An Author's Guide to Self-Publishing a Book

We at the Social Health Network know that nothing is more important than your story. Many of you have shared with us that you'd like to share your story to a broader network-and even write books! Our very own writer and multiple myeloma advocate, Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo, has done just that (several times!).

In the interview below, Yolanda shares with us how she decided to write a book, what the process of publishing was like, and even gives her best tips to guide you through the process.

SHN.com: When did you know you were ready to write a book about your health experiences?

Yolanda: Another Face of Multiple Myeloma is actually my second book. My first published book was about my experience working in the fashion industry.

Upon being diagnosed, I knew I wanted to share my experience with multiple myeloma. More so, I really believed the statistics of a lifespan of 5 years. I wanted to document my experience in real time to assist others having a similar journey.

Could you tell us about the initial process of learning how to get published?

I knew I didn’t want to use the same publisher I used for my first book, which was more of a royalty-based partnership that had self-publishing services. I found my first publisher through word of mouth with someone I knew who used those services as well.

I’ve learned a bunch since my first book 19 years ago-I could teach a course on the pros and cons of self-publishing. I think people gravitate towards self-publishing as it gets your book processed quicker than a traditional publishing house. My thoughts were: Do I have the time to query and wait for traditional response of interest?

The initial steps basically are to start writing and everything else falls into place accordingly. The writer also has to figure out who their target audiences is. Is this book for family and friends to read and share, or do you want a broader audience to read your book? There’s a difference in that experience.

It pays to do a bit of research on the various publishers who cater strongly to authors wishing to self-publish. You also need to note the number of books you wish to print, and if they are print-on-demand services, or if you pay a set amount for several quantities.

How did it feel to write an entire book? Did you have an editor or did you self-edit?

My first book (about the fashion industry) I was overwhelmed, as I would come home from work to stay up to the wee hours of the morning continuously writing to get it completed. The same sentiment followed here for my multiple myeloma book, but a little different because I wasn’t sure how much time I had to get this fully completed.

Once you complete your final manuscript it is a powerful feeling of seeing your thoughts and experiences on pages in black and white. I did have an editor. I worked with my editor from my first book. I wouldn’t suggest self-edit as things can be missed and I actually did find a few snafus on my first book even with a professional editor; however, professional editing is suggested.

How can people get their book available where books are sold?

Now it’s a little easier to get your book onto Amazon or other book selling platforms. There’s a little more flexibility based on a well guided plan. There’s really no need to use vanity-based publishers--if it sounds to good to be true, it usually is with vanity print.

It’s fair to say if you want more eyes and control of your book, you must consider a well thought out plan. The plan will help you decide which route to take when deciding where you want your books sold. There can be a few ways to go about getting your book out, and some don’t necessarily include printed book.

You can also consider digital print options. As for actual book stores, that takes a conversation with the manager or store book buyer, who may agree to take a few of your copies and there may be a consignment agreement for partnership.

Did you do any marketing for yourself?

I have a marketing degree so it helped I’m familiar with the concepts and strategies deemed necessary. However, my first book I did pay extra for my partnership in marketing tools; however, the second time around I became savvier and knew the various routes to consider when marketing.

You can pay a service to do so but it may take your own accountability as well to ensure that your book is being promoted to your target market the correct way.

Do you have any final words of advice for people who are interested in writing about their health journeys?

It can be to write about your health journeys and have other people read your story and learn from your experience. Could you become rich self-publishing? Maybe not. Again, it depends on how far of a reach you want your story to go; if we’re talking about friends and family then that’s great, but a further reach may need a tighter structure.

If you choose the second route you need to treat it like a small business as there could be more to consider whereas usually a typical big publisher would handle. It will be up to you to take care of the following considerations, when usually a bigger publishing house would do so for you:

• Managing and storing available on hand books. Where will you do this?
• ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. An ISBN identifies your book that may sell throughout the country and world. It helps to track book sales and inventory with this 13-number barcode. Make sure your book has one.
• Selling your book, whether directly or indirectly.
• Establishing a website for direct book sales and promotions.
• Marketing tools you'll want to use.
• Pushing for interviews and press.
• Setting up a relationship with a good tax accountant. They can help you record quarterly sales and ensure that the proper sales taxes are collected for yearly tax filing. If you file as a business (sole proprietor, LLC) you should have a record of your sales and whether you pass the cost off to the customer or pay quarterly, it should still be filed especially if you file your profession as a writer.