What I’m Reading – 10 Things You Need to Know About Self-Publishing by Joel Friedlander

When I started researching self-publishing, I kept coming across Joel Friedlander. So when I signed up for this newsletter, I think he sent this book as a lead magnet.

Eventually, I did end up consulting with Joel over the phone prior to publishing my first book. That was several years ago. Now that I have some time this year, I decided to read it again. Here are the ten items Joel covers in this book. He of course goes into more details about each one, but I wanted a quick list so here it is.

1. Author platform.
2. Editing.
3. DIY or professionals.
4. Know your readers
5. Print, eBooks or both.
6. ISBNs
7. Budget.
8. Subsidy publishers.
9. Cover.
10. Marketing.

I’m glad I went back and re-read this book. I haven’t read it since I started my publishing career so its a nice refresher. I find myself guided by his advise and glad to have it on-hand. As an author and publisher now, I can identity with each and every one of these topics.

Thanks Joel

Here are the ten items to avoid. These are nice to review and keep in mind as I continue to publish my books.

1. Do not re-use ISBNs.
2. Don’t quote books, photos or artwork without permission.
3. Don’t use graphics for looks.
4. Don’t use bad fonts.
5. Don’t use subsidy publisher.
6. Poor book layout.
7. Don’t publish without a marketing plan.
8. Don’t publish unless it has been edited.
9. Poor cover design.
10. Don’t ignore book conventions.

Quick note to myself, Joel has a nice list of free book marketing activities that I can start with creating my own marketing plan.