Author Interview with Lan: 7 Questions about Book Publishing Process & Mindset
I prefer doing marketing in a way that is enjoyable for me, says Lan
In this exclusive author interview series, “7 questions to ask an aligned author“, Lonita A. Nugharayu (Lan)–author of Words of Sunset and Rain on Desert will lend us her personal insights into book publishing process and mindset related to editing poetry books, marketing & sales strategies, publishing platforms and more. Read her previous interview on the book writing process in case you missed it out.
Lan–an Indonesian poet residing in Bahrain–has authored two poetry books so far that have garnered huge success among poetry lovers. Her poetry has shades of unconditional love, longing, heartbreak and optimism. Fall in love, and rise in love sums up her work. Both of her works were initially published with small publishers. Her published works are available at various platforms other than Amazon, the links to which are mentioned at the end of the post.
Here are her seven recommendations for book publishing process and mindset you must not miss out on.
7 Author Interview Questions about Book Publishing Process & Mindset Answered
#1 What does literary success look like to you?
Personally, literary success means to write about the hidden emotions I have within me, allow them to flow out unhindered—beautifully and poetically, as well to have loyal readers who can understand and connect with what I write.
#2 Which platforms are your books available for purchase? Are there any relevant costs, limitations or requirements to upload these platforms?
Currently my books are available online, mostly at Amazon. Alternatively, they can also be purchased online at Book Depository, Barnes & Noble, Open Trolley—an Online bookstore serving Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, and Lulu—an Online Self-Publishing Book & Ebook Company.
Books that are published through Createspace now Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) Amazon’s book publishing platform, would automatically be up for sale at Amazon, and books published through Bookemon, would usually be up for sale at lulu too. I used a different independent publisher to publish each of my book so my books are available at 2 different platforms. As for the cost, both of these platforms are available for free to upload and publish your book. However, there’s a percentage of printing cost and royalties upon sale. Authors get up to 35% to 70% of royalties on the sale price.
#3 What was your favorite part, and your least favorite part, of the publishing journey?
My favorite part is organizing & shaping my writing into its final form as a book—picking up and segregating a theme, selecting the poems that go under it, compiling them, and sending them off for publication. My least favorite part of the publishing process is marketing.
#4 What’s the best advice you can share on publishing books?
I’d recommend to take your time in choosing the publishing method, considering what suits you best in long term. Writing book (in any genre) is a passion. We should take care not to get stressed out while doing what we love to do.
#5 What’s the worst publishing advice anyone has ever given you?
Sometimes I hear people say we shouldn’t care a lot about the publishing process and focus mainly on our writing. As a poet, it might make sense only as a beginner and only if we’re writing and publishing our work mainly for ourselves, or a handful of family and friends. However, if our intention is to reach a massive audience, this publishing advice can be misleading.
This advice gives an impression that we should focus on one part of the process i.e. book writing process while ignoring another very essential, critical and complementary part i.e. publishing. In other words, it means that we invest in our passion i.e. writing half-way and don’t follow through till the end. This half investment stems from our lack mindset and fears because a book is similar to a child. Just like we love our child wholly and invest in them to our maximum best, we have to replicate that love and care for our book as well.
In reality, we should focus on the whole process and care as much for writing as for publishing. Our focus should be to dedicate enough time and energy to create great content that provides value to our readers.
#6 What are the different types of editing you used for your books? Did you self-edit or hire a professional editor and why?
My book publishers had a team to take care of each step of the publishing process including editing. After I self-edited, their editors made a round of edits strictly pertaining to editing grammar. Since my books are poetry books, when they tried to edit the sentences, the essence of my poetry and its underlying emotion changed which I, very much disliked. However, the good part was that I had the final authority for approval so I made sure to keep the flow of my poems intact.
#7 What’s the best marketing tip you can provide from your experience? How did it help your book sales?
I prefer doing marketing in a way that is enjoyable for me. For example, participating at poetry or open mic events enabling me to narrate poetry on stage to different audiences. During the event introduction and/or after performances, I mention about my books and where to buy them.
Additionally, I enjoy this activity on regular basis through my Instagram. The poetry I post on the platform has garnered interest from the readers to approach me through direct messages, ask if I have published a book and where to purchase it?
These are the kind of organic marketing strategies I follow and believe in. I don’t aim for mass selling or big profit. I aim for reader’s connection and feel happier reading messages from them telling me how much they can connect with what I write than looking at my book sales. Not that I don’t care about it, but I am satisfied with a few book sales every month.
Publishing is as important a step as writing your book. Answer #7 is my personal favorite. What’s yours? Have more questions regarding self-publishing? Comment below to get them answered. #thealignedauthor
Lan’s Books outside Amazon
Words of Sunset Barnes & Noble
Words of Sunset Open Trolley
Words of Sunset Book Depository
Rain on Desert Lulu
Rain on Desert Bookemon
Follow Lan
Amazon http://amazon.com/Lonita-A-Nugrahayu/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lonitaauthor/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wordsofsunset