Are you thinking about self publishing, but don’t know where to start?
Are you partway through the self publishing process, but having trouble figuring some things out?
Do you need someone with indie publishing experience in New Zealand to talk to about where to get the right technical assistance?
Maybe I can help!
Indie publishing coaching

Questions I can help you answer

  • I’ve written a book. How do I publish it?
  • Is there a market for my book? How do I find readers?
  • Where’s the best place to publish my book?
  • Shall I make print books and/or eBooks?
  • What components do I need to indie publish? Things like ISBNs, Nielsen data, Bookhub listings, barcodes for paperbacks.
  • Can I get my book into bookstores and libraries?
  • Do I need an author website?
  • Do I need to be on social media as an author?
  • How do I get reviews for my book?
  • How do I get media coverage for my book?
  • Do I need a mailing list and newsletter?

My areas of expertise

  • Genres: primarily children’s picture books and junior fiction, but also wider industry observations for other genres.
  • Audiences: primarily New Zealand with print books, but also globally with eBooks and POD paperbacks.
  • Getting your book ready to print with copyright page, back matter, ISBN barcode and formatting.
  • Publishing platforms: Direct paperback sales, Amazon, Ingram Spark, Kobo and more.
  • Marketing and publicity: 30+ years as a publicity consultant with ever-expanding book sector marketing knowledge.
  • Getting into bookstores: An independent bookseller and owner of the Kiwi Kids’ Bookstore, I see a lot of book submissions and can help you create the elements needed to present your book to NZ booksellers.
 
 

Book publicity

With more than 30 years’ experience with media relations, primarily in motorsport, it made sense to add this to my growing knowledge of the book sector and offer book publicity services.

Ideally, get in touch at least two months before you intend publishing your book.

Then I can help you with a media release, a media plan, media pitches, approaching reviewers and getting review copies out.

Book and marketing critiques

Before you press “print” on your book, how about getting a bookseller’s professional critique of your book content, cover, description and marketing material?

As a bookseller, I see some self-published authors let themselves down with poor editing, a poorly designed cover, a book description that needs to work harder, and marketing material that doesn’t provide enough information for booksellers.

Talk to me about a book critique before you publish and give your book the best chance of success.

How do I work?

I charge by the hour, or on a mutually-agreed fee for projects such as new release book publicity.

I suggest we start with a preliminary phone or zoom call to determine what you need help with.

If I’m not the best person to help you, I’ll tell you up-front and suggest who else you might to talk with or other resources you can explore.

I’m not a technical or design whizz, but I’ve got a good idea what works and why, so can often point you in the right direction for indie publishing success.

What will you get?

The opportunity to talk with an experienced indie published author who loves learning more and more about the book business.

I’m professional, caring and passionate about helping you create the best book you can.

Ready to chat?

Send me a secure message and I’ll be in touch by the next working day. Feel free to briefly outline the help you need with your NZ-based indie publishing project.

Kate Gordon-Smith author