The Inside Scoop—What Did We Learn? A Wrap-Up of Sorts

Technically, Self-Published Author Appreciation Week is over (but it lives on in our hearts). I wanted to take a moment or two to look back at what I posted last week.

What Were Some of the Bigger Takeaways from These Posts?

The biggest lesson I took away from this was that next time I do something on this or a similar scale, I really need to start putting the posts together much earlier than I did (and I did start early).
Self-published authors want attention for their books (not unlike small-press or Big 5 authors, but more so). Not in a needy sense, or a “hey, look at meeeeee!” kind of way. But it is so hard to get anyone to see their books in the deluge of works published out there (2.3 million in 2021, for example), they will do a lot to put their name and books in front of a few eyeballs. We should all talk to people about their books in real life and online whenever we can—whether that’s what your online site/social media is about or not.
The costs involved in putting out a good-looking book are significant. I’ve tried to be better about buying copies of self-published books I’ve been given to review. I’m going to get better about it. And they should all ask for more money for their books.
The term “self-published” is a big misnomer. The number of artists, editors, and whatnot involved varies from “self” to “self,” but no one is alone in this thing.
Most of these authors are uncomfortable with and/or don’t have time to do the marketing they should. Share/retweet/like/whatever their posts when you see them on various and sundry social medias.
Their market really is international more and more. Which is just cool to see.
Most of these authors like the autonomy/freedom/etc. given by self-publishing and wouldn’t want to get into the traditional publishing game. 20 years ago, I doubt anyone would’ve imagined that.
These authors are highly self-motivated—but still, many of them have found ways to ensure they stay as productive as they want to.
Mistakes and missteps are the best teachers out there. But advice and guidance from the community come in a close second—and it seems like everyone’s ready and eager to help others out.
These people care about their work, they put blood, sweat, and tears into putting the best things out there they can.
It’s been a long time since “vanity publishing” has applied to the majority of self-publishing. Readers as a whole need to get over that idea and recognize the quality of much of what’s being self-published today (I know too many hold on to the idea). But still, there are those hitting “publish” a little too early and should spend a little more time/money on their efforts.
Along those lines, everybody judges books by their cover. Put in the effort to get something that looks good—the insides should look good, too, while we’re at it. You could be the next Hemingway or Atwood, but few will know that if it looks like your put your cover together with Microsoft Word.

Some Thanks

First, I want to thank Jodie at the Witty and Sarcastic Book Club for kicking this celebration off. Her enthusiasm for the project over the last 3(??) years is infectious.

Secondly, I want to thank my wife, kids, sister, and friends for their help in brainstorming titles and whatnot. Greg chipped in and improved some of my questions and added to them, making the whole thing better before I sent anything to the authors.

Lastly, I want to give heartfelt thanks to the authors that participated in things last week—I appreciate your time, effort, patience (especially when we kept sending each other the wrong files—or forgot to send them), honesty, and everything else.

In case you missed any (or want an easy way to find them again), here’s the list of authors and links to their Q&A About Self-Publishing:

Remember these names—you will be seeing them all here again in one form or another. Hopefully soon. Definitely before the next SPAAW. For any of them that happen to be reading this. I seriously cannot thank you enough. And, as I said before, any time you’re in the Boise area—the first round of drinks (of your choice/preference) is on me, just let me know.

The 2023 Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week Logo was made by Witty and Sarcastic Book Club