Self-publishing can be a daunting journey which is why I decided to blog about my experience. My hope is to save others from heartache, raised blood pressure levels, and hair loss. 🙂
In my first post, I started with a simple list. In my last self-publishing post, I talked about writing your bio. This week I’m talking about creating templates and checklists.
Those who know me, know that I’m a checklist fanatic (the staff where I work will vouch for me too) but let me assure you it’s a good thing. Why reinvent the wheel for something you do regularly? Why miss something because you couldn’t remember what you did the last time? Say it with me, “Templates and Checklists are my friend!” Don’t you feel better? I know I do. 🙂 Okay, let’s get started.What is the difference between a template and a checklist? A template is usually a preformatted document that you fill out for a specific function. A good example is a media/blogger kit. You’ll need one each time you release a new book, but you don’t have to start from scratch if you have a template. You only need to fill in the information about the new book, or update existing information ie. your bio.
A checklist allows you to tick off a list of tasks or things to remember, usually to finish a project. An example of this is a book checklist (that’s what I’m calling mine). This includes items to have inside and outside your book.
Each person’s checklists/templates list is likely be different depending on their needs or what they feel (or don’t feel) comfortable with. Here’s a list of mine for examples.
Templates
Media Kit – This template is used template to help create the media kit for all your book releases. Very handy as it can be a daunting task. Also check out your favorite author’s media kit for ideas.
Blogger Kit – I love this template (Thank you Dana Sitar). It makes pitching to bloggers easy and a breeze for bloggers to promote you and your books.
Book Blurb Questionnaire – A list of questions/things to consider when developing your book blurb/description.
Target Audience Questionnaire – Questions to help determine the target audience(s) of your books.
Marketing/Promo Trackers – Help to track and determine the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. I’m certain there’s software/apps that will do all this, but I haven’t found anything I can afford or that meets all my needs.
Checklists
Book Checklist – Includes what you should have on your cover, back, and inside the book. Helpful if you’re using a formatter or doing the work yourself.
Note: If you format your own books you can create a book template which makes it easy to upload to various sites. I’ve never used this myself, but here’s a link if you’re interested.
Production Schedule – Includes each step needed to get your book to readers. From start (writing) to finished (published). I included marketing stuff in my schedule too since marketing starts before the book is released.
Marketing Checklist – This include everything I plan to do (promotions, public relations, advertising, etc.) organized by countdown to the book release day.
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I know what you’re thinking. That’s all well and good for you, but I’m a template and checklist dummie. Would I leave you hanging (and yanking a hair or two out)? Of course not! Here’s a list of great sites to get the resources you need, complete with tangible examples (and cool free stuff).
DO YOU LOVE CHECKLISTS AND TEMPLATES? OR DO YOU CRINGE AT THE SOUND OF THEIR NAME?
Disclaimer: I’ve used the examples on these sites and highly recommend them, but I’m not being compensated in any way. Only with the joy I get from helping people.
THANK YOU SO, SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS! 🙂
My pleasure, Chauncey! These are great sites!
Good luck with your story. I can’t wait to read it!
As always great info to put to use! Thank You, Elke for being our beacon in the night!
You’re too sweet, Lorraine! Thanks for making me feel all my efforts aren’t in vain. 🙂
Hi Elke,
I love templates and checklists too. My office bulletin board is full of them 🙂
I especially enjoyed the reference for “the writer’s bucket list’. Lots of good stuff there.
Thanks for all the tips.
Liz
Hi Liz,
Yes, Dana’s site (the writer’s bucket list) is great. She also has a group on Facebook which is extremely helpful, but difficult to get into. She also has cool stuff to help on your journey.
Thanks for your support!