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Nearly every aspect of the publishing process can be outsourced. That’s essentially how traditional publishing works, and outsourcing can also work in self-publishing.

However, do you really want to outsource all the decisions to someone else?

The objective of this class is to educate you, an author considering or choosing self-publishing, about the important decisions you need to make and things you need to do during the book preparation process that have an impact on marketing success once your book is released.

These decisions and steps are rarely considered “book marketing,” yet marketing can and does suffer if these tasks are not done correctly, or not done at all.

One alternative? Rushing through the publishing process and believing that marketing begins on release day. We’re not going to do that.

Savvy authors think beyond post-publication marketing. What can you do now, before your book is released, to ensure lasting success? This class will teach you how to “bake in” marketing during the publishing process so your book stays relevant, and marketable, for longer.

Attendees of this class will learn about:

• The forever decisions: 9 things you cannot change without republishing your book
• 4 types of comparable research and how each contributes to a successful launch
• Why creating a distribution plan is the first and most important step in self-publishing
• How to coordinate print book pre-ordering using IngramSpark and Amazon KDP to meet deadlines, make/save money, and avoid publishing the wrong version of your book
• How to use the A-B-C list method for reaching testimonial writers, influencers, and readers/buyers
• Formulating a review strategy: a framework for seeking and using editorial and customer reviews during book preparation
• How to leverage the strengths of self-publishing when it comes to distribution, pricing, media outreach, and contacting influencers
• Case studies showing how people with limited free time put these principles to work to achieve their goals. (Spoiler alert: the key is sustained effort.)

Many of the steps in publishing are interrelated, so understanding what a task entails or why it is important can be as, if not more, important than how to do something. And it’s sometimes the questions that authors don’t know they should ask that often turn out to be of major importance.

This class goes beyond the “how to” and help pages of the major self-publishing platforms and tools in order to address the most common questions self-publishing authors ask, as well as the steps they most often struggle with.

Our primary focus is to explain the marketing significance of these interrelated steps and shine a light on those tasks that are impossible or expensive to fix if not done correctly.

What you’ll receive

Each attendee will receive five handouts (after class, with the recording) to help them put the topics in this class to immediate use.

1. Book Launch Timeline at a Glance
2. Distribution Metadata Questionnaire
3. Creating A-B-C Lists for Email Marketing
4. What Is a Self-Publishing Imprint and Why Is It Important
5. Why Reviews Matter

Who should take this class

• Authors who plan to self-publish, with or without assistance
• Authors self-publishing books sold through online retailers or in bookstores
• Authors who have already self-published and want to “do it right” this time

This class is not suited for

• Authors pursuing traditional publishing
• Authors who intend to pursue and pay a hybrid publisher
• Authors interested in academic, government, or corporate publishing
• Authors interested in specific advertising and promotion tactics
• Authors looking for advice about designing a book cover, book formatting, or how to upload files to retailers.

How do I attend the live class?

This class uses Zoom webinar technology (see system requirements). You will join through your Internet-connected computer or mobile device. When you register, you will receive information via email on how to join the class. If you don’t receive it within 1 hour of registering, please contact us.

• When: Wednesday, May 15, 2024
• Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Eastern / 10:00 a.m. Pacific
• Registration fee: $25

The webinar is broadcast via the internet with live audio delivered through your computer or mobile device speakers. The visual presentation is displayed directly from the presenter’s computer to your computer screen. The Q&A is managed through a chat-style submission system with questions read and answered by the presenter for the entire class to hear.

Closed captions are provided during the live class. We use Zoom’s automated closed caption service (powered by Otter), which is about 80%+ accurate. We also use Otter AI to generate an unedited transcript, provided with the recording.

Testimonials

All students receive the following

• Access to live class. After roughly 75 minutes, the instructor will take questions during class using in-class chat/text. The class will end after roughly 90 minutes.
• A recording of the class—audio and video. This is especially helpful if you have a conflict with the class time or something comes up and you can’t make the session. Each registration comes with access to the archived version of the program and the materials for 30 days. You do not have to attend the live event to access the recordings.
• Presentation slides. All participants receive a copy of the slide presentation in PDF form.
• Rough transcript. We use Otter to create an automated transcript of the entire webinar, which we’ll share with you in addition to the audio and video recording.
• Instructor handouts. You’ll receive five handouts afterward (with the recording) to help you put the information in this class to immediate use.

Event Attendance & Anti-Harassment Policy

We strive to provide an environment where all present—whether attendee, presenter, or staff—can feel supported. In order to ensure a welcoming event, here is what we expect from all who participate.

• That the presenter and the presenter’s work be treated with respect by attendees and that all attendees treat each other with respect and a generosity of spirit.
• That attendees will refrain from harassment of any sort including (but not limited to) comments or questions of a racist, homophobic, sexist/sexual, or threatening nature. This includes actions that disrupt or interfere with anyone’s ability to participate. Offenders will be disconnected from the live event.