The mistake new authors make is in assuming that a physical copy of their book is the end goal. They don’t understand that creating a print copy is simply a step in the process. This is step #1. Then marketing comes. Authors must spread the word.
{ Printing your book is STEP #1 in Self-Publishing. }
The real problems begin when it comes time to market that print copy. Merely having a website on the internet or a placement on Amazon.com isn’t enough. You MUST have a way to drive traffic to your book.
Without major buzz, it is unlikely that people will flock to those sites in search of your book. More importantly, when you self-publish, you do not have access to the vehicles through which most new releases find homes: Libraries and large retail outlets like Barnes & Noble or Wal-Mart.
Some bookstores, under financial stress, are selling slots on their shelves to self-published writers, meaning that now the “author” not only has to pay for the printing of the book, he or she is also paying for space in a bookstore.
Self-publishing can be a viable alternative for non-fiction writers who are a part of a specific niche. Because they are connected to a well-defined segment of the market that is already interested in the subject matter, non-fiction writers have a potential leg up on sales. {It does help when you write a novel about a popular subject matter. This helps sell your novel.}
Although the fiction market is divided into genres, it’s tougher to harness that power because the market is so large and diffuse with many, many websites and social networking opportunities.
However, it does help you to have a professional website to sell your book. Also, you must have a blog. Blogs are very popular, and people can leave comments. Others will review these comments and the snowball effect starts. By word of mouth your book will start to get good reviews.
Yes, create a business Facebook page. This will help spread the word. Post comments about your new book 3-4 times per week on Facebook. *Note, make sure you post a link back to your website, about your book.
In summation, step #1 is to get your book printed. Self Publishing is a winner. To have success, you must network, network, network. Tell everyone you know about your book. *Yes, Amazon, and iTunes will help sell your book, but you must market your book by telling everyone that you have a new book.
*[Share your success story from self-publishing your book with InstantPublisher.]