CONCLUSION
Many people who read this book will find its frank, non-sugarcoated tone to be refreshing, yet at times discouraging. Reality is not always pretty. I want you to see self-publishing as it really looks, warts and all. Publishing a book can be exhilarating (getting an email from a reader whose life your book impacted) and gut-wrenching (no one shows up for your book signing), sometimes at the same time.
If you’ve made it this far in my book, you’re probably pretty serious about publishing yours. You may have already started speaking to self-publishing companies and related service providers. Just like in any other business that sells dreams (music, modeling, acting), there are going to be those who tell you the truth and those who tell you what you want to hear in order to make a buck.
I have a horse in the self-publishing race. I’d love you to consider our company, but only if you truly accept that self-publishing is a lot like going to Las Vegas. There is a high probability that you will spend money and never see it again. For some, the roll of the publishing dice will lead to a rush that few authors ever get to experience. You’ll sell a lot of books, set up book signings, receive emails from fans, and so on. Other authors will sell a few copies to family and friends and wonder why they didn’t sell more.
If you follow the advice in this book, you’ll end up with a reputable, author-friendly publisher that doesn’t gouge you by grossly inflating printing charges and taking steep royalties. That will put you in the best position to sell copies, and to make a profit when you do. But in order to make money selling copies of your book, you need people to first find it and want to buy it. The broad overview I provided about book marketing is meant to get the wheels turning. Don’t be boxed in by what everyone else is doing. Be creative. Keep reading—I’ll show you what I mean.
In the third edition of this book, I decided to throw a sentence in the conclusion that offered a free thirty-minute consultation if you emailed me and put “Hey, I actually read the conclusion” in the subject line of the email. I’d never heard of anyone doing anything like that before (although I’m sure it had been done). I initially put that in just to see (a) if anyone made it to the conclusion and (b) if anyone would send me an email with that exact subject line.
Not only did it work, but there are weeks when I can barely keep up with the requests. I love talking to authors about the process, and the authors seem to really appreciate it. So officially, for this fifth edition: If you’ve made it this far, email me at mark@hillcrestmedia.com and put “Hey, I actually read the conclusion” in the subject line. In the body of the email, feel free to tell me anything about your book and publishing goals. Also, give me days and times (including time zone) that you’ll be available for a call. You’ll get an email from me and we’ll set up a time to chat on the phone. You can ask all the questions you want about the self-publishing process.
(See how creative, free marketing can really work?)
Whatever you choose to do with your book, it’s an accomplishment to have completed it at all. How many people do you know who have a book inside of them, and yet never find the time or courage to write it?
I wish you success with your book. I hope I’ve helped make the process, especially your decision about publishing options, easier and a little less stressful. Good luck and good writing.
—Mark Levine