Amazon Self Publishing

by James Freel Stevenson
20th January 2016

Haven't posted here for a while. I'm now living in France. Last year I published two books on Amazon and CreateSpace. Sales are non existent and I wondered if anyone else has had the same experience?

Replies

I'm tempted by the Amazon CreateSpace scheme, but my hesitation before I submit isn't down to Punctuation/Spelling etc [I'm a Masochist: I really, truly ENJOY Proofing documents, either my own or for friends ...!]

My Achilles Heel is the DESIGN (Front Cover etc) which is a REQUIRED STEP before I am allowed to upload my MS. Artwork TERRIFIES me!

Regards

Paul cDermott

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Paul
McDermott
330 points
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Paul McDermott
24/01/2016

You may all wish to read this:

http://goodereader.com/blog/e-book-news/kindle-e-books-will-have-a-warning-message-if-they-have-spelling-mistakes-or-bad-formatting

It seems Kindle are tightening up on what is acceptable.

My blog about punctuation may be of use to you too. I promise it's not at all dry or grammar-nazi!

https://wordsunderoneroof.wordpress.com/

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Lorraine
Swoboda
1105 points
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Lorraine Swoboda
23/01/2016

Hi James

Did the same as you, felt really excited that I had finished my book, read it over and over and aked a couple of friends to check it out for errors.

Luckily you can re-upload on Amazon and each time I looked at my work again I found mistakes. (That means some people have downloaded copies prior to amendments...not good). Sales have been sparodic though reviews have been good.

Advertised free promotional days etc and joined Amazon KDP select which also offers book promotion. It's tough though.

Like you...no money for a copy editor.

I have made an effort to learn as much as I can about correct punctuation etc and one of the best pieces of advice that I read was...when you think your book is finished it isn't, don't rush to publish it or send it to an agent, put it away for at least a few weeks and then read it all through again.

Also found myself re-working some chapters that I had previously thought I was happy with.

I think if you have been working hard on a book for months you start to become typo blind!

Anyway, if you love writing and comming up with ideas, keep at it and don't give up.

P.S If anyone is interested, my books are SHOWING OFF & Hungary For Adventure.

I believe that they are now error free, though they probably aren't. Download now to find out!!!

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Louise T W
Lucas
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Louise T W Lucas
23/01/2016