222: The Book Doctor Is In: Self-Publish a Book, Build Your Platform, and Get Noticed with Stacey Aaronson

Stacey Aaronson is a multifaceted professional in the publishing world, serving as a writer, editor, layout artist, and cover designer. She founded The Book Doctor Is In, a comprehensive service helping authors navigate the self-publishing process from manuscript to market. Stacey demonstrates deep expertise in book production and publishing strategies. Her background includes working with non-fiction writers to transform their raw manuscripts into polished, professional publications that effectively communicate their message and serve their target audience.

Stacy Aaronson from TheBookDoctorIsIn.com and TheSelfPublishingScoop.com says that many authors make huge mistakes when they independently publish their books. Her approach is very step-by-step and detail oriented:

1. Consult, proposal, contracts
2. Editing process, developmental, structure, cohesive chapters, the right points are in the right chapters
3. Copy-editing: bio, picture, grammar, remove cliches, correct syntax
4. Illustration and graphics
5. Presentation: interior, cover, interior/cover congruency, what's right for the audience, fine tune
6. Upload files to CreateSpace and Ingram
7. Proof the proof and send to proofreader (edit all the edits together from multiple people
8. Re-upload, get printed proofs, catch the small things

Quotes:                                                                                                                                   

“Self-publishing means you take responsibility as the publisher of your book, which requires thinking of yourself in that role.” – Stacey Aaronson

“The best approach from the very beginning is to focus on the pain points of your reader and the problem you are trying to solve for them.” – Stacey Aaronson

“You should be thinking about the audience from the start. That dictates all the different moving parts of the book.” – Stacey Aaronson

Takeaways:

05:32 Self-publishing isn't a do-it-yourself process, but a professional publishing approach requiring expert help across multiple disciplines.

12:41 Understanding your target audience is crucial before writing a single word of your book.

17:05 Building an audience platform should begin months before your book's actual publication.

22:14 A book's success starts with knowing the reader's pain points and solving their specific problems.

30:50 Professional book production typically costs between $4,000 to $6,000 and takes 4-6 months.

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Filed in: Archive 1: 2012-2016 • Interview • Podcast