Self-publishing is business whether you agree or not. Being independent involves a lot of financial investment. As an entrepreneur and a self-published author, it is necessary that you consider ways to utilize monetary investment and generate a substantial return on your investment.

For most people, budgeting is never an easy task. Money is something that everyone else in the world worries about.

Mistakes, no matter how small, can cost you dearly. You should decisively look at the “big picture”. Decide on how much money should be devoted to what stage of your book’s publication. Learn to organize things according to their priority. Identify the things that are not necessary to fully optimize your budget.

Here are a few suggestions to determine a realistic budget for your pre-publication marketing plan:

(1) Have a list of quotes and estimates for all publication, distribution, marketing, and promotional activities.

Printing

-          book printing (number of finished copies)

-          ISBN numbers (do you have to pay an additional fee?)

-          Advance Reading Copies (are all your recipients interested?)

Distribution

-          list of distribution centers (local, national, or international)

-          postal or online purchasing for booksellers

Marketing

-          bookmarks, flyers, posters, and postcards (design, printing, and distribution)

-          book launching (date, venue, expected number of guests, gimmicks, and reception)

Online Marketing

-          author website (hosting, content, domain, design, and maintenance)

-          ads (banners, e-mail ads, pay-per-click ads, etc.)

-          online bookstore fees

Publicity and Promotion

-          PR (number of copies, type of media outlets and organizations, and distribution)

-          press kits (supplies, shipping and postage fees)

(2) Spend more on interested parties.

Marketing and publicity can be quite a risk, especially when you are new in the industry. It is wise to ask first before sending out your ARCs (Advance Reading Copies). Identify which individuals or media outlets may be interested. This way, your efforts and publicity materials will not most likely to end up in paper shredders.

(3) Take advantage of the Internet.

Blogging will definitely help you disseminate information about your book – at no cost. By joining and participating on social media sites, you can develop reader to writer relationships. You don’t only sell your books; you have to market yourself as an author. Have your author website provide another avenue for getting more readers, online book orders, and link exchanges.
(4) Embrace innovation.

Create a perfect media mix for an effective and extensive marketing campaign. Radio and television appearances can be quite pricey for self-publishers. Print and online publications, on the other hand, are tangible and are perfect for references. Read and take time to adopt what’s new. Learn how to maximize micro blogging and how to keep your prospective readers following you. Technology and innovation have endless marketing and promotional possibilities.

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The Importance of Doing Pre-publishing Preparations

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