, we advise to be on the alert.


Lessen your Risk with Self-Publishing Methods

Self-publishing is fraught with difficulty, yet it can be really good for business or career… so first:

  • Get some advice on strategy (covering goals, branding and book channels).
  • Pay for editing
  • Publicise your work inside your profession
  • Get the unpaid blog force to review it

If you write non-fiction and you’d like help with editing, manuscript review or a marketing plan, please enquire with Jennifer today.

If you want to publicise your work, with media lists, email autoresponders, and social media tools, then see the course at http://www.BusinessAuthorAcademy.com.  

Next, readSelf-Publishing Distribution

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