About Self-Publishing with Jared Koch, Self-published Author of CLEAN PLATES NYC

That is a lot of coordination! How did you find your team?
I initially tried two traditional book designers, but they didn't work out. My friend Greg Monaco of the branding company Monaco Lange put me in touch with one of his graphic designers, Jessica Arana. Greg oversaw the process, and I'm thrilled with the results. My publicist and printer were recommended by friends in those respective industries.

Jared, did you have a vision for how the book would look, or did your designer figure that out?
I definitely had a general vision for how the book would look, but the Jessica and Greg helped to develop the concept and bring it to life.

Where does your website www.cleanplatesnyc.com fit in? Did that come before the book or did you do that to support/promote book sales?
I launched the website in coordination with the book as a way to support the promotion and sales but more importantly as a way to stay updated on the content for our community.

I've seen Clean Plates NYC in Whole Foods and at events and I know it's available through traditional bookseller channels. How are you distributing into the book marketplace?
I was lucky enough to have Publisher's Group West agree to distribute the book. Their parent company distributes Zagat [Restaurant Guides] so I felt comfortable that they would do a great job. I still spend time developing relationships on a local level with stores like Whole Foods but I have to say that having a distributor is a huge asset.

What's been the best part about the experience?
Well, I always find it thrilling to challenge myself to learn something new, and every step of the way I've encountered a brand new obstacle. But the best part is definitely when someone contacts me to tell me they love my book and they use it all of the time. It's great to know it is actually helping people; that's worth all of the hard work.

What's been the hardest part about the experience?
Not having the resources (and expertise) I'd like to make more people aware of Clean Plates. I'm also hoping to expand to other cities, but that hasn't been as quick a process as I'd like.

What's been the most surprising thing?
I've probably been the most pleasantly surprised by the offers of support and help from other people. I think people can sense my genuine passion for helping others, and they have been so willing to give their time and talents to help me.

What about the publishing process do you wish you had known before you started? What would you do differently?
Gotten a traditional publisher. No, I'm just kidding. It's been a lot of work but there really isn't anything I could think of that I would do differently. Of course I'd like it to be even more successful and think it should be (what author doesn't), but overall I am very proud of the project and feel like I am still at the beginning in many ways. I have big plans for moving forward.

What advice do you have for others who are considering "doing it themselves"?
I think the most important thing anyone can do when they are attempting to do something they haven't done before is to speak to as many people as possible who have already done it. You should get as educated as you can and truly listen to many different perspectives and only then make an informed decision on what you deem to be best for your circumstances. Then make it happen. And, of course, have fun doing it.