Would you like to know a good way to blow a whole lot of money? Self-publish books in a niche in which you have no platform and in which no one knows your name.
On a list to remain nameless today, I read a post from someone seeking information. While the information he was seeking was not related to this rant, he readily admitted that he has no reputation in the niche in which the book resides.
Okay, folks, let's back up, shall we? Nonfiction books by experts are bought by consumers often because they are experts. These writers have taken the time to create a platform (other books, blogs, articles, presentations, etc.). Often these writers find it difficult to be successful at self-publishing and they have done it exactly right. It really will be more difficult if you try to do it the wrong way.
What would be my advice? Back up. Wait a year. Create a platform. Create a ready-made audience for your products.
I have published three books (through Ten Speed Press, a mid-sized publisher), have a blog, write numerous articles, edit a newsletter, and only now do I feel ready to really take the independent publishing plunge.
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