When I posted a few weeks ago about self-publishing, Caroline left a link to David Gaughran’s blog concerning a statement made by Jodi Picoult. During an interview she said that writers should not self-publish. In his post, Gaughran eloquently countered Picoult’s statement. I enjoyed his writing style and information so I signed up to follow his blog. Last week I saw that he was offering his Let’s Get Digital e-book for free on Amazon. Since I live in the UK I couldn’t get the book for free since it was only free from Amazon US. But he wrote in his posting that if this was the case, readers should email him and he would send it via email. I emailed him and requested a copy and he was kind enough to respond promptly and attached his e-book. His kindness is much appreciated.
This is the first book I’ve read concerning self-publishing. Gaughran’s writing is easy to understand and entertaining. I wasn’t expecting it to be funny since I thought it would be just a how-to guide that presented the facts in a cut-and-dry manner. What I appreciated the most was his attitude about self-publishing. He doesn’t repeatedly state that “it’s my way or the highway.” His goal isn’t to tell you that you are an idiot if you don’t self-publish. He knows that self-publishing is an option to hopefully open more doors. And if one of those doors is to an agent or traditional publisher fantastic. And if readers are there and enjoy your work, that’s super great. Isn’t that why writers write? So readers will read their stories. He is open to all avenues and that is refreshing for me since I am new to this game and I don’t want someone yelling at me to “do it this way or fail!”
Let’s Get Digital: How To Self-Publish, And Why You Should discusses the ins and outs of self-publishing including, formatting and uploading your book, pricing, blogging, websites, social networking, reviews, and more. My two big takeaway points from his book is that a book cover and editing are two aspects a self-published author should not skimp on or bypass completely. And a lot of the comments I received on my original posting reinforced his points. Gaughran emphasizes that not only can an editor enhance your current work but that it is a great way to learn and to hone your writing. When I first started thinking about self-publishing I was worried that I would miss out on the editing process. Now I am learning I can hire freelance editors if I take this path. Seems silly, but that didn’t occur to me. And let’s face it folks, no matter how many times we tell ourselves not to judge a book by its cover, we still do. At least I know I do.
His book is a positive take on self-publishing. He challenges the reader to consider long-term goals, not just short-term. The book also includes 33 testimonials from self-published authors who have had success. Reading about their experiences was enlightening and encouraging. Also I sensed that the self-published community was extremely supportive of each other, which appeals to me. One of the reasons why I enjoy blogging is the supportive blogging community.
Let’s Get Digital has given me much to ponder as I explore which path I want to take.
Even if you are not considering self-publishing, this book is a useful read if you would like to learn more about past and present publishing trends. He is easy to understand and I am considering buying his first novel, A Storm Hits Valparaiso. If he can amuse me with a how-to book I imagine that his fiction would be even more entertaining. And I love historical fiction so that is a definite plus for me.
If you are interested in acquiring Let’s Get Digital for free please check it out. At the time of writing this post it was still free. However, please ensure that the price is $0.00 before clicking. If there is a charge for the e-book, the PDF version is available for free on his blog. Please click on this page and scroll down for the link.
Has anyone else read this work or other books like it? And thank you Caroline for leading me to David’s blog. Your kindness and support is also appreciated.
50 Year Project 
“If you have a message, the world is waiting” I said to myself when I self-published my first book. Since then I self-published three books. I have been really happy of the choice I made and since I know marketing really well, selling my books has not been difficult.
Thanks Valentina! Your input is much appreciated and I love hearing from self-published authors about their decision and who don’t regret their choice. I wish you the best of luck with all of your books.
Thanks for posting this. I just downloaded it to my Kindle and I’m excited to start reading it!
Great review!
🙂
That’s great! I hope you like it and let me know what you think. Happy reading.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about self-publishing, so am intrigued by this too. Thanks for the link!
I hope you like it. I found his book to be very informative and easy to understand. Good luck!
Many thanks for the excellent tip!!
I hope you like it Shimky. I think it is an excellent resource. Thanks for the comment and good luck to you!
To me, this is your best post… EVER!
Thank you for this one.
I think you will like it Hook. I found it very helpful and I know you are finishing up your book. I wish you the best of luck!
I’m glad this was so useful. I thought it was when I found the blog. Writing a how-to book in a funny way is no small thing.
Editing is pretty crucial. I work with freelance copy editors all the time. I used to do it myself but the work I’m doing has changed a lot so I don’t do it anymore.
The cover is important as well. It’s often not nice in self-published books.
I’d be intersted to read this e-book as well now.
I found this e-book to be an easy read and I appreciated his writing style. It is nice to chuckle every once in awhile. Thanks so much for leading me to David’s blog. I’ve been following a few blogs now by self-published writers and the prospect of venturing into that realm doesn’t seem as scary as it once did.
Did you enjoy editing? That seems like a tough job, at least for me 🙂
I did like it and miss it actually. I edited in four different languages, so that was quite diverse. I also checked translations. I stll do. I might go back to editing, I saw a few jobs for freelancers.
Four languages…that’s amazing! Is there a certain type of work you like to edit and or translate: fiction, non-fiction, journals, and such. How did you get into the work? You must be a really patient person.
One of the great things about the age we live in is that the internet allows you the opportunity to find access to all manner of artists who would be willing and able to do wonderful artwork for a reasonable price. It is a benefit to them and to you. When the time comes I would suggest searching for artists whose work you like, and deviantART would be one of many good places to look.
How much do you think Whelan charges Carl 🙂 I think I will have to take some time to find an artist I would like to work with. I checked out deviantART and thanks for the tip. I can browse those pages forever, not just for ideas for my cover, but they are all pretty cool to look at.
Also, I started Neverwhere and I have to hand it to you, you know good books. I’m loving it. I’m only 3 chapters in but I’m hooked.
Glad to hear it. I was hoping you’d start enjoying it right away merely because of the fact that you are now living in London.
I think Whelan can be had for a song. 😉
I could really relate to his description of arriving in London. It reminded me of my first few days. And I love Gaiman’s humor.
Now this sounds interesting. Thank you for sharing this information with us. I have never thought of writing more than my blog. But if I do, it would be good to know the options available.
I’m glad you liked it Colline. I bet you have some good stories in you that people would love to read.
Thanks for sharing this information. Sounds interesting. I downloaded the pdf and will read it when I have more time.
I hope you like it Fergiemoto. His blog is really useful as well and he is extremely helpful and friendly.
I love how you’re doing extensive research to get you closer to your goal of publishing a novel! 🙂 I’m glad that it sounds more like a commentary rather than a strict how-to type of book. 🙂
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