I self-published my book: teaching myself everything from book cover design, distribution to Amazon set-up. I organised three book launches in three international locations. I got my book into local libraries and indie book shops (in two countries). I got invited to one of India’s biggest book festivals. I was invited to speak on radio. The best bit: I did all of this in under one year!
I published my book successfully, without an agent or publisher
I proved 39 UK publishers wrong.
39 UK publishers rejected me saying there was no market for my book. (They loved the writing style & the story but didn’t believe this book would sell.). And this, despite the fact that I was represented by a great publishing agent.
I said goodbye to my publishing agent.
I stopped waiting for a publisher to “pick me”.
I stopped waiting for someone else to market my book.
I stopped waiting for someone to organise my book launches.
I decided to back myself. And I self-published my book:
- I learnt how to design a stand-out book cover.
- I figured out how to set up ISBN numbers (I didn’t even know this was a thing!)
- I got the book distributed in UK libraries & independent book shops.
- I learnt how to set up my book on Amazon.
- I organised 3 amazing book launches in central London, in Kochi, in Bangalore.
- I got myself invited to speak on a Dubai radio station.
- I got myself invited to one of the biggest literature festivals in India.
- I’m currently running events in London’s public libraries.
So those 39 UK publishers were wrong.
If you’re tired of waiting to be “picked” by a publisher & are ready to make your book dream happen, I’m now sharing my step-by-step guide to my own indie publishing journey.
If you’re tired of waiting to be “picked” by a publisher, I’ve got good news. I’m about to start a course to share my secrets of indie publishing. Pop your email below if you’d like to be invited.
I learnt how to design a stand-out book cover
Your book cover is your book’s first impression, a visual elevator pitch that promises a specific experience to your reader. This one little cover needs to grab readers’ attention, it needs to stops the scroll. A great book cover must have single, bold focal point that captures the “vibe” of your genre—whether it’s an arresting graphic for a thriller or whimsical, hand-drawn typography for a rom-com. I spent a lot of time researching what made a great book cover, literally visiting innumerble book shops and trying to see what caught my attention. I read a lot of expert advice and blog posts – before designing my own eye-catching book cover for Bad Daughter. I’m ready to share what I learnt with you!
I organised book launches in 3 cities & 2 countries
Book launches! What do you do when you don’t have a publisher or a fancy budget to organise a swanky book launch?
Well, I’m here to show you that you can do it yourself. Do it in style. Do it all over the world.
I organised a stunning book launch in Soho, London. I then arranged another one in a fancy club in Kerala. And finally, I created a book launch in a cute little bookshop in Bangalore.
These book launches were filled with a buzzing audience, who bought my book and gave me great feedback.
London Book Launch
Bangalore Book Launch
Kerala Book Launch
I got invited to international book festivals & radio shows
The big book festivals are closed shops: with direct links to the big publishers. So how do you get invited to them?
I just pitched to a lot of book festivals – and got myself invited to one of India’s biggest & most respected book festivals: Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters.
I spoke on two panels. The first one was exclusively about my book Bad Daughter. It was a full house and the talk was published on the Matrubhumi website. The second panel was with some incredible female writers.
I also got myself on a Dubai radio station. How? Again, by pitching to them. I was interviwed on Dubai Talk 100.3 about my book and my feminist views.
I delivered author talks at local libraries
I’ve delivered talks about my book Bad Daughter at three London libraries: Canada Water Library, Lewisham Library as well as Ideas Store in Tower Hamlets. Each talk had engaged audiences with great discussions around the themes of the book: feminism, trauma, confidence and healing.
I learnt the tough bits: from ISBN numbers, Amazon set-up to distribution in libraries & bookshops
This is the hardest bit. What is an ISBN number & where can you get one? How do you get your book baby into your local library? Where do you begin the process of getting your book into bookshops? (Hint: you can forget about the book bookstore chains because they’re owned by an American hedge-fund!)
I researched & learnt everything I possibly could – and to be honest, sometimes it felt impossible because the odds are stacked against indie authors & publishers.
But there are still so many amazing places you can get your book into!
If you’re ready to make your own book publishing dream come true, pop your email below. You’ll be the first to be invited to my upcoming Self-Publishing course.
My book Bad Daughter is available: