Social media, SEO, marketing and writingSelf Publishing Success: Q&A with Author James Howard Carr
James Carr just self-published his own book, Will My Daddy Ever Work Again? It’s based on his experience as a child enduring a difficult period of unemployment in his family’s life. The book delves into the family’s trials and tribulations as seen through the innocent eyes of a child.
The story is written gender neutral so that boys and girls alike can identify with the 1st-person storyteller because of their own family’s difficult situation. It is a new and unusual way of telling a children’s story. And, according to the author, “That is why the child outline looks as it does on the cover and on every first chapter page–empty.”
The fact that James, the budding author, is currently unemployed is especially ironic, but also hopeful, as it shows he’s not the type of person to sit and wait for life’s opportunities to come at him–he’s out there taking destiny by the horns and opening up new possibilities for himself. It’s a story of hope through creative expression. It also demonstrates the power of the Internet as the publishing and marketing platform of the future.
Q: Jim, tell me about your decision to self-publish.
A: Because of the current economic downturn, I believed my children’s story had value. The story is one that can help families experiencing long-term unemployment and financial issues. With the economy and housing markets becoming worse, the job market shrinking, and parents possibly not knowing how to discuss their family’s economic difficulties with their younger children, I believed my book could help with that very personal family conversation. I did not want to wait any longer to be ‘discovered’ by book agents or publishers so I published the book myself.
Q: Did you utilize any online services to help you publish your book?
A: Yes. I used Lightning Source, a publish-on-demand (POD) self-publishing company based in Tennessee. And I am selling my book on Amazon.com and through other online bookstores.
Q: How did you settle on the retail price for your book?
A: I researched different types of children’s books available at Borders and Barnes & Noble booksellers to decide on the best retail book price.
Q: Are you doing anything to promote your book?
A: Well, I am being interviewed by you–does that count? Ha! Although I have been approached by several book marketing companies to represent my book, I am using my experience in corporate communications and as a newspaper reporter to create a personalized marketing strategy.
Q: What lessons did you learn about the business of book publishing?
A: Paying attention to details is everything. Every word, every phrase, every punctuation mark, every piece of art, every laid out page, and every step in the process is critical. Self-publishing your first book can be an anxious experience because you want everything done correctly, with no mistakes, and you are learning the process to boot. I would advise new authors not to rush. Take your time. Ask questions of the people you are working with to accomplish your publishing goal. If you feel overwhelmed–take a break. You can come back to your work a little later. The only deadline is the one you set, and that could work against you if you rush yourself and your project into production.
Q: Did you learn anything about yourself by writing this book?
A: I learned many things. But the most important thing I learned was: never quit, never give up on your dreams. Everything written is evergreen. Persistence and personal fortitude are what count.
Q: Any advice you’d like to share with budding writers out there in the world?
A: Because of computer technology and the Internet, the legacy publishing industry is going through tremendous changes. If you pursue the traditional publishing channel, you need to secure an agent and a publishing deal, plus you will still need to market your manuscript. I would recommend not waiting for other people to discover your work. You may wait a very long time. If you believe in your work, invest the time and money to make it available to the public. It may be a gamble, but the outcome may be worthwhile (and personally satisfying).
Five Benefits of Self-Publishing
- Authors have greater control (and responsibility) over their work
- Results can be immediate (instead of waiting for a publisher to pick up your title)
- High return on satisfaction
- Your book can be used as a calling card to secure additional work
- Success is limited only by an author’s tenacity and hard work
