When I first began to self-publish, I used CreateSpace. Via this fantastic website, I could format both an eBook (Kindle) and paperback for publication – mostly to Amazon.
I started slowly. It began with some of my nonfiction works. This, in time, would be moved to a separate name (I’m published under 2 names – one for fiction and one for nonfiction). But it also led me to start publishing my first love – fiction.
As I’ve written before, I started writing sci-fi when I was 9 years old. On a shelf in my office are both the original handwritten, hand-drawn 50-page illustrated book and a bound color copy my dad made of Wildfire.
I’d attempted to get it published. Vanity, to some degree – but also a prelude of a recurrent theme.
Not long after I started publishing my fiction, CreateSpace became part of Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). This has several cool advantages – and like CreateSpace, everything can be done for free.
Still, I know the importance of professional editing and learned why paying a cover artist is wise. Although the process of uploading and formatting the Kindle eBook and paperback is free and easy – there are still costs involved in self-publishing.
While having multiple books available via Amazon in Kindle and paperback – and via Audible as an audiobook – has gotten my business as an authorpreneur off the ground – I see where it’s time to choose new options for my business model. This requires making choices to that end.
Expanding distribution
Let me get right to the point – I’m starting the process of expanding the distribution for my works.
Not all 12 published sci-fi, fantasy, and Steampunk books I’ve put out there – at least, not yet. But I’ve been making choices for where to start.
My Forgotten Fodder clone/conspiracy sci-fi series is – I believe – one of the strongest things I’ve written. Between a solid story, working from a plan/plot and outline (when I used to work almost exclusively as a pantser), and solid cover art – I think the 4 books are perfect for expanding my reach/presence.
Fortunately or unfortunately, there is a catch. And that’s KDP Select.
KDP allows you to enroll your eBooks into their exclusive KDP Select program. This is a means to reach more readers via Amazon and Kindle promotions – such as reduced pricing or free book offerings.
However, for the extent of your time in the KDP select program, your book must remain exclusive to Amazon and Kindle.
Some people have made amazing money in this way. Amazon and Kindle dominate the publishing world on lots of levels.
But they are not the only game in town. And there are people increasingly discontent with both services. Those people – as such – have been beyond my reach.
Another avenue I get to go down via expanded distribution is libraries.
The disadvantage to being enrolled in KDP Select is that you’re automatically re-enrolled – unless you choose not to be. Thus, one of the Forgotten Fodder novels remains exclusive to KDP until September.
But respecting that – I begin wide distribution of Forgotten Fodder for eBook and paperback on Tuesday, September 12th.
The 4 novels of my Forgotten Fodder clone/conspiracy sci-fi series
Making choices to change my business model
An ad on Facebook caught my eye from an author name Kate Sheeran Swed. The sci-fi series being promoted – her Parse Galaxy series – enticed me. I bought and read the first book. I enjoyed it enough to buy the next one.
Then I got hooked. So I reached out to her via email.
She replied, and we have had a pretty interesting conversation. And I thoroughly appreciate everything she’s shared with me, and the questions she’s answered.
One thing she shared was how she’d gone wide with distribution. And that got me thinking – maybe this is something I should work with.
Before this, however, someone I work with mentioned in passing Spotify audiobooks. I had no idea that Spotify offered audiobooks.
I looked into it – and discovered a new means to expand distribution of my audiobooks beyond Audible.
What’s very cool about this is that it allows me to expand my reach with all the work I do. What’s more – I got to do some reformatting of both the eBook and the paperback for the whole series.
And the cherry on top is that I’m also revamping my mailing list, offering a new freebie, and starting a regular newsletter.
I’m making choices to be more proactive.
Making choices for multiple elements of my authorpreneurship
My mailing list has been largely neglected. I opted instead to focus on social media.
The trouble is – when all is said and done – I’m increasingly disliking social media. I spend a lot less time on Facebook (which I’m working to reduce further), have only a passing relationship with Instagram and TikTok (but am on both), quit Twitter (or whatever Musk is calling it now), and refuse to get onto Threads (sorry, Meta, no).
Everything I ever read about authorpreneurs mentions the importance of mailing lists. Taking this into account – I’m relaunching mine to coincide with my broader distribution.
Thanks to a book recommended by Kate Sheeran Swed, I learned some important things about maintaining a newsletter and offering value to readers. Some of it I knew, but the reinforcement was quite helpful.
Hence, I’ve written a new short story that takes place before the events in Forgotten Fodder. I think this is an excellent partner to match my new wider distribution, as well as a resource to use for other short stories in the same vein (without too much of a spoiler – more origin stories).
I’m very excited to offer more ways for readers to find me and my work. And further, to engage with you more (and not just via weekly blogs).
I’m making choices to try some new approaches to go somewhere exciting I very much desire to go.
Thanks for coming along on my journey with me.
As I share my creative journey with you, I conclude with this – how are you inspired to be your own creator – whatever form that takes?
Please take a moment to check out the collection of my published works, which can be found here.
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