The self-publishing journey

Insight for aspiring authors and book lovers

With self-publishing, every aspect of the publishing journey – from writing the manuscript to the printed copies – is the responsibility of the author. This can be quite an intensive process and it requires much more entrepreneurial flare and marketing expertise than an author following the traditional route.

Although the process is more intensive, it is a great way for aspiring authors to retain complete creative control of their book. Our very own Roxanne has recently gone through this exact process – from beginning to end. It is her desire to share her experience in order to encourage other aspiring authors, provide insight into the process for all book lovers and to build a
community of support.

Over the next few weeks, look out for our newsletter which will outline
7 steps of the self-publishing process.

Roxanne shares the story of how she came to the self-publishing decision.

To self-publish or not to self-publish…

I enjoyed owning the ‘aspiring author’ label, yet for how long? How many more years? Was I procrastinating? Had I completed my book to the best of my ability? Yes. I researched on how to self-publish or how to find an agent or publisher. I now have at least seven or so books on how to do it.

I followed other self-published authors on social media platforms. I read profiles on publishers, on agents and on what was required from me in my submission form. I needed to know about the agent or publisher. What school they went to, what pets they owned, what books they read, etc. Then they wanted my list mirrored back to them. I spoke to friends who informed me either they didn’t know how to do it or they had a successful family relation who knew so-and-so and sold thousands of copies.

So, here I am - a self-published author. I believe in things happening for a reason. I met a self-published author on social media. I bought a copy of her book. She, my mother and my cousin all happened to go to the same school. Wow, how did that happen? We got talking and she became my developmental editor. That’s it, that’s how it happened.

I can only hope that children and adults the world over will enjoy and benefit from the fruits of my labour.

With love,
Roxanne
xx

Since self-published authors don’t have millions of pounds of corporate backing and expertise, they are akin to a small business. One of the best ways that you can show your support for a self-published author - and any small business - is to spread the word about them!

Tell your friends, colleagues and family about Lexi and the Magic Cats.

We’ve listed a few simple ways you can support
any self-published author for free!

1. Share the news about their book to your community
2. Follow their social media accounts and sign-up for their newsletters
3. Like, comment and share their social media posts
4. Leave a review of their book on their selling platforms, such as Amazon
5. Send a review directly to them – your feedback will encourage them to keep going when things get tough

Of course, if you enjoy their work and think their story will benefit you, the best way to support a self-published author is to buy the book!

If you have read and enjoyed Lexi and the Magic Cats, we invite you to leave a review on Roxanne's selling platform, Amazon.

Follow Lexi's World through our social media pages by clicking the links below.

'Inside us all is a sense of wonderment.'

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