Self Publishing a Series
by Tina Field Howe
(Corning, NY)
The Tellings of Xunar-kun Series by Tina Field Howe
Second Book in Series was a Self-publishing Breeze!
They've done it again! BookLocker has provided me with a second beautifully produced YA sci-fi/fantasy novel, in both paperback and hardcover - "The TrailFolk of Xunar-kun, Book Two in the Tellings of Xunar-kun Series". The first book is "Alysa of the Fields" (they're also available as e-books and will soon be available for Kindle). My site dedicated to the series is at www.AlysaBooks.com.
It was so much easier the second time around. The first time I published, I didn't know what to expect and felt a lot of anxiety around the process. But BookLocker's guidance makes it as easy as possible. There's a lot of work involved (even after completing that final, final draft!). But having BookLocker from start to finish takes away any fear and allows authors to stay in control of their product.
What's important to me is that with BookLocker, I can create my own covers. I'm an illustrator/graphic designer in addition to being a writer. The whole process of writing and illustrating the cover and other graphics works well for me. The text inspires the artwork, and the artwork helps me with character traits. I also design my own interior, with headers, footers, glossary, title graphics, etc. BookLocker includes book design in the cost, but they're just as happy to let me do my own. So for me, BookLocker is a terrific source.
(In case you're wondering, I am NOT an employee or relative of anyone at BookLocker. They did not ask me to say anything about them whatsoever. I'm simply trying to pass on to my colleagues - perhaps those of you who want to self-publish but don't know where to turn - that there is a superb publisher out there that can greatly add to the success of your book.)
My children's picture book, "Snailsworth, a slow little story," was my first full-color interior with BookLocker. I've created an entry on this site for the story behind that story. (See below.)
There's another author's service that I rely upon to get the word out: ReaderViews.com (I'm also not connected to them in any way other than as a client). Reader Views provides many services that would be difficult for an author to manage on their own - reviews, interviews (internet radio and online), and many other services.
Perhaps my most favorite service is the PreViews. PreViews are book trailers produced by a professional video company. There are various levels you can purchase and they are 1-2 minutes in length, have background music and an option for voiceover. I upload my own graphics, and they incorporate them! PreViews are posted on Reader Views' website and many others. You can also post a link to a PreView on your own site, burn it to CDs or DVDs to hand out, store it on your laptop, show it at signings, etc. The PreView for Book Two is in production now.
So you can see that there are a couple of great, very cost-effective sources out there for authors. In my opinion, you can't do too much promotion. I also use the traditional methods: press releases, signings, website, radio interviews, newspaper interviews, classroom visits, arts organization involvement, bookmarks, posters and flyers. I do as much as I can.
I guess you have to ask yourself one question: Do you believe the time you spent writing your book was worth it? If so, get it out there and promote, promote, promote!
Visit Tina's Alysa Books.
Visit Tina's picture book post on this site.
