Welcome to The Well-Fed Self-Publisher Blog…
Since I first self-published the book by the same name in 2007, I’ve had the pleasure of communicating with, meeting personally and working with, many hundreds – perhaps, thousands – of you. And to those I haven’t met, but who share this goal (whether or not you have a book yet), I look forward to hearing from you as well…
I think it’s safe to say that virtually all of you have one thing in common: a desire to bring your book into the world, AND, most importantly, to move far beyond the typical financial outcome of most conventionally published titles. Indeed, the goal for many of you mirrored my book’s subtitle: turn one book into a full-time living.
Yes, that’s possible. My books have provided me with a full-time living continuously since 2001. Not to get all big-headed or anything, but that’s not a typical self-publishing outcome. As such, I have some good stuff to share. And, just for the record (and as explained in the book), my definition of “a full-time living” is this: paying all my bills, financing one or two printings a year, continuing to fund my retirement, maintaining debt-free status, and taking a few nice vacations a year.
I’m guessing that’d work for most of you (heck, probably half that sounds mighty good…).
And just so you know: I’m a “traditional self-publisher.” Meaning? I’m not a POD (Print-On-Demand”) self-publisher, or Kindle self-publisher. I do everything a traditional publishing company does, but I do it on my own. I gather the creative resources to produce a book, I print large runs (usually 5000+ copies), and I do all my own promotion.
I have done a lot of exciting (read: profitable) stuff with ebooks as well, as we’ll explore in future posts. My genre is non-fiction how-to (The Well-Fed Writer, and The Well-Fed Self-Publisher), so that’s where my expertise lies. If that’s where you’re publishing as well, I think you’ll find this a most worthwhile destination to return to, again and again.
What this Blog Will (and Won’t) Be…
I have little interest in just hearing myself talk (isn’t there enough of that out there?). The goal of this blog (just like TWFW Blog) is to create our own knowledge base on the subject of self-publishing.
But, because I’m just one person – one voice, with one set of experiences, working in one genre, coming from a unique background – in order for this venue to be optimally useful to the greatest number of people, I need a lot of different voices weighing in. So, please contribute – through your comments, as well as guest posts.
Just Twice a Month??
Here’s something this blog won’t be: a burden – for you or me. Translation: I plan on posting no more than twice a month. You read that right – twice monthly. What?? Not 4-5 times a week, like all the gurus declare is essential to be a successful blogger??
Uh, no. For starters, who’s got the time to keep up with that many posts? Or create that many? The very idea of it makes me want to take a nap…
To me, this is a no-brainer. Two rich, discussion-spawning posts a month – ones that take the better part of two weeks for the commenting to run its course? Or cranking out posts no less frequently than every other day (i.e., not only a surefire recipe for mediocrity, but also highly unlikely to generate any meaningful discussion)?
“But,” say the gurus, “posting 4-5 times a week will get you more attention from the search engines!” Ah, I see. So now, more people can find my mediocre blog, so they know where NOT to come back to. Brilliant.
Start with Quality, and the Money Will Follow
My philosophy with everything I’ve created – my books, ezine, blog, ebooks, coaching, speaking – is to focus, first, on making it the best it can be, NOT on how to make the most money.
Start with the money side, and it’ll show: quality is likely to get short shrift. Start with quality, and the money takes care of itself. Which, incidentally, is a decent business model to follow in your own self-publishing journey. And it’s a theme we’ll be returning to time and time again here.
So, welcome. I look forward, with your help and participation, to building something valuable and substantive here.
As noted, I welcome your guest posts, but do check out the guidelines here. Bottom line, I’m not looking for the typical boilerplate topics, which we’ve all seen delivered virtually the same way on countless other venues. No, not all posts will be works of art, but the goal is a discussion a bit above the norm. Check out TWFW Blog to get a sense of what I’m trying to accomplish here.
Let the fun (and mutual learning) begin!
Can you share briefly about your self-publishing journey?
What would you like to see discussed here?
If we HAVE communicated or worked together, please say hello!
Congrats Peter! It’s about time. I’d love to tell my tweeps about this great development for writers who need to learn how to earn more…but where are the social share buttons? My kingdom for a tweetmeme…
Congratulations on your new blog, Peter! If it ends up being anything like your two books — which I’m sure it will — then value will be its essence. Looking forward to reading it while participating as possible. Here’s to the beginning of a new adventure.
All the best,
Grant
Hi, Peter! Great to see your blog online. I am looking forward to great and inspiring posts! Cheers, Amy
Hello Peter
Great news. I really can’t wait to start the Well-Fed Self-Publisher (need to take time out to get started :o))
Best regards.
Colin
This is very welcome, Peter. I have about 200 tips and articles I’ve written and I really need to put a book together. I hope your blog is just what I need. I want a book mainly to impress prospective clients … I don’t think I have a book in me, right now, that could be a major living for me. I’m clueless where to start.
Congrats Peter! Good editorial plan. Too often is tough on the blogger and the reader.
And FYI, I recommend your book to everyone I meet who’s self publishing!
Hey Peter,
Congrats on the blog- I’ve used your book to self publish (and bought it for 2 others!). Wanted to say thank you, your book gave me the extra little nudge to write and publish the “Truly Alive Child”. Great experience, and now soliciting reviews as you recommended to move Mt Book!!
Would love to see a few blogs (or books) on understanding what paying PR folks a few thousand dollars retainers a month actually gets you, and how much of it you can do yourself.
Thanks so much for your support in the WFSP!
