It used to be where if you wanted to write and publish a book you had to contact a publishing agency, and hope that they felt your book was marketable. You also had to hope that they didn’t like and steal the concept of your book. It was an intimating process for some.
Owning a bookshelf with books that you actually read was a big thing for many before the mass popularity of the internet, and way before the Kindle. If you borrowed someone’s book, they wanted it returned because they were going to read it again, or it was a beloved part of their collection. Today, downloading ebooks onto our phones is more common. But, there is still something about holding a physical book that gives it meaning.
To have written a book holds prestige.
I remember when I first learned about the option to publish a book on your own (self publish). I thought it was creative and amazing that you didn’t have to go through what seemed to be a rigorous process to have your book published for the world to read. Unfortunately, when self publishing first became popular people didn’t consider the importance of the visual aspect or marketing. In other words, many of these books didn’t look professional. Previously, I would see independently published books with interesting art on the covers, illegible fonts, and sometimes no title on the cover as a way to “standout” and be “creative.” Yet, the author was still proud of his accomplishment.
With the accessibly of technology, and the internet, a buyer can no longer tell the difference of some books that were self published or published by a company. You still have those who could use a bit of help, and that’s what (or who) this article is for.
When a writer writes a book it is first and foremost for them. A project that they dedicated personal time to, or a story they felt compelled to share with the world. If that individual is presenting this book with a plan, it is then for that specific target audience. Meaning, how visually attractive the book is matters. It matters a whole lot.
Currently, I have self published 25 books (and counting) that I completed using Amazon KDP. Below are the top 5 tools that I use.
1. Fiverr
Your cover can sell your book better than you can. Having an eye catching cover draws people in. If you aren’t as savvy with graphic design, I would highly recommend hiring a freelance artist on Fiverr.com. The website connects you with professional and talented individuals from around the world. Many of which design book covers specifically.
I use this website to promote my design services, but I also use the website for others graphic editing services. You can find someone to do pretty much any service you need.
2. Canva
The book cover template heaven. Sometimes all we need is an example or layout and we’ve got it from there. Canva.com is an amazing simple graphic design software that is available for desktop and phone. What I like about the mobile app is that there isn’t much of a difference and you are able use the program in the same way as you would on your computer.
With the templates search option not only are you able to review different cover designs but you can use Canva to create your interior design as well.
3. ilovepdf.com
The service offers its users a web and mobile application which allows users to manipulate documents and/or images through online comprehensive software. As you start creating books you learn about how different programs work, with the previously mentioned program Canva, the user can download a PDF file up to 100 pages. I was getting ready to finish a 250 page book when I realized my pages were cut off. The website ilovepdf.com allows you to combine PDFs so that your books manuscript is longer.
4. Creative Fabrica
Their goal is simple, to provide exceptional resources for your projects at a fair price. The website creativefabrica.com has thousands of fonts, graphics and various types of book interiors that are copyright free.
5. Bookbolt.io
No more are the days of struggling to get your book just right and up to Amazon’s high printing standards. Using the Book Bolt Cover and Interior Designer, you can design beautiful books and interior templates with just a few clicks of a button.
With Amazon KDP the keywords that you use are very very important. Without the proper keywords people searching for your type of book may not be able to ever find you. Bookbolt has a built in keyword research tool to help you with making sure that your book gets noticed.
How many words does your book need?
The average short story is 5,000 to 10,000 words and when writing a book the best way to keep track of your wordcount is by creating your manuscript in Microsoft Word or uploading it to Word from whatever program that you are using. At the bottom of the document the exact number of words typed will show.
Bonus: Book Marketing Tip
For me, I create books as a hobby, having fun with designing the covers myself and researching the proper keywords. For some, the goal might be to create one great book and live off of it’s income for a few years or longer. (Self publishing is a great passive income source.) If you are one of those individuals who would just like to focus on one book, or a book series I would recommend creating an author’s blog or website using WordPress.
Book Coaching Services
Still looking for help with publishing your first book?
Packages:
Low Content Book Creation
Price: $200
Details: One niche themed journal created, including cover design and basic lined interior. Copyrights released to buyer. Ready for complete upload to Amazon.
Author Personal Branding Coaching
Price: $1,000 (Per Month)
Details: Everything you need to know about self publishing from A-Z. From trending niches, how to get into retail spaces, marketing assistance, to all the secrets to self publishing success.
Author Website
Price: $1,500
Details: Website designed specifically for marketing and book promotion. Includes personal branding coaching.
Article By K. Crystal Carter
K. Crystal Carter is a cryptocurrency and blockchain enthusiast who is originally from Oakland, California. She has 7.5 years of experience in the financial industry, and 6 years of being a cannabis hydroponics grow director and cannabis advocate at local City Hall meetings. She writes publishes various books on different topics as a hobby. She currently resides in Las Vegas as one of the lead Earthy Realist team members.
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
EarthyRealist.com 