Self-publishing company
Name of self-publishing company:
Amazon.com CreateSpaceWhat year did you self-publish your book?:
2012Let us see your book - insert your book's URL here:
www.amazon.com/dp/B0074KBJZ4/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb#reader_B0074KBJZ4In what format did you self-publish your book?
ebookDid you try to find a traditional publisher?
Diligently but no takers.Did the company properly prepare you for the process?
My literary agent gave a description to me - but over-promised or misunderstood the marketing plan. In my novel, a continuation of my prize winning short story, Austen enthusiasts will find the known facts of Austen’s life meticulously brought to life in a narrative. There is a natural market for the book among Jane Austen enthusiasts who I feel would really enjoy it, but it seems Amazon will not be presenting it to that audience nearly as effectively as I thought they would.
Was the cost of publishing adequately explained to you?
No cost
Were you happy with the finished book?
Somewhat
What advice do you have for others?
Find out more specifics about production and marketing. Ask others for their experiences. I've had no costs, but also no marketing, except what I can do myself. I may receive somewhat more promotion if I can build a substantial base by myself, but a "slow roll-out" at best.
My Review
Although Amazon charged me no fees and expressed enthusiasm for offering my book, my agent and I expected to receive marketing services that are simply not materializing. Also, we were promised quick transfer and the supply of a cover design for approval, but the art dept put aside file for 6 weeks claiming it was "contaminated" If it was, they did the contamination because a new mailing of the same file proved clean. The cover was created quickly and the book and explanatory materials were mounted overnight, but none of the proposed linkage to other books and categories for marketing were done and seem unlikely for the foreseeable future. I was warned after the fact about the company, but hoped for the best.
Would you recommend this to a friend?
NoValerie Peterson, Book Publishing Guide, says:
Elsa, I think your experience is a common one for authors no matter what company publishes them. The reality for today's authors is that much of the publicity and marketing falls to them. For those who want some insight into the process, read what the basics of a publisher's publicity campaign or a publisher's marketing campaign consists of and more about what authors can do to help publicize their books.The main thing is to educate yourself about the process—and don't get discouraged. Jane Austen in Love has a target audience, which puts it ahead of many books and that's a great starting point. Good luck to you!
