This workshop is intended to offer a broad overview of all aspects of self-publishing from finished manuscript to launch and beyond.
As such it will cover the following topics without going into fine detail.
Is self-publishing the right choice for you?
Managing expectations and making you aware of the challenges ahead.
What is an ISBN?
DIY or professional help?
Hybrid self-publishing – how to avoid scams.
Producing and distributing your book.
Print on demand and digital options – KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital.
Getting a print run, economically.
Editing, finding an editor, and how much it might cost.
Formatting and layout, preparing your book’s interior for printing.
What to expect if you need an illustrator.
Getting your front cover and cover wrap.
Writing the “blurb” and finalising the back cover
Funding the book using a crowdfunding platform
Marketing your book
The session will be run by Oliver Tooley who self-published his first book in 2010 and set up Blue Poppy Publishing in 2016. Since then he has published over a dozen of his own titles, and well over fifty titles by other self-publishing authors, as well as assisting many other authors to self-publish their books independently.
Cost: Free
Accessibility Statement: The Library can be accessed via Castle Street which runs parallel to Exeter Library High Street. The Library connects directly to the Rougemont Gardens.
The Library is in close proximity to Exeter Central Station (roughly 5 minutes’ walk), Exeter Bus Station (roughly 10 minutes’ walk), and many connection bus stops on the high street.
There are five Blue Badge spaces outside the main entrance and four / five at the bottom of the slope (on Musgrave Row). These are all public Blue Badge parking spaces however and not dedicated to the library.
The are numerous car parks situated within walking distance of the building, including Guildhall Centre Parking (EX4 3HJ), John Lewis Car Park (EX4 6AH) and Princesshay Parking (EX1 1EU).
The entrance to the building is wheelchair accessible. There is a circular ramp, as well as a small set of stairs. As you enter, you walk into our foyer and café area and can continue through the building to the main library floor, children’s library, and accessible toilet. The second floor houses our quiet area. The third has our Rougemont Lounge and Balcony, and Rougemont Meeting Room. The fourth floor has the public toilets.
All floor are accessible using a set of customer stairs or a public lift. The public toilets on the top floor have four cubicles, one of which is accessible (and baby changing). The Rougemont Balcony is accessible via a small step, however we have portable wheelchair ramps that can be used to allow access.
The toilet in the children’s library is accessible and has baby changing facilities.
The library furniture and bookshelves are laid out in such a way to ensure wheelchair access throughout.