Self-publishing Guidance
Helping writers turn manuscripts into professionally published books
Are you thinking of writing a memoir or a novel? Perhaps you have a completed manuscript already. What's your target market – family and friends, or selling your book to a wider audience?
I have walked the path myself — from blank page to bestseller — and understand every stage of the journey.
Why listen to my advice?
- Bestselling author
- Published both independently and through traditional publishing houses
- Three decades of writing and producing books
- Postgraduate degrees in English, Marketing and Business
I collaborate with a limited number of writers each year to ensure each project receives the attention it deserves.
The choices you have:
You can pitch your book to agents and publishing houses. However less than one percent of manuscripts are contracted by traditional publishers. This leaves you with self-publishing. It is complex and can be expensive, unless you’ve travelled the road before and learned from experience.
This is where I can assist. I’ve learnt the industry from the bottom up – identifying the best and most cost-effective strategies for producing and marketing a book. The publishing industry is ever-changing, and my journey hasn’t been easy. There’s been much trial and error along the way. In the end, I’ve achieved my dream of becoming a bestselling author. Consequently I have much knowledge to share.
The Five Stages of Publishing
1. Writing a book
2. Polishing it (editing, making structural changes, proofreading, etc.)
3. Publishing the book
4. Distributing it
5. Marketing
Here’s an unsurprising truth – most writers are uncomfortable with the last four stages. They are storytellers. Publishing, distribution and marketing are necessary evils, and writers feel overwhelmed by the prospects.
But… when self-publishing, you must embrace every stage with equal discipline. This is critical for bringing out a high-quality book that has the best chance of success. I can help you on this journey – bringing expertise and experience to every stage.
Why me?
* Writing the book:
I have a degree in English and am a bestselling author
* Polishing the book:
I am an experienced editor who has collaborated with leading industry professionals
* Publishing the book:
I have established relationships with book designers, producers, printers and other publishing professionals
* Distributing the book:
I have listed my books on local and international online platforms, and placed them in bookshops around the world
* Marketing:
I have a degree in the subject, and have learned how to best publicise your book
There is one more approach that is key – Strategy. A clearly thought-out plan is crucial for bringing your book to life. A strategy aligned to your aims – be they small-circle, national or international book sales. A strategy that matches your budget. That defines your actions in each of the five stages, with achievable milestones and realistic timeframes. A strategy that gives you direction and assurance.
Many professionals offer publishing services – freelance editors, book producers and vanity publishers among them. Those with expertise across all five stages are usually employed by major publishing houses, and are rarely accessible to independent writers.
Then there is me. A successful author intimate with each stage in the journey.
My expectations:
I work best with writers who:
• Are serious about completing and publishing a book
• Are willing to revise and improve their manuscript
• Understand that publishing is both a creative and commercial process
• Are prepared to invest time and resources into producing a professional book
If you are simply curious about publishing but not yet committed to the journey, I recommend completing more of your manuscript before contacting me.
Where do we go from here?
1. You send me a brief email explaining:
- what your manuscript is about, and the genre
- where you are in the five-stage journey
- what your objectives are with your book
2. Attach three sample chapters (in PDF form).
3. Please note: I specialise in memoirs and novels only – thriller, romantic, mystery, crime, etc.
4. We'll then have a video call to discuss about how best I can assist.
5. I will then provide a quote with a brief of the services to be rendered.
What do my services cost?
My fees are industry-related and commensurate to my experience. A discount is offered for guidance through multiple stages, as opposed to just one.
My commitment to you:
- Your book is your dream, and your words are your words. I will not alter your unique voice.
- My role is to guide, advise and strengthen what you have created.
- If big sales are your objective, I cannot guarantee that. Sales depend on the quality of your manuscript – with which I’ll assist – and on strategic distribution and self-marketing.
- Marketing I cannot do: that's up to you. But I can tell you what to do, and how, in line with global trends.
- I will buy into your dream by giving you my time and expertise. We will both have responsibilities and commitments. The tighter our collaboration, the better the chance of achieving your goals.
A final word:
If you've read this far, I suspect we are kindred spirits. We are storytellers. Don’t be afraid to embrace the other stages in the journey. There is a way to navigate the challenging terrain ahead. I’ve done it many times.
