Authors’ exxperiences | The self publishing journey

I have just self-published a book using Createspace. It was quite easy as I used word to upload my file. Before uploading, I added page numbers to the word document, added a title page with copyright in my name, table of contents and introduction. I inserted a blank page between each chapter because that is how I wanted it. I also made sure that there were no headings at the bottom of a page. I made sure that my text started on the right as this is the norm for non-fiction books. At the end, I had references and an ‘About the author’ page. Once you have uploaded your book onto Createspace, you can see a digital proof of it. Look at this carefully before asking for a print copy of your proof. I made a couple of mistakes at first about how much space I wanted between chapters and headings but this wasn’t a problem as Createspace just allowed me to reload a file. The good thing is that they allow you to change and upload files as many times as you like. I made some more changes after I received the print proof copy of my book. It is worth getting a print copy as there are some things you just don’t notice on a digital proof. I am also really happy that I have a hard copy of my book. I went for a glossy cover and it looks great. Createspace added the ISBN code.

Createspace also creates a Kindle version of your book but I had already done this so I did not need it. I could have saved time if I had use Createspace initially.

‘Psychology for parents: Birth to teens’ is for sale on Amazon.

Why I Chose Amazon’s CreateSpace and How to Use It (lubarascheff.com)
Amazon Createspace uploading now part of the ebookuploader service (ebookuploader.com)
Createspace, Explained by Lyn Horner (susanhorsnell.com)
Two New Features for CreateSpace Authors (goodereader.com)

What made you want to write?

I love to read, especially YA fantasy, and I think reading and writing go hand in hand. I was sure I could create stories that were just as good, if not better, than the stuff I was getting from the library and book stores. So it began.

Why did you decide to self-publish?

I submitted my first book to a few large publishing houses, but it was rejected. I haven’t tried submitting anything since, but have continued to write.
After some research online, I found out about self-publishing. One of the first kinds I looked into was POD (print on demand) but this almost always requires money up front. That wasn’t going to work for me. More recently, my husband, who also writes, told me to look into ebooks and mentioned lulu.com. I liked what I saw and decided to give it a try. The next hurdle was figuring out how to convert my manuscript into an ebook ready file. I’m not very tech savvy, so I went back to the internet for more research. I found a free conversion program called Calibre that could produce what I needed. It took a few tries to get it right, but I was finally ready to submit to lulu.com. Soon after, I used the same program to create a file for amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing and submitted that as well.

What are the difficulties with self-publishing?

Since I am technically the publisher, I have to find ways to market and promote my book by myself, which is not easy. I’ve joined indie writer’s websites like The Indie Writer’s Network and Kindle Mojo, created a facebook page, started tweeting, and done other things to help get my book noticed. This is by far the hardest part of the whole process. But I’m not going to give up. I have very supportive family and friends, and my passion for writing will not end any time soon.
Tell us about your book.

My first published ebook, The Bride, is a YA fantasy with a hint of Beauty and the Beast, but with my own style and a few twists–

What is a king without a queen? Callia is chosen to be the next potential Bride of the king, a man many call a demon. Will she die like the other Brides before her? Can she survive in a place where nothing is what it seems, facing fear and friendship, love and betrayal? For the castle holds a secret only a Bride can discover.

You can visit Kacie’s blog http://www.kcataylor.blogspot.com and facebook page http://www.facebook.com/kacietaylorbooks for news and updates.