How to Succeed as a Self-Published Writer – a Conversation with David Gaughran

Cover of Let's Get VisibleWhen I decided to publish my first book, I read a whole stack of books about self-publishing. The one that made the biggest impression was Let’s Get Digital: How to Self-Publish and Why You Should, by novelist David Gaughran.

David’s book stood out because he not only delivered plenty of useful advice, he also did a superb job of describing the seismic upheavals in the publishing industry, and made a compelling case for the creative and financial benefits of self-publishing.

And he also provided real-life inspiration, in the form of 33 success stories of writers earning a steady living from publishing their own work.

This week sees the publication of Let’s Get Visible: How to Get Noticed and Sell More Books – as the title suggests, it builds on his earlier book with advanced marketing advice for more experienced self-publishers. To give you an idea how good it is, I bought it on Saturday and finished it by Sunday afternoon.

David has been kind enough to answer some questions for Lateral Action readers about the opportunities (and pitfalls) for writers right now.

I’ve benefited enormously from the advice in David’s books – if you’re remotely interested in self-publishing your work, I suggest you pay close attention to what he says.

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How WordPress Helps You Take Creative Control of Your Website

Artist websites displayed on Mac, iPad and iPhone

If you’re an independent artist or small creative business, a website is essential for showcasing your work and finding customers. But building and maintaining it is challenging for several reasons:

You don’t have a big budget. Even if you did, you’re averse to spending a lot of money on a website until you’re sure it will bring in customers. (Spot the catch-22.)

You’re a creative, not a web developer. Your eyes glaze hover when you hear expressions such as CMS, CSS, HTML and DNS. When different ‘experts’ recommend different solutions, it’s hard to know which is the best option for you.

You want to be in control. You hate having to wait for someone else to update your website, so you want a system that allows you to change the text yourself and add images, video or sound instantly. But you’re not a web developer, so this level of control feels beyond you.

It’s confusing and hard to know what to do so – so many creators put their website on the backburner, often indefinitely.

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Google Plus 101 for Creative People

Google+ LogoSince I published 4 compelling reasons for creative people to start using Google Plus, lots of you have responded: “OK I’m sold! I’ve signed up for an account. But what do I DO with it?”

So this article will walk you through the process of getting started on Google+ and using it to build a network that brings you inspiration, connection, conversation, camaraderie, customers and/or career opportunities.

1. Don’t abandon your website or blog!

Every time a new social network comes along, we hear the familiar refrains:

“Blogging is dead!”

“You don’t need a website any more, just a Facebook page/Twitter account/Google+ profile.”

“[Shiny new social network] is the ultimate blogging platform, you should move your blog there.”

Tosh.

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4 Compelling Reasons for Creative People to Start Using Google Plus

Google+ LogoIf you want the internet to bring you an audience for your creative work, opportunities for your creative career, and/or customers for your creative business, I recommend you get a Google+ account and start using it right away.

I know you’re busy, and it probably feels like another social network is the last thing you need. But this isn’t just another social network. It’s bigger than that, and it can have multiple benefits for your creative career or business.

Here are four compelling reasons why you should start using Google+ now.

1. Everyone’s on Facebook

I hear this a lot, as an objection to using Google+. But in fact it’s one of the biggest reasons why you should be using Google+.

How so?

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How to Start Licensing Your Art (and Why You Should)

Natasha Wescoat painting used as mural on bedroom wall

Painting by Natasha Wescoat licensed to Murals Your Way

When I began as an artist, I was really enjoying the experience of selling my work directly to people. It was so much more exciting than hanging it on a wall in a gallery.

I had more control over my work, when it was available and where I could place it for sale. There was no middle man involved and I preferred it that way.

But something was missing.

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