If you’ve ever thought about self-publishing a book but felt overwhelmed by the process, you’re not alone. In this episode we help you demystify self-publishing.
The world of self-publishing can seem daunting, especially when you’re just starting out. But fear not: This podcast series is designed to help demystify the process and provide you with some practical advice from experts in the field.
In this episode, our editorial production manager, Erin Williams, took some time to interview me (LeAnna) about the different aspects of self-publishing, including designing your book, understanding your business data, and navigating different publishing models.
In our conversation, we share our personal experiences and shed light on the advantages and disadvantages of each publishing model to help you make the best decision for your project.
Understanding your business data and the platform you hope to build with your book is key to a successful publishing experience. Whether it’s the traditional publishing route, a hybrid model, or self-publishing, each has unique benefits and drawbacks, so knowing your business data will help you determine which model will best serve your needs and goals.
However, one common theme among the models is that the journey of publishing a book doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor. Good book designers don’t just create the book for you—we partner with you to incorporate your vision and ideas into the final product. The right collaborative design partner can make self-publishing an incredibly approachable and engaging endeavor.
To give you a clearer idea of what this partnership looks like, we take you through the design side of the process, which includes creating a mood board, designing sample pages, setting the type into pages, and fine-tuning layouts. In this episode we touch on the editorial process as well, but we’ll go deeper into that aspect in episodes 2 and 3.
Of course, designing the book is just one part of the journey. Once the book is ready, it’s time to think about distribution. In this episode, I explain the different paths available to self-published authors for wider online distribution, from online platforms to physical bookstores.
In the end, the journey into self-publishing might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right guidance and support, you can navigate the process with ease and create a book that you’re proud to share with the world.
What you’ll learn in this episode
- 0:00:01 | Introduction to the podcast and the topic of self-publishing
- 0:02:19 | LeAnna’s background in design and publishing
- 0:04:17 | How LeAnna got started in self-publishing
- 0:06:18 | Options for publishing a book: traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing
- 0:07:27 | What to expect when choosing self-publishing
- 0:09:15 | Options for laying out book pages: DIY or working with a book designer
- 0:12:08 | LeAnna’s approach to a project as a designer
- 0:15:35 | The importance of the mood board in the design process
- 0:19:05 | The flexibility and customization options in book design
- 0:27:26 | Options and considerations beyond printing the book
- 0:33:17 | The collaborative and supportive nature of working with Weller Smith Design
Remember, your book is a reflection of you and your vision. So make sure it’s a book that you’re proud of, a book that you’re excited to share with the world. And remember, we’re here to help you every step of the way. So why not start your self-publishing journey today? You never know where it might lead.
Episode Resources:
Website: https://wellersmithdesign.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellersmithdesign/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannawellersmith/
If you are curious about self-publishing and want to learn more about how we can help, check out our Self-Publishing Services.
Weller Smith Design is a Full-Service Boutique Design Agency that provides publishing, self-publishing, branding, web design, and strategy services. We pride ourselves in being the Boutique Agency of choice for Thought Leaders like you.
Leave a Reply