So, you've written your book and you are ready to self-publish. Becoming a self-publishing author is an exciting and often confusing journey. Here are some tips based on common questions that self-publishing authors ask me regarding where to go above and beyond the book cover design itself.

"Do I need an ISBN number?"
The answer depends on how you plan on selling your book. If you are planning on selling it through a retail source (including Amazon.com) then the answer is almost always yes unless the retailer is small/independent and you are working under a consignment arrangement. If you are selling your books direct (i.e. at speaking engagements, through your own website, etc.) then it is not necessarily important to have an ISBN number. If you plan on eventually selling your book at a more traditional retailer it may be worth the cost to do it at the time you have your cover designed. For my clients without an ISBN number, I make sure I leave an open area where the ISBN barcode would normally appear should the need arise in the future.

"How do I get an ISBN number?"
Go to http://www.bowker.com/-  This is pretty much the only game in town for ISBN numbers and they have several options for you. If you are going to get an ISBN number do it early because there is a significant up charge to expedite delivery and it can take a while to get it.

"Should I copyright my book?"
I can't think of any reason an author wouldn't. You spent the time to write it... copyright it... protect it!

"Can I copyright my book without an attorney?"
O.K., the answer is yes you can but I am NOT telling you that you should. Frankly, the paperwork is pretty self-explanatory... but if you have the budget, have an attorney take care of the details. For most self-publishing authors, filling out the form yourself is a reasonable endeavor (and it's really cost effective).
Here is a link to get you started http://www.copyright.gov/forms/formtxi.pdf

"How many books should I have printed?"
Frankly, if this is your first printing, I always recommend printing between 100 to 200 copies at the most. The first reason is that you should be able to sell a smaller quantity more quickly. The second and probably more important reason is that (even with a professional proofreader) authors almost always find a few typos, if not considerably more (your first readers are sometimes better proofreaders than the pros!) after the first and second short runs of their book. This allows you to make the corrections on the next printing and avoid having to make the choice to either sell 1000's of books that you know have embarrassing typos or sit on a garage full of books.

"How important is my book cover design?"
I know what you are thinking... of course the "cover designer" will say this is the most important thing in the world. If you doubt this, ask the literary agent that you would love to pitch your book. Simply put, an agent can't do anything with a phenomenal book with an unmarketable cover, but she might be able to pitch a poorly written book with a sharp and commercially marketable cover. Doesn't your work deserve the benefit of the doubt? The fact is that you need to make sure the judgment your potential reader makes of your book based on the cover is a good one. Your imagination and talent deserves this at a minimum.

"How can I market my book?"
This is always the magic question. For the self -publishing author, I have seen the most re-prints ordered by authors who have mastered the art of speaking engagements. Whether it is utilizing local talk radio or local TV venues to cooping with independent retailers... "Guerilla Marketing" is the answer until you have sold enough copies on your own to catch the attention of a publisher willing to front the expenses of printing and advertising.

You are on the right path by self-publishing your book. Most authors only dream of writing their book and getting published. The fact is that there are millions of authors and only thousands of large publishers, so by taking this step you are taking control of your work and your destiny... good luck and keep your focus on your dream... your book deserves it!

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