If you’d like me to guide you, send me an email – I look forward to hearing from you.
I have walked the path myself — from blank page to bestseller — and understand every stage of the journey.
Why listen to my advice?
- Bestselling author
- Published both independently and through traditional publishing houses
- Three decades of writing and producing books
- Postgraduate degrees in English, Marketing and Business
I collaborate with a limited number of writers each year to ensure each project receives the attention it deserves.
The choices you have:
You can pitch your book to agents and publishing houses. However less than one percent of manuscripts are contracted by traditional publishers. This leaves you with self-publishing. It is complex and can be expensive, unless you’ve travelled the road before and learned from experience.
This is where I can assist. I’ve learnt the industry from the bottom up – identifying the best and most cost-effective strategies for producing and marketing a book. The publishing industry is ever-changing, and my journey hasn’t been easy. There’s been much trial and error along the way. In the end, I’ve achieved my dream of becoming a bestselling author. Consequently I have much knowledge to share.
The Five Stages of Publishing
1. Writing a book
2. Polishing it (editing, making structural changes, proofreading, etc.)
3. Publishing the book
4. Distributing it
5. Marketing
Here’s an unsurprising truth – most writers are uncomfortable with the last four stages. They are storytellers. Publishing, distribution and marketing are necessary evils, and writers feel overwhelmed by the prospects.
But… when self-publishing, you must embrace every stage with equal discipline. This is critical for bringing out a high-quality book that has the best chance of success. I can help you on this journey – bringing expertise and experience to every stage.
Why me?
* Writing the book:
I have a degree in English and am a bestselling author
* Polishing the book:
I am an experienced editor who has collaborated with leading industry professionals
* Publishing the book:
I have established relationships with book designers, producers, printers and other publishing professionals
* Distributing the book:
I have listed my books on local and international online platforms, and placed them in bookshops around the world
* Marketing:
I have a degree in the subject, and have learned how to best publicise your book
There is one more approach that is key – Strategy. A clearly thought-out plan is crucial for bringing your book to life. A strategy aligned to your aims – be they small-circle, national or international book sales. A strategy that matches your budget. That defines your actions in each of the five stages, with achievable milestones and realistic timeframes. A strategy that gives you direction and assurance.
Many professionals offer publishing services – freelance editors, book producers and vanity publishers among them. Those with expertise across all five stages are usually employed by major publishing houses, and are rarely accessible to independent writers.
Then there is me. A successful author intimate with each stage in the journey.
My expectations:
I work best with writers who:
• Are serious about completing and publishing a book
• Are willing to revise and improve their manuscript
• Understand that publishing is both a creative and commercial process
• Are prepared to invest time and resources into producing a professional book
If you are simply curious about publishing but not yet committed to the journey, I recommend completing more of your manuscript before contacting me.
Where do we go from here?
1. You send me a brief email explaining:
- what your manuscript is about, and the genre
- where you are in the five-stage journey
- what your objectives are with your book
2. Attach three sample chapters (in PDF form).
3. Please note: I specialise in memoirs and novels only – thriller, romantic, mystery, crime, etc.
4. We'll then have a video call to discuss about how best I can assist.
5. I will then provide a quote with a brief of the services to be rendered.
What do my services cost?
My fees are industry-related and commensurate to my experience. A discount is offered for guidance through multiple stages, as opposed to just one.
My commitment to you:
- Your book is your dream, and your words are your words. I will not alter your unique voice.
- My role is to guide, advise and strengthen what you have created.
- If big sales are your objective, I cannot guarantee that. Sales depend on the quality of your manuscript – with which I’ll assist – and on strategic distribution and self-marketing.
- Marketing I cannot do: that's up to you. But I can tell you what to do, and how, in line with global trends.
- I will buy into your dream by giving you my time and expertise. We will both have responsibilities and commitments. The tighter our collaboration, the better the chance of achieving your goals.
A final word:
If you've read this far, I suspect we are kindred spirits. We are storytellers. Don’t be afraid to embrace the other stages in the journey. There is a way to navigate the challenging terrain ahead. I’ve done it many times.
If you’d like me to guide you, send me an email – I look forward to hearing from you.
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