Through my years in publishing, I have worked with some really great authors. All of these authors approach self publishing with their own agenda and expertise. Since the whole point of my blog and book is to look at the reality of self-publishing, I thought it would be nice to do a series of author interviews. Welcome to ‘Word on the Street’.
My author interviews will consist of 6 questions about them, their book and their experience. You will get the good, the bad and the ugly. Not all real self publishing stories are full of rainbows and butterflies – it can suck sometimes too.
Tell us about it, Jack McMilin:
Real Answer Real Authors: Why did you decide to publish?
Jack: My children and grandchildren kept telling me my stories were better than many books in the book stores. Then, my mother published a couple books and that pushed me over the edge; I had to!
RARA: What titles have you published to date?
Jack: ‘Dodger the Dragon,’ ‘This One Thing,’ ‘The Adventures of A.P. Grace’, and ‘Fourteen Angels’ (at the editors now).
RARA: How are you currently marketing your book and what has given you the best results?
Jack: A.P. Grace is the first book I have put the effort into the retail market. I am going to Christian book stores, one by one, and getting the books placed. I am having good success at getting the books in but, it is a slow process. It has inspired me to put my other books out there in the market!
RARA: Are there any books or websites that you have found the most useful?
Jack: There is a ton of information out there but, if you want to sell your book, you really have to pound the pavement, so to speak. Nobody is going to sell your book with more passion than you!
RARA: What has been your greatest challenge in self publishing?
Jack: Not having an agent or publisher/distributor means you have got to put some time into your project.
RARA: What is the best advice or tip you can give a new and aspiring author?
Jack: Become relentless, when it comes to getting your book noticed. Go to the book fairs, every mom and pop book store you can find, use your friends and family to “Like” you on face book, tweet, I could go on and on.
real answers real authors 