Here are our top suggestions for self-published Australian authors who are just entering the world of self-publishing their first book!
Writing a great book and completing your manuscript is just the first part of being an author, and once you write ‘The end,’ the hard work really starts, which is why we wrote this article about the top suggestions for self-published Australian authors. However, these suggestions apply to Australian authors as well.
If you’ve been searching online for great suggestions for self-published Australian authors who are just entering the publishing world, you’ve come to the right place. Starting in the competitive self-publishing industry is never easy. It’s not without its ups and downs, and just when you think you have a good understanding, something changes, and you’re back to square one all over again.
For authors still considering their self-publishing options, we created a comprehensive guide to Amazon KDP, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing for Australian Authors: The Complete Guide to Amazon KDP! This guide provides an in-depth overview of how Amazon KDP works.
Top 10 Suggestions for Self-Published Australian Authors
#1 – Always Allow Yourself More Time than You Think You’ll Need
Throughout the self-publishing process, you’ll go through multiple stages, including writing, self-editing, review, editing, print and ebook formatting, cover design, proofreading, uploading and publishing, reviewing proof copies, and marketing. Each of these steps can take longer than you expect, and one delay can have a flow-on effect throughout the rest of the process.
While some components can be done simultaneously, such as cover design and editing, which will speed up the process, self-publishing and marketing require all other aspects to be completed. Rather than setting a date and rushing through the preceding steps, schedule your publication and marketing dates near the end of the project and allow time for any last-minute changes. Don’t try to rush to meet a deadline that was never achievable. It will only end in disappointment and more work in the long run.
Set achievable deadlines throughout the self-publishing process, and the whole process will go much more smoothly. It also means less stress on you as the author.
#2 – You Don’t Need A Finished Book to Start Marketing
Often, we find authors rushing through the final stages of the self-publishing process, cover design or formatting, just to get the book published so they can start marketing. While the finished book will eventually be needed, there’s a lot of pre-release marketing you can do to build suspense with potential readers and grow your audience.
Marketing as a self-published author should start the day you start writing. Unfortunately, it never ends either. It’s arguably one of the most complex and time-consuming parts of the self-publishing process. If you’re a new self-published author, marketing is a deep rabbit hole that’s easy to fall into.
Things to set before you release your book include establishing your social media accounts and brand, setting up an imprint if you plan to publish multiple books, pre-release teasers, book blurb teasers, cover reveal teasers, videos, pre-order sales, and more.
#3 – Invest In Your Book
You spend hundreds, even thousands of hours writing a book. You pour your heart and soul into your manuscript, writing, re-writing, and self-editing, so why cut corners or look for budget options when it comes to editing, proofreading, ebook or paperback formatting, and cover design? It just doesn’t make sense.
Self-publishing, or being an indie author, doesn’t mean you can’t spend money on your book. Back yourself and invest in your book. Self-publishing is now seen as a legitimate publishing pathway.
Just because a book is self-published, it doesn’t and shouldn’t need to look self-published. Don’t cut corners when it comes to finishing your book. According to WordsRated, between 30 and 34% of all ebooks alone on Amazon are self-published, but no one can tell the difference between traditionally published and self-published books when they’re done well.
#4 – Never Hesitate to Reach Out for Help
Tackling every part of the self-publishing process is like a badge of honor for a lot of self-published authors, but it’s essential to know not only when you’re out of depth but that it’s okay to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you can’t do something yourself. I’m not great at graphic design, so I get help with it. It’s okay to ask for help as you navigate self-publishing. Why wouldn’t you want to publish the best possible version of your book?
Being an indie author or self-published author doesn’t mean that you can’t reach out for professional self-publishing services, ask for help with cover design, or get your paperback or ebook professionally formatted.
Likewise, there are many resources available for self-published authors. As a self-published Australian author, the internet can be your friend. One of the organizations we personally recommend and are a member of is The Alliance of Independent Authors. It’s an independent organization that provides advice, resources, and support to authors worldwide and is well worth joining.
#5 – Book Covers Sell Books
While it’s romantic to think that it’s what’s inside your book that counts, and people never judge a book by its cover, it’s just not true. Once you have built a solid following, this is more accurate. However, until then, your cover is the first thing that attracts potential readers and entices them to take the next step. You need a great cover to entice them to read the description and ultimately buy your book.
