Self-Pub Resource List

dOS AND dON’TS

• Do not pay individual “bookish” accounts for reviews. You’ll get these random messages on Facebook and IG. Just trash them. Services like BookSirens and BookSprout are there for a reason. Paying for reviews is also against policy on platforms like Kindle.

• Err on the side of caution when working with a cover designer and editor for the first time, and make sure you’ve seen concrete examples of their work AND talked to them over social media or email. Don’t hire anyone without that!

• You can and probably will update your cover(s) at some point. You can absolutely keep the same ISBN but updated cover art can be a boon for sales. It also lets you promote the book almost like it’s new!

• Don’t agonize over sales - which means don’t pour money into your books that you can’t comfortably part with. It is actually possible to publish without spending a cent, but most of us do spend something.

• DON’T READ REVIEWS after a certain point. I read early reviews to pull quotes for marketing, but once a book with within a few weeks of publication, I walk away from sites like Goodreads. Reviews are completely subjective. You will never please every reader. I live by “death of the author” and I recommend it as a solid mindset as you move through your writer career.

• DO attend live events if you can! My best readers largely come from Pride events in my area and it’s truly a remarkable experience.

• DO offer your local library a copy of your book but DON’T be offended if they can’t take it.