6 Tips for Writers From a Self-Published Success

• Consider organizing short stories into fix-it novel
If you like to write short stories, you probably are frustrated with the limited number of markets available out there to publish them in. And while ebooks allow you to sell short stories, the short ebooks still aren’t particularly popular (After all, if a reader why spend 99 cents on a short story when the same amount will get you a full-length novel?).

• Should I copyright my manuscript? 
You’ve just put the finishing touches on your book and are about to send it off to an editor, a literary agent, or maybe even a publishing house. Seemingly countless hours of thought and sweat went into your novel or nonfiction book, and it’s pretty good stuff, if you do say so yourself. But then a dreadful thought comes over you: “What if some slimeball tries to steal my work and pass it off as his own?”

• Publish your short stories in an anthology 
Have you written lots of short stories but can’t seem to finish that novel? You may want to consider collecting the stories into one book, also known as an anthology.

• Consider adding artwork to interior of your book
Especially if writing nonfiction, you’ll likely want to include artwork inside your book. Such artwork will help better illustrate your points (pun intended). Novelists, as well, might wish to use artwork such as illustrations if creating books for teens or young adults.

• Do you need a manuscript editor? 
You’ve finished your novel or short story but are beginning to think that maybe someone else should look it over before you send it off. You do an Internet search and find Web sites for manuscript editors – also known as book doctors – who will proofread and critique your manuscript for a fee.

• Design a back cover that sells your book
While the front cover may catch a potential reader’s attention, it hardly guarantees a sell. If the reader is interested, she’ll probably turn the book over and read the back cover. Your goal now: Get them to realize via some fantastic back cover salesmanship that this is a book they can’t pass up.