Abouts Books

By Monica Carter Tagore

Self-publishing is a viable option for many people who want to share their expertise and make money in the process. But it's not for everyone. Self-publishing is a business, like any other, and should be treated that way.

I am a big supporter of quality self-publishing, because I know it can be the means for an author to share expertise, change lives - and live the American Dream. I know; I've built a business around my writing and publishing and have been able to make a living at it.

That is why I know quality self-publishing - while great for many - is not for everyone. While I would love to help as many people as possible to self-publish, I also want to help save people from the mistake of self-publishing, if it's not really suited for them. So here is a short quiz to help you determine if self-publishing is for you:

1. Do you want to be in charge of your project? A self-publisher cannot sit back and let others make all the calls about her book. You must be willing to be involved in the process. This is attractive to many self-publishers, who want to have the say in how their book covers look, how the books are marketed, etc. You get the credit for your success.

2. Do you have the time? Self-publishing means spending time on the details of your enterprise. Will you be able to organize your time and do the work? It may mean getting up early before you go to your job or it could mean using breaks at work to make calls about your book, rather than chatting with your friends around the water cooler. Maybe it'll mean using your vacation time to work on and promote your book and publishing business. We all have the same number of hours in each day, so others have managed their time wisely enough to create self-publishing success. You can, too, if you choose to do so.

3. Will you have the money? Remember when I said self-publishing is a business? Well, that means it will cost some money. Do not be fooled by vanity presses or print-on-demand technology options that promise you can become a published author for a few hundred dollars. It's true you can become a published author for just a few hundred dollars, but at that rate, you're not making any money, nor are you making a name for yourself or helping your readers. To seriously engage in self-publishing, you will need to spend money. Now, you can find ways not to waste your money on costly mistakes when you educate yourself. And that brings us to the next point.

4. Will you educate yourself? It's not enough to "wing it," when you decide to self-publish. That is because there are many opportunities for you to be taken advantage of by unscrupulous vendors and service providers if you do not make it your business to learn your business. Choose to get help from a self-publishing mentor or coach, attend conferences and book events, read books and credible publications on the subject, etc. This will save you enormous headache in the long run.

You can become a self-publishing success if you have what it takes to begin self-publishing and stick to it. You can build a speaking career, grow an information business, and become a media darling when you know how to properly self-publish your own quality book.

Monica Carter Tagore is a self publishing mentor who teaches people to successfully publish marketable books. She is the author of three books, two e-books and thousands of articles. She also has ghostwritten books and projects for others. Join her mailing list at http://www.knowledgewealthseries.com/writingsuccess.html and get her newsletter with helpful tips to successfully publish your next book.