Over the last 6 months I have been preparing for the 27th October...the day when I launch my first novel. It has taken me 2 years to write the back story of a pentalogy AND the first part which is a 75,000 word novel.
So the hard work is done....
Well not quite.
There is a lot to consider when writing a book because it involves a lot of planning and preparation. Particularly if you are going to self-publish!
I originally wanted to travel down the traditional publishing route, but I'm glad I haven't because I have learned so much more and I want to share my journey.
But I'm not going to lie...I am being very brave...as I am super nervous and excited at the same time!
So here is day one of the 30 day count down.
Facing the fear and going through the process
1) Edit...edit...edit...
I am currently editing using software and Beta readers. I have since found my husband is an excellent proof reader and with English teacher friends...I'm pretty lucky to say the least, as my word blindness and dyslexia does cause problems.
2) Deciding on Book covers
This has been a difficult task. Enjoyable, but difficult. There is so many designs, colours and styles to choose from. I have decided to go simple but bold. All will be revealed soon.
2) Financing the book
I have decided to do three things.
* Release some steem (Powering Down)
* Pre-orders on my books.
* Work my ass off every day for two weeks to bring in more income. Costs to be around £800 start up. (That does not include editing or ebook formatting as I have figured out how to do it myself)
3) Marketing
* Blogging through all Aubrey Fox social media channels.
* Postcards to locals and to independent book stores
*Press releases and radio
* Launch party- Oh yes I like a party!
4) Designing a dyslexic friendly book
As I am passionate about creating 'dyslexic friendly' books, I am in talks with a book publisher about creating a book using the dyslexie font and appropriate spacing. It will cost more to print, but It will be worth it. The font comes on a £50 licence and the pages will be more due to spacing. For me there is nothing worse than reading small blurred text
5) Website presence I already have a website and a 'brand' if you like, but I do need to update and keep in moving. 6) Short stories I have found short stories on blogs don't work for me. I cant read a lot on here due to my dyslexia and I find it hard to serialise stories on a blog so I am producing some on amazon! I already have produced two so far...and they link to my pentalogy (All will be revealed in the 30 day lead up) 6) Spreading the word about MY ACTUAL BOOK! I need to spread the word and tell you all what it's about, why people should read it and also about the interesting characters that feature in the unusual plot line. For now....I think that is all.