1. What can you tell me about your experience as a writer?

I have wanted to be a “writer” since I was 11. I typed my first story on a typewriter in the basement of my childhood home and I still have that typed story in a folder somewhere.

My first “paid” experience was with Epinions.com and in the early days, that gig paid well.

I went on to do copywriting for various writing gigs. I wrote for Ricky Martin’s parenting site for a year and half. I also had my own column in the local section of the Chicago Tribune.

2. What made you decide to write a book?

I was sitting in the boat with the World Barefoot Champion down in Florida and he mentioned he wanted to write a book. I had just started writing a non-fiction book of my own. I offered to write his book for free, just to get the experience. It took us two years to write “Gliding Soles” and we self-published it. I’ve since gone on to write 17 books and still writing more.

3. What circumstances brought you to the decision to self-publish your book?

The first several books were super niched and self-publishing was the best way to go. By self-publishing, I could control every aspect of the publishing experience.

4. What has your experience as a self-publisher been like?

It has been both fun and frustrating–especially in the early days when self-publishing was new. Today, it’s so easy to churn out a self-published book that it’s absolutely amazing how simple it is.

5. How do you respond to the negative stigma attached to self-publishing and self-published books?

I really believe that the tide has turned for self-publishing, especially when you do it in a high-quality way. There are so many imprints out there that people no longer recognize the line between a publisher and a self-published book. Plus, several high profile books have gone on to make lots of money through the self-published route.

6. What is one very important lesson you have learned as a self-publisher?

Get a good editor!

7. What do you know now about self-publishing that you wish you knew at the beginning?

I wish I knew about out-sourcing opportunities–such as using Fiverr for formatting. It would have saved a lot of time and headaches in the beginning.

8. A lot of authors of self-published books have reservations about promoting and marketing their book. Some even feel that it is a form of vanity or self-importance. What is your opinion about this?

You absolutely must promote your own book. No one else is going to have the passion and energy that you have about your own book. Even if you pay a hybrid publisher, the marketing still ultimately comes down to the author.

9. How do you promote your books and what form of book promotion has worked the best for you?

For me, workshops, presentations, and live videos have been the best way to promote. I also get some sales when I do an article and the book is listed in the bio section.

10. What are some other important things you have learned as a self-publisher?

Connect with other authors, there’s a wonderful energy that comes from that connection.

11. Do you feel that self-publishing is a viable choice for other authors?

Yes, I absolutely agree–especially for first time authors. It’s a great way to test your book and see how it does. Reviews will tell whether a book has the potential to reach more people–great reviews mean a book is worth it.

12. How do you feel that self-publishing their books has helped many unknown authors finally get the recognition their books deserve?

Many books would have never been published if left to the opinion of someone who screens for a publishing house. When it is self-published, it now has an audience that decides the popularity of a book.

ABOUT KAREN:

Karen Putz is known as “The Passion Mentor.” She is the author of multiple books, including the popular “Unwrapping Your Passion, Creating the Life You Truly Want” (which ironically, is the only book she’s published with a publisher!). Connect with Karen at: www.karenputz.com