A truth for most self-publishers is that they will start out alone. That being the case, you will find yourself wearing many hats. But just because you may be an amateur doesn't mean the book you produced will be flawed. As you begin, lets see what these hats might look like.
Writer. The basic foundation for your enterprise is writing. Study your craft and refine your product. Good, readable works sell much more readily than disorganized garble or lofty dissertations.
Editor. If you're not lucky enough to have a qualified friend or relative to edit - one who knows the English language well and will be objective - hire a professional. This is the one area where it is very easy to miss the forest for the trees, overlook the same typo, and lose your objectivity.
Typestter/compositor. When you use a computer to prepare print-ready files, you become a typesetter. Using a desktop publishing software is recommended.
Printer. Avoid copy shops. Make a wise decision between print-on-demand (POD) and traditional printing processes. Educate yourself on printer specs and other requirements.
Financier/accountant. You are the chief accountant, bookkeeper and company representative to your banker. Keep good records for yourself and the IRS.
Marketeer. It doesn't matter how well all the other hats fit if you don't wear this one well. Shrewd promotion and sales strategy will do much to ensure your publishing project's success.
Shipper/warehouser. It doesn't do any good to get book orders unless you can fill and ship them. Although this is a routine job, it takes time, space and energy.
Legal advisor. Many times attorneys collect sizable fees for answering simple business questions, so use common sense when looking at potential legal questions. However, there may be times when you may need an attorney's opinion.
Business manager. You can do a fantastic job on all other aspects of your business and still lose your shirt if this hat isn't secured firmly on your noggin. In fact, a study once conducted by the Small Business Administration showed that 93 percent of the businesses that failed did so because of poor management practices. The key is to establish and adhere to operating procedures designed for your business.
When it comes to becoming a successful author and running a successful business, no one has all the answers. There may be pitfalls, but also many pleasures. Move ahead with passion and conviction, and your chances for success will increase.
[This post was created from excerpts taken, with permission, from The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing, 5th Edition, co-authored by Marilyn Ross and Sue Collier.]
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