Kristen Eckstein, book coach and founder of www.iampublished.com demystifies ISBN numbers for authors thinking of self publsihing. This short video will help you understand why the ISBN is important and how to get one.

When considering how to approach the topic of branding, be sure that you tread carefully. Remember, when you self-publish, you are essentially setting up a business. Whether you choose to publish through a subsidy press or if you decide to go 100% independent, you are still running a business. You are responsible for managing and promoting your written voice in some capacity, no matter the publishing path you choose. This is your time and money that is on the table, so take time to think about how branding is more than a label for your work. Branding is the most important element necessary for any business. When we shop, we are influenced by branding, whether we know it or not. We may look for quality and style, but branding is always affecting our decisions. From buying a vehicle to purchasing clothing, even to your weekly grocery trip, branding is present in a big way.

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Self Publishing presents the savvy author with many unique benefits. In this 2 part video series, Kristen Eckstein, book coach and founder of www.iampublished.com talks you through the benefits and guides you to self publish your book the RIGHT WAY.

Self-publishing is an option that many aspiring authors are giving more consideration to these days. Therefore, as one chooses, you should consider all that is involved self-publishing. Did you know there is more than one option under the umbrella of “self-publishing?” These include choosing to either use a subsidy or vanity press company or to publish completely independently. Each of these options has its own set of “steps.”

When choosing to use a subsidy press or vanity publisher, you will likely only go through a couple of steps. These include approving the final copy of your book once you’ve submitted it and promoting and marketing, much of which you’ll still have to do yourself.

On the other hand, when publishing independently there are more steps involved, however you will soon understand why these steps are worth the effort. Publishing independently involves finding a contract editor as well as a contract book designer, going through the process of registering your ISBN number, your LCCN, copyrights and other registrations, contracting with a printer, and finally promoting and marketing.

Though it may seem like more work, and it likely is, the benefits are larger as well. When choosing to use subsidy publishing an author will split the profits with the press, most likely encounter quality issues, and run into distribution blocks when promoting to bookstores. However, when choosing to publish independently, you will keep 100% of the profits, end up with a higher quality book, and avoid those distribution blocks.

Ultimately, it is up to you, the author, to decide what option you will choose for publishing. After all, you are the one who must put in the work and who will benefit from the results. Take your time and choose wisely!

Many of us dream of becoming a published author. If you’re like most who dream of having their book published, you have likely spent hours and hours researching the different options that are out there. These may have included publishing your book through a traditional publisher, through a vanity publisher or even publishing the book yourself and, effectively, creating your own publishing company.

These options are quite different, and the process that one must go through in each option is different as well. Let’s explore each publishing option and its details, including why self-publishing is not “made-easy.”

• Traditional publishing is what most of us initially think of when wanting to become a published author. You may worry about the submission process or the length of time it may take to get your book on the shelves in bookstores. Traditional publishing is known to be a longer, more drawn-out process that is intricate, and requires that you stick to the publisher’s rules and regulations. The timeline from acceptance of your manuscript to seeing your book in print is approximately one and a half years. You will also likely give up most of the “control” that you have over the book itself.
• Then there is vanity publishing which most of us first consider as the “self-publishing” option. Though in reality the book isn’t really “all yours” when you choose to go this route. Vanity publishers typically own the ISBN number for your book, therefore the book is not registered in your own name. The process can still take quite some time and most of all it can be more expensive. There are also added problems with distribution that authors typically experience with vanity publishers.
• Finally, there is the option of self-publishing where you create your own publishing company and do everything under your own name. This option, though quite detailed, ensures that you own your book, its ISBN number and have all rights to the publication. This is a great route to take, but do not think for a minute that it is the “easy” route. Nonetheless, it is a route where you will be sure that your book is how you hoped for it to be and what you set out to create from day one.

There will be no surprises and there are many ways you can keep expenses down. However, you will have an exceptional amount of work in store for you, but the process will be enjoyable and most of all rewarding. Once you are finished, your book will be in print, have the ability to be on the shelves of bookstores and proudly displaying your name and publishing company. Not only will you be a published author, but a business owner as well. The hard work and much attention to all the details will definitely be worth your extra effort.

Another added bonus is that self-published authors keep 100% of the profits from book sales, as well as the fact that books can be designed, printed, and distributed in as little as two months. You are truly in control of the process from start to finish. So, therefore, if you’re willing to put in the hours and attention to detail that is involved in this route of self-publishing, it is definitely an option to consider.

You won’t have to wait on a publisher to call you, or pay the big bucks involved in vanity publishing. You can do it yourself and experience all the many benefits of self-publishing. As the old saying goes, “a little hard work never hurt anybody.” Why not find out for yourself just how it feels by choosing the do-it-yourself self-publishing option?