For several years, Aaron’s Aiming at Amazon was the major guidebook for self-publishing authors who hoped to sell their books on Amazon.com.
This was one of the first books I bought when I decided to self-publish in 2008. I learned a lot from "Aiming" and from Aaron’s Perfect Pages, which explains how to produce a book using Microsoft Word. Aaron's POD for Profit updates "Aiming." His From Word to Kindle will be a big help to ebook newbies. Aaron is a frequent contributor to the Yahoo print on demand publishers group, where many people depend on his advice.
Aaron taught me a lot. I’m particularly grateful for this advice: “Set the book aside for a month or two.”
In 2011 I wrote and published eight books. That's much too high a number for a one-person publishing company -- especially when the boss has another business, with employees, to watch over. I learned that it takes much more time and effort to promote a book than to write it. In 2012 I cut way back. (However, 2013 may turn out to be busier than 2011.)
The 100 Worst Self-Publishing Misteaks: How amateurs can publish books like professionals -- or even better was supposed to be published in July of 2011.
Co-author Sheila Clark and I worked on it intermittently, but now it's almost finished. I learned a lot when I wasn't working on it, and the book will be better because of the pauses.
...
And now some reasons to NOT delay a book:
- You may lose interest in the subject.
- The subject may become less relevant to potential readers.
- There may be fewer potential readers.
- Someone else may publish a similar book.
- The similar book(s) may be better than yours.
- You can't stand reading it again and again.
- You have come to hate the title.
- You have come to hate the cover.
- You delay income.
- You may become ill, disabled or dead.
I felt a disconnect between your headline and showing Aaron's picture below. As you described how Aaron has helped you I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, which it didn't. Not a big deal, just my 2c.
ReplyDeleteThat aside, thanks for your insights on your blog. It's always a pleasure to read your posts.