Thank you for this interview, Greg Messel. You self-published your latest book, “Deadly Plunge.” Would you please tell us why you chose the self-publishing route?
A: I, of course, would love to have a big, lucrative deal with a publishing house to write books. However, that is becoming increasingly difficult. It has been getting harder, not easier, as time goes on. I know a few published authors—one who even had a New York Times bestseller—who couldn’t get a second book approved. I decided it would be better to keep writing books, get them out there via self-publishing, and start trying to attract attention. Given the alternatives, I think this is the best route for me.

Take us through the process. You had an idea for your book, you wrote it, then you decided to find a publisher. What were your experiences with that? Or did you decide to self-publish without looking any further?
A: I began with one publisher who was very expensive to take your book through the process. I’ve learned a great deal not only about writing better and better books but also about the other aspects involved. I have a professional editor that I really trust, I have a publishing coach who guides me through the process, and a great designer that I have used on the interior and exterior of my last two books. I think it’s very important for self-published authors to maintain a high professional standard. A book must be well written, well edited, and have solid design. I’m very particular about book design and covers. I think a tacky cover will just scream “self-published,” and not in a complimentary way. If a self-published author wants to find a good place to spend their money, it should be to have a tightly edited book. My books haven’t been perfect, but they are getting better and better.

What different online stores carry your book?
A: My books are on Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.

Do you think that having your book self-published makes any difference to the media? Are they open to interviewing self-published authors or reviewing their books?
A: Authors who go the traditional route have an edge over self-published authors in regards to distribution to bookstores.

How did you handle that as a self-published author?
A: Unfortunately, it does make a difference. There are some newspapers that will not review self-published books—my local paper, The Seattle Times, being one of them. I have been interviewed about my books by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Surprisingly, there are some bookstores that are not open to stocking self-published books, even bookstores that you would imagine would support indie authors and books. I have had book signings at Costco, Sam’s Club, and three at Borders. It is an uphill climb.

On the other hand, self-published authors have the edge over traditional books in that the author has all the control. I’d like to begin with your cover. Did you make it, or did you have someone else design it? If you had someone else, can you tell us who it is?
A: I have this great designer, Khalid Winston, who has done my last two books. I think all five of my books have great covers, even if I do say so myself. I particularly like the last two Khalid has done. I like to turn my books over to professional editors and designers. He has also done book trailers for me, which I love. I plan on having him do book number six when I complete it this winter.

Did you get someone to format it for you, or did you do that?
A: I have someone handle the formatting for me. There is much more to that than it appears on the surface.

What was the hardest challenge for you to self-publish your book?
A: Marketing. It is frustrating to try to get noticed amongst the thousands of books rolling off the presses constantly. I’ve learned a lot, but it is an uphill struggle and not one for the easily discouraged.

What steps are you taking to promote it?
A: I’m very active in the social networking arena with Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. I have my own blog and website. I have been running ads on Facebook and Goodreads, which are fairly economical. I also use virtual book tours like Pump Up Your Book. I’ve been very pleased with those results. I think social networking is the key. It’s not easy and takes diligence. I tweet a lot and use the Fan Pages on Facebook for each of my books. You have to stay after it.

What has been the best marketing tool or method you have used that has resulted in the most sales?
A: The virtual book tour produces a lot of attention. Getting reviews on Amazon and Barnes and Noble is very helpful. Giveaways and promotional opportunities also help. I recently gave away six copies of “Deadly Plunge” to readers who entered a contest on Goodreads. The good news is that 870 people entered the contest to try to win a copy of my book. Since the ebook is priced at $2.99, hopefully a bunch of the contest losers will pop with the $3 to get their own copy.

Do you have any advice you’d like to share with other self-published authors?
A: It helps a great deal to join authors’ groups and network with people online. I’ve found fellow authors to be great supporters and helpers. I try to help them as well.

Thank you for this interview, Greg Messel. We wish you much success!