Model Books

Indie authors must go way beyond writing the book. There is also editing, formatting, cover design, and marketing.

But self-publishers don’t need to invent the wheel. When it comes to formatting and cover design, there are many effective models available to help serve as guides.

Look at books as models for what can be done.

It’s important to realize that different books serve different purposes. Don’t take your favorite book and use it as a model for everything.

• Paperback formatting: Look at books similar to yours by the big publishers. Money-saver: Visit your local library.
• Cover design: Browse through top-selling indie books in your genre. (Note: Big publishers and popular authors can get away with lesser covers. When you see a popular book with a blah cover, it doesn’t mean that covers aren’t important.)
• E-book formatting: Try to find professional e-book conversion services with a strong reputation or…