Self-Publishing, Step One.

Since I started this self-publishing venture, I have had a lot of people ask questions about the process and why I decided to go this route. Over the next few days I will take you through the process and explain some of my reasoning behind this decision.


Step One – Deciding on what you want to do.


Self publishing is often thrown around like a dirty word. Many people think of it as a scapegoat for those of us who cannot get traditionally published.

I tend to think otherwise but, then again, I am a bit biased since I obviously chose this route.

My reasons probably match many of yours. I had a product (a book series) that I worked very hard on. I attempted the traditional route with lukewarm results.

After I was laid off at my old job, I had a lot of free time on my hands and very little new job prospects. After a heart to heart with my husband, he gave me the nudge to “give this a shot.”

Rather than go the Lulu route, I wanted to try and make something more of this so we (my husband and I) started up Rising Sign Books, LLC. This will be the publishing label for my Immortalis Series as well as my Pleasures and Fantasy, erotic stories.



I am not here to tell you what you should do. Each writer must take their own path.

But, (there is always a but) if you choose to go down this path, don’t treat it like the easy way out. The failure of many self-published author is in the lack of effort put in to push your product. Don’t think that by having that book in your hand that you are done. Before you decide on publishing anything you should already have a marketing strategy at least loosely mapped out.

Note: Traditional publishers will want this as well. Know your market and have ideas on how to sell to them no matter what you choose.

Also, please note that to self-publish, successfully, you will do 10x the amount of work that a traditionally published author would do.

So plan on rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty if this is what you choose to do.

While you are considering self-publishing, decide what you really want out of it.

Are your goals just to have a book in hand? Do you want to try and make this a legitimate money making venture? Are you looking for fame? Is this a one time book or a series you are working on? Are you expecting millions?

Sit down and have a real heart-to-heart about what you want and what you expect to happen with this method of publishing.

If you are just in this to have a book in hand, I would suggest going the vanity publishing route. It’s cheaper, in the long run, and will give you exactly what you are looking for. You will have a bright, shiny new book with your name on it!

If you are considering this as a business venture, then I would suggest treating it as such.

Self-publishing means exactly that; you are doing it yourself.

You are in charge of everything that happens from the words that are on the page to the ISBN number that is printed on the back.

There is a lot involved in making a book, time being the biggest thing and money being second to that.

Self-publishing not only means doing it yourself, it also means putting up the money to pay for all the services necessary to make a book and market it.

Once you have decided on what you want to do, we move on to Step 2 – What you need to make a book (besides money).