When we’re talking about your self publishing team, we’re talking about anyone you have help you make your book into a final product. People such as editors, cover artists, proofreaders, formatters, etc. While you don’t always use a full team, it’s important to know how to work with those people whose services you do utilize.

1. Communicate

The best thing you can do is let the person you’re working with know what you want. It is imperative to let them know what you are thinking and feeling. Doing so can help you have a finished product you love and be clear about how much payments are and how they will be made.

2. Communicate Clearly

It’s not only important to communicate, but to do so clearly. Sometimes this mean writing or talking out your thoughts before sending the communication to whoever you’re working with. This can help you to know exactly what you want and how to detail to them. If they have a form you fill out, pictures to upload, or any other specifics, do your best to set your ideas across by filling it out as much as you can.

3. Research

Working with professionals often times means you need to know what you’re getting into. Doing your research beforehand and/or using word of mouth to find those people you want to work with can be a good step in the right direction. Doing your research to know if the person is reputable, does a good job, and will do the job, are some of the things to look for in your research. It’s also smart to look into what a professional job looks like so you know what you want and how it fits into the market.

4. Be Open to Feedback

As you move forward on your project with this professional, remember that you’ve researched them, possibly gotten a word of mouth recommendation, and they should know what they are doing. When they want to go a certain direction, it bears thinking about. It may not be the direction you were originally planning on going which can be hard. However, going forward may help you have a better overall outcome that will help you find your place in the market.

5. Be Willing to Stand Up for Your Book/Ideas

Though it’s true you need to be open to feedback, you also need to know when to stand up for the direction you want to go in. Sometimes all you need is a clarification on why the professional wants that direction or change. Other times, even after hearing  their reasoning, you might know that it’s not right for your book. Be strong enough to know when it’s the right time to stand up for the direction you want to go in.

6. When Appropriate, Get a Contract

Whether it’s to make sure you’re both on the same page, agreeing on payment terms, protecting your book rights, or making certain you have the rights to use your cover image, it can be important to get a contract. Not all professionals use these, but it can be important to request one to protect yourself and your books.

7. Be Professional and Kind

Throughout this whole process, it’s important to maintain a professional and kind relationship. The publishing world is small, and your actions can go a long way. Even if it wasn’t for your own reputation, it’s good to maintain a good working relationship. Those you are kind to are more likely to help you get what you need.

8. Be Upfront

Whatever you may be thinking or feeling about your project or the direction it’s going it, it’s important to be upfront about it while maintaining the professionalism and kindness mentioned previously. Beating around the bush will not only take longer, but can cause frustrations on both sides.

9. Did We Mention Communicate?

Obviously we’re pretty serious about this. Do your best to communicate and let your self publishing team know what you’re thinking. This will go a long way to having the final product you want to achieve.

 

 

If you’d like more in depth help with ways to find and work with a self publishing team, schedule a coaching call with us today.

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Allyson Lindt

Contemporary Romance/Urban Fantasy Author

Janeal Falor

Fantasy Author