Simon
Hi Peter,
Great idea for a blog. I am looking forward to your thoughts and to hear about your experiences. I expect you will spend a lot of time on marketing topics and that’s certainly appropriate, but I’d also like to see you write at least one blog on finding a quality printer for hard-copy books. I know Dan Kennedy loves “Pete the Printer” but I’d like to know what you think about printing locally versus jobbing it out to a “Pete” or to China for that matter. As someone who has done it, your insight would be invaluable.
As always, Peter, you walk your talk with style and quality. I am so happy to see you don’t have social media buttons, proving yet again that each of us can find our own unique ways to connect with our readership.
I would love to learn more about distribution and promotion outlets as well as the profit margin comparisons you and others have found between traditionally published books and electronic venues.
You are our pathfinder!
Grace
Thanks so much to everyone! Nice to hear from you, and get your well-wishes, and post ideas – good stuff.
Grace, I had to laugh (and wince at the same time!) at your comment about how happy you were that I didn’t have social media buttons. Well. No, I’m not a big social media fan, but I do know they can be valuable tools to spreading the word.
AND, when Carol (Tice) asked me about it, I thought, okay, should probably have them. So, in a nod to the new millennium reality, I have added social media buttons…
There you go, Carol… AND, hope you won’t think less of me, Grace! 😉
Good to hear from you Casey! And Kathi, Grant, Amy, Colin, Simon and Steve… Thanks for saying hello!
PB
Congrats on the blog, Peter. I can offer a testimonial. I have read your books, used them extensively as a resource, and built a freelance writing career where I make good money and have the lifestyle I desire as a widowed mom. I am mostly a blogger now although I still do freelance writing for others as well.
When my son grows up, I will probably do more sales writing again.
I also got some phone consultations from you early on and that was very helpful.
You got me started and onto a wonderful career path. I love what I do and love that I can make a living at it!
thank you!!!
Peter, looking forward to all you have to say. You’re such a reliable source, whose mentorship through your books and recommendations, has taken me to the precipice of starting my business. Now all I need to do is jump!
Peter,
Several years ago, I bought your book (WFW) and it was the beginning of my journey to become a freelance writer. I just mentioned your name in a comment I posted to Sue LaPointe the other day. The two of you are my motivation to keep going as I have barely begun.
I hope you can help me with this challenge I am currently facing. I wrote an eBook but have not published it yet. The content is evergreen and it is a “how to” book. I feel good about its possibility of success.
There have been many obstacles to overcome while trying to get it published. My biggest challenge has been trying to create a cover for my eBook. I actually did it but am having trouble sizing it so it is easy to read and the graphics are clear. I created it in 3D style.
There is a lot of information on the internet about creating eBook covers to the point where it is overwhelming and hard to choose an option. Also, many charge for a service to use their software, or recommend paying for Photoshop (runs approximately $300-$700! ouch!), or pay a professional to do it for them.
Can you help with this? Thanks so much. Happy Writing. Laurie.
Thanks Kristin and Pat for the kind words – happy to know my stuff has resonated! 😉
And Laurie, I’m sorry, but this is waaaaaaaaaay out of my technical-expertise zone. My philosophy has always been, “Do what you do best, hire out the rest.” And something like this is a case in point. I’d hire a pro to handle this. My book designer is Chris DiNatale, and I’m guessing she can get you fixed up. You’ll have to pay, but just check with her to see what it’d entail…
PB
Thanks for the email announcing your new blog, Peter! It actually went to an old email address, but I did receive it, and I’m glad I did! Thanks to your book(s), not only have I successfully self-published my own books, I am also able to help other people publish theirs. Whenever I get a chance, I recommend your blogs and your books to aspiring freelancers as well as people who assume that getting published by a traditional publisher is a magic ticket to overnight success.
I’m looking forward to participating in the conversation here. Thanks for the invitation!
Thanks Peter. Yours “Well-Fed Publisher” has been my bible. I c0-published a 480 page 500 picture softback “A THEATRE PROJECT” last June (printed in Wales by Cambrian Press.) I’m now reprinting. Excitingly, this month, the Interactive Digital edition is published as an iTunes App, with also a Flash/HTML5 version for Mac, PC and other devices. This last, published by PageSuite, who create a digital replica of the print version, with search, zoom, page view, social networking and email tools; allows the author to add multiple links with music, video and further text. For me, a glimpse of a new dimension in publishing.
Thanks Melanie – good to hear from you!
And congrats, Richard on getting your apparently-quite-successful book out! Back for reprint – very exciting… And I’ve got to say, you’re quite a bit ahead of me on the technology front. Hats off to you for taking your book in that direction – sounds like a smart move (and appropriate for a title like yours)!
And if I had even a teeny bit to do with your unfolding success, I’m happy!
PB
Congrats, Peter!
Fantastic that you’re putting together this new blog Peter! I’m a fan from way back (TWFW, Back for Seconds, TWFSP – got em all!). In fact, you’re the reason I got into this writing gig in the first place. Yours was the first book that made me feel like I could actually DO it. Now, seven years later I’m still doing it, loving it and now working away on a book. Great timing for a blog to help me navigate this new territory. Thanks!
Good to hear from you, Marnie! Happy to hear my stuff gave you some ideas… Good luck on the book – big step!
I’m off to release the second post…;)
PB
Peter
After reading and employing tactics in TWFW, I look forward to seeing what you post on this blog!
Thanks John! You DO know I have a blog for TWFW, right? (www.wellfedwriter.com/blog).
Just wanted to make sure you knew that this blog was my second (and of course, for a different book…). All the best!
PB
Peter,
After skimming through the 2014 edition of Well-Fed SP… I’m impressed. But, the last post on this blog is March 2013? Poke, poke… 🙂