Then my circumstances changed. My job was no longer in existence, both my elderly parents became ill at the same time and needed many months of assistance which made it difficult to contemplate taking another job at that time, with the possibility that I would need to take more leave very soon. Also, my age was a consideration (59). With all these factors presenting themselves I looked into the self-publishing arena.
I found Createspace and it looked like a very good option for someone with no income as you can publish without any cost at all. Was I confident enough? After consideration, I thought that it would give me an opportunity to use skills I'd gained during my working life. My diploma in editing and degree in creative writing and literature should stand me in good stead to take the challenge, be brave and be behind my own book in the marketing process. Here is the process, as I found it, for publishing my book via Createspace.............
www.createspace.com
- I created an account
- Uploaded carefully edited word document
- I chose the book size recommended to me by Createspace
- I let the Createspace tools resize my manuscript
- Opened the Cover Creator tool. I then listened to advice from my French friend who advised me to choose a plain cover as, although my book is humorous, it is a philosophical story and he thought I should choose a cover which might appeal to readers who are used to books like 'Bonjour Tristesse' etc.
- Using Cover Creator was easy and fun. I even had a grand-daughter take the author photo, which was simple to upload.
- I chose the wider distribution options so that outlets such as Barnes and Noble have access to selling the book.
- Createspace gave me a free ISBN number
- I chose my price and royalty level and agreed my distribution rights
- I used the Interior Reviewer tool and when everything seemed satisfactory I only had to click to agree and Createspace sent me a message to say that the book was in the review process and I would hear within about 48 hours.
- The next day an email arrived to let me know that the book was approved.
- I was able to open it on my computer to preview it and then agree to publish.
- Within a few days it began to appear on Amazon channels and then within a few weeks all the wider distribution channels.
- I ordered copies and was delighted with the quality of the finished product.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Maz-Me-Sharon-Loveday/dp/1494361582/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1391168558&sr=1-1&keywords=maz+and+me
