How to Self-Publish in Oz: A step-by-step guide for Australians planning to self-publish a book

By Donna Munro

How to Self-Publish in Oz

A step-by-step guide for Australians planning to self-publish a book.

 

There's no better joy to an aspiring author than the arrival of the first book baby. Holding a debut book in your hands, flipping the pages, rubbing the cover and staring at your author

• Language: English
• Publisher: Warm Witty Publishing
• Release date: Aug 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9780648019497

Donna Munro

As an indie author of three women's fiction novels, The Zanzibar Moon, Kendwa's Secret and Elephant Creek, and freelance writer, Donna Munro can show you how to take the steps. After working in publishing as a book marketing publicist and learning the ropes, she transitioned to self-publishing. She helps other writers achieve their goals by providing newsletters, websites, book design, book covers and other guidance. Skills include excellence in multiple computer platforms and apps, 18 years in the printing industry, writing diploma, graphic design, publishing, administration, marketing and event management.

Book preview

How to

Self-Publish

in

Oz

First Published – 2021

This edition published 2021 by Warm Witty Publishing

Sunshine Coast, Qld Australia

www.donnamunroauthor.com

Copyright © Donna Munro 2021

The National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication

Creator: Munro, Donna, author.

Title: How to Self-Publish in Oz / Donna Munro.

ISBN: 978-0-6480194-9-7 (ebook)

Subjects:       Non-fiction,

Writing resources

Self-publishing

Print-on-demand

Australian writers

All rights reserved

This book is a work of non-fiction.

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronical, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any persons, who do any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims damages. The author asserts her moral rights. Only permissioned users are allowed to copy book pages for educational purposes.

Typeset in Gill Sans 12pt

Cover artwork by Donna Munro.

Using this guide

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This book originated from a workbook from an online course I tutored for Romance Writers of Australia in 2019. While compiling the course documents, I realised how difficult it must be for people new to self-publishing. There was no easy Australian-specific guide to self-publishing and print-on-demand. Yes, you can go online to find resources (and we’ll get to them later), but knowing each step required isn’t so straightforward, and most books gear towards America and the United Kingdom.

I wanted to help Australians intending to become self-publishers. That’s you, right? You’ve chosen this book because you have a desire to publish a book of your own. That’s exciting! When you hold your book, it will be a thrill like no other. I promise.

You may ask why I know this. And, good question. I tried the traditional rounds submitting to publishers and agents over the years. Time got away with me (you know the stuff, mortgage, work, kids, sport — life!).

After working in the small publishing and printing industry and becoming a graphic designer, I learnt a few useful skills. I started in the days of typesetting machines as big as a room. First, I’d print out headings in long strips and columns of text, waxed the back and laid out by hand, standing at an art table. After that, it was into a darkroom to produce the printing plates. Yep, I’m old school, but I taught myself desktop publishing on Mac and PC and continue to upskill.

Then, in 2016 I decided I couldn’t wait any longer. At least one manuscript that was languishing in my filing cabinet needed to become a book, right? So, with this thought in my head, it was time for action.

I knew I could layout pages, design covers and send a book to a printer (don’t worry if you can’t — we’ll get to that too). My time with a small publisher gave me insight into applying for ISBNs, sending data to libraries and marketing to bookstores. I had the skills, but even for me, there was a lot to learn. I took notes (resulting in this book). And, I suffered a few mistakes too. Even the most successful self-publishers, like Mark Dawson from The Self Publishing Show, made early mistakes.

Sorry to tell you there are pitfalls, but because I found some, you’ll already be wary of them (and not fall far, and at least you’ll have a soft landing).

In 2021 I have self-published three novels, this non-fiction book, and continue to work on book ideas. The dream is to write full time. I can see that day nearing (if I squint off into the distance with a heart full of hope). Anyhow, now it’s your turn.

This guide is in four parts

Part 1 -       The Dozen

Part 2 -       The Freedom

Part 3 -       The ABCs

Part 4 -       Putting it all together (including links to awesome templates you can use in your writing and publishing business).

Work through each chapter.

Do the tasks? They’ll be easy to find with this symbol:

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Enjoy the process. So let’s get started.

Contents

Using this guide

Contents

Part 1

The Dozen

Chapter One

1. Write

Chapter Two

2. Drafts

Chapter Three

3. Register

Chapter Four

4. Marketing

Chapter Five

5. Layout

Chapter Six

6. Cover

Chapter Seven

7. Final Edit

Chapter Eight

8. Proof

Chapter Nine

9. Print

Chapter Ten

10. Distribute

Chapter Eleven

11. Social Media

Chapter Twelve

12. Promo Material

Part 2

The Freedom

Chapter Thirteen

Common pitfalls

Chapter Fourteen

Get organised

Chapter Fifteen

Programs and apps

Chapter Sixteen

Strengths and weaknesses

Chapter Seventeen

Your helpers

Chapter Eighteen

Extras of the Dozen

Part 3

The ABCs

Chapter Nineteen

A - Aptitude

Chapter Twenty

B - Belief

Chapter Twenty-One

C - Creativity

Part 4

Putting it all together

Chapter Twenty-Two

Checklists

Chapter Twenty-Three

Keeping records

Chapter Twenty-Four

Future plans

Chapter Twenty-Six

The last words

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Free Templates

Author Bio

Acknowledgements

Did you enjoy this book?

Part 1

The Dozen

The Dozen of Self-Publishing is a term for the number of essential elements needed to self-publish. They include:

Write

Drafts

Register

Marketing

Layout

Cover

Last Edit

Proof

Print

Distribute

Social Media

Promo Material

Chapter One

1. Write

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Write the best book possible.

You can’t self-publish a book if you don’t finish your manuscript. Simple and true. Choose your style - pen to paper, fingers to keyboard, voice to the recorder, whatever way you write - get to it.

A finished manuscript takes the average writer one to three months to a year (or longer) to write, depending on the word count (and dedication). The more you procrastinate, the less chance you have of writing to completion. Begin today. Yes, I mean it - start (if you haven’t) or keep going until the end.

I know you’re keen to get this book finished, but how about you take a break now (yup, I know you just started).

Get your manuscript out (at whatever stage it is).

If you’ve finished, yay you! We’re applauding. Please