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Self-Publishing Goals and New Year's Resolutions

Wow, New Year’s Eve is just around the corner and many of us have already set goals. It’s traditional to plan events as the calendar rolls over to a new year. It’s great to dream big and visualize these goals, it’s quite another to actually reach them. So let’s talk self-publishing goals, writing and publishing a book in 2015 is a great one to strive for.

It’s one thing to dream and another to plan. The difference is what you do from the vision to make it a reality. Here are some deliberate actions you can take to help you become a self-published author in 2015.

1. This of course is possible only if you have a book in mind. It is very possible to write and publish in 2015 by following a deliberate journey. The first step is to identify a book idea, outline it and determine how much writing is necessary to be ready for publishing. See http://redbikepublishing.blogspot.com/2014/06/how-to-write-and-publish-book-in-year.html#.VJHq_ek5B9A for an idea of how to assemble a book in a year.

2. Also, gather important research, understand publishing requirements, and have realistic timeline goals to accomplish your publishing plan. If you have all the information together and research accomplished, then all you need to do is plan to write and edit. However, if research is necessary, you will have to schedule research which will take time from writing and editing.

3. Writing and editing is one thing, but some publishing administration is out of your control. Some publishing tasks just take time. For example setting up a publishing account and title information could take up to a month. In this case, you would plan to add a month to the process and backward plan from there.

a. Publishing needs-Self-publishers need extra time to learn the business of publishing. Make sure to put in time to request Library of Congress Control Numbers, ISBNs, book reviews, printer contracts and etc.

b. Publishing accounts-If you publish with Createspace or Lightning Source, keep in mind that setting up accounts and titles will take time. You might need a few days to a few weeks to truly understand how to set up and account with the required information. Some sub-tasks include direct deposit information, shipping and payment addresses, contracts to be signed and distribution decisions to be made. However once the accounts have been set up, this step is not necessary for future books.

c. Setting up book titles. Making your book available could take a few weeks even after the best of editing. Book manuscript and formatting take time as well. What looks good during development could look different once proofs are ready. Be prepared to do some final edits. Also, book size, page color, book description and cover design images for marketing will take time.

4. Set a date. Just like getting married, sometimes you just have to put a date down. Once that date is set and approved, you have a certain amount of time to get that book finished. The earlier the better you get started and the more detailed the plan, the better the chances for success.

Keep in mind that many tasks can be done simultaneously to ensure the best use of time. For example, you can write, research, market, and get publishing tools at the same time. However, there are limitations on the amount of time you can spend on each task. However, a good use of time would be to build a blog to develop a following, take advantage of blog topics to assist your writing or vice-versa, and begin creating a publishing profile early. When you can’t write, blog; when you run out of ideas, edit; if you are tired of your book, put it aside and work on cover designs and etc.

If this is your first attempt at a book, give it time and be reasonable with your goal. You may find that you will need more time to understand publishing processes and requirements. It’s okay to change your goals to meet reality. Maybe you can’t consistently write 1000 words a day for 60 days; maybe you find you don’t have the time to set up a title just yet, or stresses of remembering administrative tasks overwhelm you. In that case, just focus on one aspect. In some cases, you may need to change your goal to write a book in 2015 and publish in 2016.

Dreaming is one this, but achieving is another. The best way to ensure success is to build a plan and follow it. Begin with the end in mind, understand the limitations, meet those limitation, set a date and stay focused. Let 2015 be the start of new publishing achievements.







Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing. Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook". See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership The Ranger Handbook The Army Physical Readiness Manual Drill and Ceremonies The ITAR The NISPOM
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