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ann schneider's avatar

This will be very interesting and I appreciate your sharing. Thank you.

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Jeffrey Cummins's avatar

I’ve self pub-bed two books. The first was definitely learning by trial and error and failure. So, I am redoing the cover and formatting—I still believe in the story and it is fine for fantasy. The second had a more resonating message but poor distribution is having it wither; so, I’m spitballing over what audiences would like it and how to get it to them Learning the ads game and mailing list game. For my latest project I’m doing short stories first on Kindle Villa which is shutting down Feb 26th and why I came here. I’m serializing them and learning the sub and follower game. The hardest thing is to find readers.

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G. K. Allum's avatar

Good to know you're testing the substack waters, readers are hard to find. I always think distribution is key, get the book in the right place then it will find the readers.

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Jeffrey Cummins's avatar

That’s been the next phase of investigation. Along with trying out different email lists and their publications, I’ve tried some contests. You can use Book Pro Award and Reedsy to check out the many, many contests. Most contests fees are $75-100 and some have various levels of awards and prizes.

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Jeffrey Cummins's avatar

Sorry, actually, it’s called Book Award Pro!

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Mike Riley 🌴's avatar

I’m a bit late to the party but this is great stuff mate. Thanks for sharing 👊🏼

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Sarah E Ashley's avatar

This was so helpful! I want to publish but have never done so and will be starting from 0, basically. Thank you so much, and I'm excited to check out your works and keep reading this series.

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G. K. Allum's avatar

I'm so glad it was helpful. Feel free to ask any questions, I am more than happy to share my thoughts to help you with your process. I am also looking at self-publishing again (I must be crazy) through forming my own publishing company - and maybe even crowd funding investment.

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Gillian Wray's avatar

Thanks for sharing this honest reflection. I’ve self published a poetry book. I’ve learned so much already for my next go!

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John Jacob's avatar

What a wonderful gift of experience and knowledge ⭐️🙏⭐️

Thank you!

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G. K. Allum's avatar

Thank you for reading. Keep a look out for the next installment in a week's time!

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Banks Woodruff's avatar

Very insightful — thank you for sharing!

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G. K. Allum's avatar

You're welcome, glad you enjoyed it. Next four parts being published weekly.

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Mkwawa shujaa's avatar

I loved the first part. As a self publisher, this is really interesting and I will read all five parts. Thank you for sharing this wonderful knowledge.

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Terry Angelos's avatar

Honest and vulnerable reflections on your journey.

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Terry Angelos's avatar

Honest and vulnerable reflections on your journey.

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Terry Angelos's avatar

Honest and vulnerable reflections on your journey.

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Bradley Hardeman's avatar

This is going to be an incredible series. As a newer writer, the publishing world lurks in the shadows of my mind with mysteries that seem too daunting to explore quite yet. Your realistic and practical approach in this article makes it feel very real, and I'm looking forward to your next adaptations of these lessons.

Thank you for the follow! I'm Bradley; it's nice to meet you and read your works.

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Feb 22
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G. K. Allum's avatar

That's true, although my real career is as a marketer, so I benefit from 15 years of experience there. It's probably an unfair advantage compared to other authors. But you have to use what you've got :)

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Feb 22
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G. K. Allum's avatar

I always share with other authors, who self publish, the goal isn't profit. If you can break even then you've won. Not only have you not lost money but you've managed to put something new and unparalleled into the world.

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