Publishing Daley

Kathi Daley is a self published author. Some may wonder what that means having seen all the big names publishing companies on so many books at the various book stores.  So, what does it take to be self published?  Kathi joins Booth Talks Books today to talk to us about the process and what she hopes to accomplish in the future as she starts aiming her books toward bookstores.

Booth Talks Books: Why do you choose to self publish?

Kathi Daley: I chose to self-publish because I am impatient. It really is as simple as that. Finding an agent, waiting for them to find a publisher, then waiting for a publish date and finally seeing your book in print can take years. With self-publishing the timeline from completed manuscript to book for sale is about a month. I have been very happy with self-publishing and would choose that route all over if I had to do it again.

 

BTB: What was your first self published book?

KD: Halloween Hijinks – Zoe Donovan #1

 

BTB: What does your day look like when it comes to writing, promoting and such?  What all is involved?

KD: I work a LOT of hours. I get up in the morning, have some coffee, and immediately get onto the computer. I have to do my birthday posts as early in the day as I can since I am on the west coast, so I always do those first. I then answer emails and take care of other social media tasks such as giveaways and promo updates. This takes about two hours. I then have breakfast and write until I get my word count for the day (usually around 5,000 words). I do try to relax in the evening and I do try to take at least one day a week off and one short (week long) vacation every few months.

 

BTB: Now, you want to try to get your books physically on bookstore shelves.  How does a self-publishing author go about that?  What obstacles do you face that those with a publishing company don’t face?

KD: When your books are trade published the publisher takes care of distribution. The publishers have contracts with large retailers and your books are sent to the retailer from the publisher. When you self-publish you have to contact the bookstore directly and convince them to give your book a shot. I am trying to get my books into Barnes and Noble. It’s a process to be sure. It helps if those who buy the books would go into their local branch and requests the books. If the buyer for the store has enough requests for an author’s books they are more likely to decide to carry them.

 

BTB: Do online purchases and reviews help get a book into bookstores?  How can readers help if at all?

KD: Online reviews and purchases most definitely help. Bookstores look at those types of numbers when deciding whether or not to carry a specific book. As I indicated in the previous answer It helps if those who would buy the books would go into their local bookstore and requests the books. My books are available for order through Createspace’s expanded a distribution network so bookstores can buy them wholesale and sell them retail if they choose.

Thank you so much Kathi for taking the time to be with Booth Talks Books today.  This information is for sure something that will help us readers better understand another segment of the world of the author.

Now, it’s time for you readers to leave a comment for Kathi!  Comment below with your e-mail address for a chance to win a $25 Amazon e-card and a paper (Us Only) or e-copy of  Shamrock Shenanigans.  And, if you have questions for Kathi, ask away!  She’s SO good with her readers.