According to a ThriftBooks/OnePoll survey, over 57% of readers purchase or read a book based solely on the cover. If you’re thinking your cover is just okay or could use a little more attention to detail, stop thinking. Invest a little more in it until it really stands out from the crowd. You need people to see your book and say ‘wow!’ It’s that simple.
Great covers will sell more books.
#6 – Listen to Professional Advice
As you navigate the self-publishing process and get help with formatting, editing, cover design, or marketing, be open to advice, recommendations, and suggestions from the professionals you’re working with.
When you work with professionals, you’re paying for their experience. If you go into cover design or formatting unwilling to take advice or recommendations, which could significantly improve the finished project, you’re ultimately limiting the potential of your book and the ability of the people you work with to deliver a fantastic and professional finished product. You’re paying for professional help and the professional wisdom that comes with it.
For example, did you know that book formatters generally follow a professional standard, the Chicago Manual of Style, which determines how elements in your book are laid out? While there is some flexibility, your formatting should follow these guidelines. These rules and procedures are proven to make your book more attractive and easier to read. Poorly formatted books are hard to read. Not only that, but they also look poorly formatted.
Remember, just because someone else did it that way, it doesn’t mean it’s the right way.
#7 – Build A Community Around You and Your Book
Great authors and successful authors don’t just write a book. They build a community of readers around their books. This can position them for success when they release future books. You want your community of readers to be eagerly anticipating your next book. Not only that, but you want them talking to other people. Building a healthy community is an effective way to market future books.
It can be one of the most challenging marketing tasks, but investing time and resources in building an avid, enthusiastic community of readers around you will set you up for future success. Interacting with your community of readers is an essential step in the process. Social media groups, websites, and fan pages are the perfect way to do this. It’s not easy, but nothing about being a successful author ever is.
#8 – Seek Out Free Marketing Opportunities
There are a lot, and I mean a lot, of free marketing opportunities and ways that you can market both yourself as an author and your book. Many authors believe that marketing their book is the most complex and time-consuming part of self-publishing, and they’re not wrong. Often, the hard work starts once you hit the publish button.
For example, at Author Services Australia, we offer author interviews. It’s 100% free and will only take 30 minutes of your time. Blog posts, author interviews, social media collabs, and book reviews. The list goes on. You need to commit some time to doing it.
Some free marketing opportunities include author interviews, podcasts, guest posts, author takeovers, in-person readings, pop-ups, and more. Just like you, there’s an author out there looking to promote their book, and by working with authors in similar genres, you can both mutually gain new followers.
#9 – Build An Email List
Building an email list is not only for authors. It’s also nothing new, but it could be one of your most productive projects. If someone reads one of your books and enjoys it, having their email means that you can contact them when you release a new book, look for reviews, and advise them about what books you’re currently working on.
AI has made building email lists both easier and more complicated. It’s easier to write compelling emails using AI. However, with more people using email marketing now, it’s harder to gain traction with your emails. It’s harder than ever to distinguish between legitimate and spam emails.
#10 – Listen to Your Editor
No one enjoys having their hard work poked and prodded at. The editing process, especially for first-time authors, can be difficult. However, it’s important to remember that your editor has your best interests at heart. They want your book to be the best version of itself possible, and through the editing process, they’ll make several recommendations that they believe will improve your story.
Ultimately, at the end of the day, it’s up to you whether you choose to listen to your editor or not. However, going into the editing process with your eyes and ears open will deliver much better results and a much better-finished product than believing you’re right and your editor is wrong.
Great Suggestions For Self-Published Authors | Conclusion
We hope that you enjoyed our article on suggestions for self-published Australian authors. Be sure to check back regularly. We are constantly updating our articles with the latest author news, author tips, and self-publishing advice. There are some great self-publishing resources available to Australian authors.
If you have any questions about the self-publishing process, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We also offer a wide variety of affordable self-publishing services.
At Author Services Australia, we support Australian and New Zealand self-published authors and writers with a full range of affordable self-publishing services, including ghostwriting, copyediting, developmental editing, proofreading, ebook and paperback formatting, book cover design, children’s book illustrations, graphic design services, manuscript uploading assistance, and social media and marketing.
