From time to time in this space, Balboa Press publishes articles written by our authors in which they share some aspect of their self-publishing journeys. These are the words of Christine Egan, author of “The Healthy Girl’s Guide to Breast Cancer”. You can find out more about Christine and her book on her website, www.thehealthygirlsguides.com, and Facebook and Twitter. Download the Balboa Press free publishing guide to receive more information on self-publishing your book with Balboa Press. 

 

1. Tell us a little bit about your book. What inspired you to write it?

The Healthy Girl’s Guide to Breast Cancer is no ordinary cancer story.  My book is part memoir, part guide, and part healthy adventuring into the all-too-true story of living and thriving through a cancer diagnosis and treatments.   When I discovered that I had cancer, I was, quite literally, the healthiest girl on my block.  But, I soon realized that I had to redefine what healthy meant to me and went on to work with both traditional practitioners and alternative healers.  I wanted to share these (and many other) intimate details to help others discover what I wish I had known along the way.  Initially, my intention was to only print 10 copies.  To date, I am nearing the 1,000 mark!

2.  What are 5 things you’ve learned about self-publishing?

Create a schedule – It is important, in order to get your book completed, to create a writing schedule.  After it is published, you need to replace the time you spent writing it with talking about it.

Ask for help – You are an expert in your content but you may not be an expert writer.  Enlist the help of a writing coach or find a local/online writing group to support you.

Build a platform to share your book – Start early reaching out to your audience to answer how your book can fill a need, solve a problem or inspire an action.

Consider yourself an expert in your field – Your book is an opportunity to share your voice with the world about an opinion or experience!  Use your voice to guide people with your expertise.

Create ties – Create and cultivate ties within your community, professional organizations and other networks to share your message, along with your book.

3. What do you love most about self-publishing and would you recommend it to other authors?

I recommend self-publishing all the time because it is a great way to get a professional looking book out on your own timetable.  Very few people notice or care if it is a self-published book.

4. What’s your favorite social media outlet for marketing/promotions?

I don’t think you should pick a favorite social media platform just because it is your favorite, or because it is the easiest for you to navigate.  The important thing to consider is where your audience spends their time when they are on social media.  My audience primarily socializes on Facebook so that is where I spend most of my social marketing time.

5. What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

My best advice to aspiring authors is to reach out to people to help you stay on task and utilize the materials that Balboa offers to you (e.g., access to the marketing department, public relations and the editors).

 

Balboa Press authors who’d like to share a 350-600 word experience related to the self-publishing of their books, are invited to do so by sending a message through our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BalboaPress, by tweeting us @BalboaPress, or by emailing dghosh@ balboapress.com. We may not be able to use every story, but we will read and consider them. Balboa Press reserves the right to edit stories for content, grammar and punctuation accuracy; as well as for space.