IT'S A PROCESS!
I knew when I started on this self publishing journey it wouldn't be a walk in the park. Just common sense told me that in order to take on the functions of a traditional publishers there would be failures and successes; but mostly failures.
The ability to come up with stories was never a concern for me, because my stories come from dreams; day or night ones, and I dream a lot.
I didn't have an issue with the writing part of it because my years I spent in private school gave me a basic command of the sentence structure.
Where the win and failure process come into play is with the peripheral services and tasks you have to do before you're able to release your book to your readers.
The first is coming up with a very good editor. And when I say good I mean talented and cheap lol. Yes that is right boys and girls. The tab the traditional publisher used to pick up is now on your shoulders. There are editors out there that came to the same realization that you did. They can make more money working independently than with a publisher. So don't be surprise to see guesstimates upward of $2000.
Then you need proof readers,. and beta readers, and tigers "Oh my!"
Next you need to decide which online book retailer you want to go with. Amazon, Kobo, Ingram Sparks, Book baby and the list goes on and on.
What format do you want it to go in? eBook? paperback? hardback? outback? audible?
The last format (audible) you're going to find is not cheap unless you want to do it yourself. I'm planning on doing it myself.
Then you have to deal with marketing and promoting your books. Which ad service will work for you and which doesn't? What are the algorithms needed to get the most clicks?
Have you built up your social following or did you think fans would just drop in your lap? Do you have Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, twitter, your own website, blog, goodreads, author central and so many others I can't keep track of them.
And finally you can have all the above but if you don't have a cover that draws the reader in, you're not going to sell.
Again you have cover designers who are independent and making a lot of money. Some charge a lot and they are very good and some suck. Other's don't charge as much (fiverr) and are good and suck also. It's just a hit and miss thing. I've spent a few dollars on some covers that I've regretted, but I finally have found a great cover designer. I will probably have him redo my previous 8 books.
So at the end of the day, when I looked at the above cover, I decided the process was well worth it.
Jerrimiah Stonecastle
Stonecastle Publications LLC
"Throwing Stones at a Glass House"
