Do you want to self-publish your book, but you’re not sure where to start? This extended program isn’t just about covering the specifics of how to take your edited manuscript through the process of self-publishing – when you complete the program you will be able to have your book for sale in print and digital formats.
Taking a hands-on approach, this innovative program, led by Joel Naoum, will guide you through a professional-quality self-publishing process, including briefing a cover design, typesetting and creating digital files, establishing ebook and print on demand distribution, as well as learning the fundamentals of marketing your book.
Joel Naoum runs Critical Mass, a consultancy for authors and publishers, and previously ran Pan Macmillan Australia’s digital-first imprint, Momentum. Here he discusses some of the challenges writers face when considering self-publishing.
You’ve described yourself as a ‘publisher-for-hire’. What does that mean?
Self-publishers have access to a lot of services to help them, from editorial to distribution and marketing. These are all services that Critical Mass also provides. However, I think what ties it together is having a dedicated and experienced publisher who can give strategic advice, has your best interests at heart and who knows what services are supposed to cost, how freelancers are supposed to behave and what quality you can expect for what you’re willing to pay.
How has self-publishing evolved over the past decade?
It’s gone from being a vanity exercise to one of the most vibrant growth areas in book publishing. Indie authors are at the bleeding edge of innovation in marketing and distribution and some of them are giving traditional publishers a run for their money.
What are some of the common challenges writers encounter when trying to self-publish?
Trying to replicate the skill sets of a dozen different publishing departments in one person is almost impossible. Knowing what you can do yourself and what you can pay someone to do is crucial. In other words, if you’re going to self-publish it’s essential to play to your strengths and recognise your weaknesses.
The Self-Publishing Program runs over seven Thursday evenings from 15 June through 10 August, starting at 6:30 pm, at the NSW Writers’ Centre. Find out more and read our FAQ on our website.