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 Diana van Eyk, author of “In the Valley of Lost Souls”. You can find out more about Diana and her book on her website, www.volsdve8.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?

My book was inspired by a dream I had of being invited into a seemingly abandoned house where people, including a baby, were secretly living. I wove my story around the dream.

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

Five things I’ve learned about self-publishing: It gives an author a lot of control; while maintaining that control an author can still get a lot of support services from the publisher including editorial services, book layout and design, and promotional help; the process is capable of generating a very professional looking book; self publishing provides a great education about how to get from manuscript to published book; ultimately, self-publishing is a route that helps an author to create a book they can be proud of.

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

As a first time author, I love that I was coached well in all aspects of the publishing process. I would recommend self-publishing to other authors for two reasons: the beautiful finished product it helps us to create and the education the experience provides.

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

My favourite social media outlet for marketing/promotions is a free forum called the IBOToolbox. I blogged a chapter a week as I was writing my novel and had between 6 and 8 thousand views per month. This month it looks like I’ll have over 10 thousand views.

5. What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

I would advise aspiring writers to just start writing and to set a goal of even 10 pages per week. I’d also advise them to blog their chapters regularly in order to build an audience. Lastly, I’d advise aspiring writers to write about topics for which they have a lot of passion. Writing a book is a marathon, and you’ll need that passion to fuel the work you’ll do.

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.