Ten E-Books for Self-Published or Independent Authors

Independent authors have a big challenge ahead of them. If you decide to self-publish, the playing field is not level for you. But, it’s getting better. The decision to self-publish should not be made lightly; it might not be right for you. Then again, it just might. Especially if you like the idea of retaining control over your content, earning larger royalties, and having power over your finished product. Also, consider self-publishing if you don’t mind tireless self-promotion and marketing to compete with not only all the other indie authors out there, but with the behemoth traditional publishers and their stables of popular brand-name writers. Seasoned and successful indies will advise you to keep a positive attitude and be willing to work hard. If you have written a good book and believe in your product, it is easier to promote it. You can learn from the experiences of others who have trod this road before you.

Here is a list of ten e-books with information helpful to an independent/self-published author. Some of them are even free, which is a boon to the yet-to-be-filled pockets of a new literary talent.

1. Smashwords Book Marketing Guide by Mark Coker
Free on Smashwords, this book provides authors with advice on marketing their books not only on Smashwords, but other places as well. It includes 30 easy DIY marketing tips. All authors will find this book helpful, whether published on Smashwords or elsewhere.

2. Smashwords Style Guide by Mark Coker
This free book contains step-by-step instructions on creating, formatting and publishing an ebook. This guide is essential for any author wanting distribution via Smashwords to other ebook retailers. It’s also very helpful for general formatting with regard to an ebook.

3. Let’s Get Digital: How To Self-Publish, And Why You Should by David Gaughran
Containing over 60,000 words of articles, essays, and how-to guides, this books also offers contributions from thirty-three bestselling independent authors like Bob Mayer, J Carson Black, Mark Edwards, Victorine Lieske and others. Includes sage advice on self-publishing and refreshing stagnant sales.

4. The (almost) Complete DIY Guide to eBook Publishing by Coral Russell
This handy guide includes links to many free resources for the independent self-published author.

5. Kindle Formatting: The Complete Guide to Formatting Books for the Amazon Kindle by Joshua Tallent
A detailed guide with examples and tips to walk the author though the entire process of formatting ebooks for publication. It contains directions for the converting and formatting, along with explanations of HTML and CSS markup for the Kindle.

6. How to Self-Publish Your Book the CreateSpace Way: A Step-by-Step Guide To Writing, Printing and Selling Your Own Book Using Print On Demand by Blake Webster & Steve Boga
An easy to understand guide to writing, self-publishing, marketing and promoting on CreateSpace. Not only does it cover layout and cover design, but has tips on topic choice and honing the skill of writing.

7. How I Sold 1 Million eBooks in 5 Months! By John Locke
John Locke, prolific indie author, shares the secret of his promotional system, a system that led to sales of over a million ebooks in a mere 5 months. Not only has John Locke been at number one on the Amazon/Kindle list of bestsellers as a self-published author, he has held number one and two positions simultaneously! This book details his particular method for promotion.

8. The Newbie’s Guide to Publishing (Everything A Writer Needs To Know) by J.A. Konrath & Jack Kilborn
This book is for new writers and experienced ones as well. With instructions on maximizing your sales, this guide also includes information on the writing business with tons of tips, observations, and writing advice.

9. All Smart Cookies Can Self-Publish ~ September 2011 Update! (Guide to Independent Publishing) by Emily Hill & Peter Stockwell
One unique feature about this book is that it is updated quarterly. It teaches how to make money with publishing and encourages you to get out there and take control of your writing career.

10. Traditional Publishing Is My B*tch! (and other inflammatory remarks) by Mike Cooley
For a bump in attitude and self-esteem for the independent author delivered with a dose of dry wit, this short book talks about the special obstacles facing an indie author, and contains helpful hints about self-publishing.

No matter where you are on your journey as an independent author, you can find gems of wisdom in these books and add to your knowledge, benefiting from the experiences of successful authors. Learning from others can save you time, effort, and frustration. Happy writing!


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