Indie-curious? Self-publishing made easy

As promised, here’s my easy peasy step-by-step guide to self-publishing.

(note: Do not buy an expensive ISBN or set of ISBNs before starting.)

 SMASHWORDS:

• Download Smashwords Formatting Guide
  • o   Follow the guide step-by-step (all 68 pages)
  • o   Don’t do nuclear formatting method unless you have a ton of rogue html code or unfixable formatting issues.
  • o   Save as MANUSCRIPT_SmashwordsEdition.doc
• Make Smashwords account
  • o   Upload MANUSCRIPT_SmashwordsEdition.doc to Smashwords & wait for confirmation of success.
  • o   Smashwords will generate in multiple forms including Epub (Nook compatible) mobi (Kindle compatible)
• Download Kindle for PC and NOOK for PC
  • o   Download MANUSCRIPT.mobi (Kindle) and check formatting
  • o   Download MANUSCRIPT.Epub (NOOK) and check formatting
• If you find formatting errors, fix and re-upload to Smashwords
• Go To Smashwords Dashboard > Distribution Channel Manager
  • o   Opt out of Amazon and B&N distribution
  • o   Yes, really – Opt out of Amazon and B&N distribution!!!

 AMAZON KINDLE:

• Download MobiPocket Creator
  • o   Open MANUSCRIPT_SmashwordsEdition.doc
  • o   Delete “Smashwords” from copyright page (2 or 3 places – covered in SW formatting guide)
  • o   Replace “Smashwords” with Kindle & Amazon
  • o   Save as MANUSCRIPT_KindleEdition.doc
  • o   For copyright page example download THE HALO CHRONICLES: THE GUARDIAN free excerpt.
  • o   Open Mobipocket Creator
  • o   Upload Cover (do not add as first page of MANUSCRIPT_KindleEdition.doc or it will show up twice on Kindle) 600×800 pixels for mobi discussion thread here
  • o   Upload MANUSCRIPT_KindleEdition.doc – Mobipocket Creator will create a .mobi file
  • o   Save as MANUSCRIPT_KindleEdition.mobi
•  Make Kindle Account
  • o   Upload your Manuscript cover
  • o   Upload MANUSCRIPT_KindleEdition.mobi

 BARNES & NOBLE NOOK:

(the easiest one)

• Make B&N Pubit Account
  • o   Upload Manuscript Cover
  • o   Upload MANUSCRIPT.Epub (downloaded from Smashwords earlier – I didn’t worry about uploading a version w/o “Smashwords” on coverpage since distribution is typically much smaller at B&N.)
•  NOW YOU HAVE YOUR BOOK AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT Amazon     Barnes & Noble AND   Smashwords!
• Stop and pat yourself on the back

 FOLLOWUP:

• Continue to check Smashwords Dashboard to confirm MANUSCRIPT is approved for premium status (2—3 weeks)
  • o   Once approved – get Smashwords ISBN # (Follow SW ISBN Manager on Dashboard) – Must have ISBN to be eligible for Sony (eReader) and iBookstore (iPad/iPhone/iTouch) catalog distribution.
• Create Author Page on Amazon, B&N, Goodreads, & LibraryThing (minimum) AMAZON example
• Add purchase  links to your email signature:  Buy THE HALO CHRONICLES: THE GUARDIAN (a 2010 RWA Golden Heart® finalist for young adult fiction) at Amazon     Barnes & Noble    Smashwords    coming soon to iBookstore Turn your computer into a free eReader: Kindle for PC  NOOK for PC
  • more information at www.careycorp.com
• Use Smashwords Dashboard to generate discount and free coupons. Free codes can be used for giveaways, ARCs, and review copies. SW allows recipient to choose whichever form is compatible with their eReader or PC software.

 NEXT THURSDAY: Print copies – Are all Print on Demand Providers Created Equal?

Don’t forget the Kindle Indie-pendence Contest ends on July 4^th. Win you kid a Kindle loaded with hot YA and MG titles.

YOUR TURN: What tips or questions do you have about digital publishing?