I’ve read so much lately in blogs from want to be authors that are afraid to take the first step. I can tell you from experience it’s a huge step to take. I’ve enjoyed every step since then. It’s a lot to take in at first, but then you kind of get into the swing of things and it just happens.
I knew it had happened the first time I got a fan email. I giggled like a teenage girl. The thoughts running through my head were ‘do they know I’m just a normal person’ and ‘this is so cool.’ That fan has turned into a friend as have so many of my blog friends. It would never have happened without having the courage to jump…
Here are the steps I took to establishing myself as a writer and self publishing:
1: First and foremost you’ve got to finish your manuscript. Pray…
2: Make sure that you’ve read and reread it several times. Edit as much as possible.
3: Decide what genre your writing is. That means is it romance, sci-fi, horror, nonfiction, or one of the many genres available.
4: Design your cover. This is sometimes tricky, but exciting when it’s complete.
5. Write a short and long description of your work. This is for the book sales. Don’t get too wordy with this. The best way is to use descriptive words to describe the feeling of the book. By all means don’t give away the plot. Prayed a lot through this process…
6. Now where do you want to put your book. Amazon, Smashwords, B & N or the many other places. This is the fun part because each one wants something different. So read everything before hitting send.
7: Once you’ve set up your books on different sites, it’s time to market. I started with my blog and Twitter. Then I started finding other marketing places. I will do a blog this week on marketing.
8: Sit back and pat yourself on the shoulder. You’re an author! Just watch and see what happens. If it doesn’t do much for a while, don’t worry. It took a couple of months for my books to catch on. Pray again and give thanks 🙂
Of course everyone has a different approach, but this was mine. I’m available to any author that needs help. I design covers and help format/edit. If you need help with these, just send me a message and let’s talk. Authors have to stick together. It’s a crazy world out there and team work makes the dream work.
As always, good writing and May God Bless you…
Stephanie Hurt - Romance Author 
Loved the post. I’ve been following your advice and I actually saw a upswing in sales this month. Thanks for all the help with the cover. I’m excited about working with you. Thanks again 🙂
One thing that I want to add is that you start marketing at least three months before the release. Even if you don’t have anything to show for the book, you can at least market yourself by getting a following on Facebook, here, Twitter, and whatever social media site you use. Those are potential fans who could buy your book. Also, it’s important to interact with your various fanbases.
really encouraging post, we loved the way you put the priority on tuning into the peace of God and clearing your cash register. To then find the head that leads the book once you have spent tine in that peaceful place, that tranquil place called God. Only then did you suggest to go and do other things. We love your focus on God….that is the best outlet who just knows what to do next.
Thank you