One thing many indie authors realize is that they’re not just publishing a book, they’re essentially starting an author business. Here's what you need to get it going and headed toward success.
1. Choose a Business Name/Publishing Imprint Your publishing imprint might not carry the kind of power and weight associated with Penguin Random House or HarperCollins, but it does say something about the author brand you're building. Whether or not you plan to register your imprint as an actual business has little effect on what you should (or shouldn't) name it.
Remember, the name you choose as your publishing imprint will convey your author brand, so choose wisely.
2. Choose a Logo for Your Publisher Imprint
Your imprint logo won't be as recognizable as the penguin on the spine of Penguin classics or the house of the Random House, but you should still consider it the face of your author brand. Like your author business name, your logo should reflect the values you want to convey. Choose colors that match or complement your author website and keep it simple. Remember, the logo needs to fit on the spine of your books yet still be able to communicate your author brand at a glance, so best not to choose something too intricate. Like your business name, your logo must be completely original; you cannot use an image you don't own. Consider hiring a professional book designer to create an imprint logo for you. That way you'll be sure not to infringe on anyone's copyrighted image or use one that you shouldn't.
3. Set a Budget
You’re most likely already aware that as an independent publisher you'll be investing money in your book for services like the ones we covered in Chapter 4. However, you should simultaneously be creating a book marketing plan that enables you to earn that money back. Your book marketing strategy should be in full swing as you work to bring your book to market, so you avoid digging a financial hole. Publishing a book and setting it for distribution will sell some books organically, but it takes more than that to sell a substantial amount of books. As the owner of an author business, consider the marketing you'll need to do to get the word out about your book and help you recoup your investment when you begin the publishing journey, not after your book has already published.
4. Hire Help
Although you might have some professional skills in the areas of editing, design, website creation, publicity, and marketing, it's a monumental task to do it all. Should you decide to take it all on, be sure to do some research in order to find the best DIY tools available to help you do things the right way. And don't be shy about hiring the kind of help you need to give your author business its best chance for success.
1. Passion
Entrepreneurs tend to be highly passionate about their work. In truth, this passion is what often propels them to success. After all, passion is contagious. As an author, no one else is going to be as passionate about your book as you are. Let your enthusiasm about sharing the message your book communicates shine through when you talk with others.
2. Willingness to Try New Things
An open mind is required to try new things. Don’t stay set in your ways. Successful book marketing requires that you adopt new strategies. Instead of just hearing or thinking about new great book marketing ideas, try some out. Watch what other successful authors are doing and use what makes sense for your books.
3. Networking Savvy
Business is all about relationships. Solid relationships are the pathway to success. After all, the number one reason people buy a book is because they have received a recommendation from someone they trust. The more you work on building relationships with readers, the wider your audience will be for your book. Building relationships with other authors can also help pave the way for more success. Collaboration is a powerful tool.
4. Creativity and Ability to Think Outside the Box
Entrepreneurs are creative problem solvers. They are able to apply unconventional approaches to overcome challenges. As an author, your challenge is to get your book noticed. This takes creative, out-of-the-box thinking. Being able to brainstorm creative techniques for your book promotion strategies is important.
5. Being Ready for Roadblocks
Entrepreneurs understand that they will face challenges. Being mentally prepared to deal with these setbacks is crucial for success. Life and business are not easy. As an author, you will run into roadblocks and become frustrated when your efforts don’t produce fruit. A mindset that is ready to overcome challenges will serve you well.
6. Determination
Determination is all about the firmness of your purpose. Determined individuals don’t easily give up. They stick it out for the long haul. Entrepreneurs know they must work hard to succeed. Determination will get you where brains and brawn cannot. So, be determined, and be resolved to do what it takes to get your book and message to the people who need it.
Incorporate these traits into your life and act like the entrepreneur you already are as an indie author and now as a self-publisher. When you do, you'll be ready to publish like a professional.
This chapter was compiled from the following posts on the IngramSpark blog:
"7 Traits for Becoming an Indie Publisher" by Sarah Bolme, Director of Christian Small Publishers Association
"Tips for Starting a Publishing Business" by IngramSpark Staff
