One of the most nerve-wracking parts of being an author is waiting to see the fruits of your hard labor and trying not to be nervous about whether it looks like you envisioned. In my case, this time is the hardest it’s ever been to wait, because I did almost every part of this book on my own! From writing to cover design to formatting to sourcing interior illustrations–it’s 100% my baby. My team this time was editor Fiona and my trusty alpha readers Christopher and Stacie. [I couldn’t do this without them!]
I did it DIY.
In the past, I have hired a very capable, lovely agency [3 Ferns] to handle hiring an editor, doing formatting, and cover creation, and they also talked me through all the small details that one needs to know in order to have a successful book launch. And there are so many small details! You need ISBNs. You need an illustrator or someone who can design from the appropriate assets. You need to arrange paperback and ebook distribution across platforms and countries. I could go on and on, but the gist of it is that I carefully absorbed the process while I published my first three books, so that I could eventually do everything myself, or at least as much of it as I could.
If you are a writer and are considering self-publication, these are skills that are worth acquiring. In my case, I was happy to pay someone else to do it and chose to be involved so that I could educate myself, but I’m not in a position these days to hire out that work. Thankfully most of these tasks weren’t far removed from my current skillset. There’s nothing wrong with paying someone else to do these things, though! These are things that a traditionally published author’s publisher would do for them, but there’s often less control involved for the author. [see my various discussions about traditional vs. self-publishing]
What’s next?
Now that I’ve seen the proof and know that it lives up to my expectations, my next step is to approve the book to go to print. There’s a pre-order option available on Amazon for the ebook but paperbacks can only have a scheduled release date. However! You can preorder the paperback directly from me, and if you do that you’ll get a signed paperback and a cute package of carefully chosen extra goodies too. I’ve already set up ebook distribution across multiple platforms, but it always takes a bit longer for paperbacks. Eventually you’ll be able to find ASLID on all of them.
After I approve the proof, I’ll also order my own copies for sales via my website and in person. If you’re in the Baltimore area, you’ll have several opportunities to purchase them from me and chat with me in person!
What happens to your proof copies?
That’s a very good question! Some authors will give them away to readers or friends. Me, I use them as “book bible” additions–I’ll highlight, tab, and bookmark quotes and excerpts for future readings, discussion, and promos. I treat them as precious, because they are! I don’t feel bad marking them up; that’s part of their purpose for me. I have proof copies for all four of my novels now, and I refer to them often.
I also keep author copies, by the way. I love the way they look on my shelf! I do readings with them sometimes though I prefer to print out the reading selection because it’s easier to read from and avoid stumbling or mistakes when reading. But there’s nothing cooler looking than reading from your own book, right?
Don’t forget the Launch Party is coming!
Speaking of readings, I’d love if you joined my Launch Party! It’s happening on April 4th at 2pm EDT, and it’s free on Zoom. I will read from A Small Light in the Darkness, as well as hold an author chat where who knows what I’ll discuss? There will definitely be some talk about the soundtrack, connecting with total strangers in probably ill-advised ways, real life locations highlighted in the story, and what parts of the plot were based on actual scientific research. You can register for the Launch Party right here: https://christianeknight.myflodesk.com/qav0bga5rp
