Do you dream of becoming a best selling author? Do you devote your soul to your manuscript? Do you feel invigorated at the thought of creating your book business? The last question may seem out of place to author’s that believe that all they need to do is write their book and the success will follow. Best selling authors are not merely writers, but business savvy people as well. If you choose to self publish then you must call on your business skills.

It is naive to think that a self published book, or any book for that matter, will sell itself. There are business items to consider before you begin to pen your book. For example, you should determine whether there is a demand for your book. Is your mystery plot out of date or cliché? Does your business book provide new and unique information on a business principle or service? Self publishing a book that doesn’t add a new slant or information to the market is likely to keep you from appearing on the best seller lists.

Another business consideration in self publishing is the cost to produce the book versus the amount of profit you will earn. Self publishing does not come in a one-size-fits-all package. Different self published authors have different needs. Self publishing companies have addressed this issue and offer a variety of self publishing options to choose from.

Another business detail to consider when self publishing is the price you assign to your book. You need to set a price that will not only cover production costs, but yield a profit. However, you don’t want to set your book price so high that customers won’t purchase your book. Setting your book price can be a tricky process. Consult your self publishing company and other self published authors. Also research prices of similar books at book stores and online. (In fact, you should have already researched similar books before writing your book to make sure that you are adding a new perspective to the book market.)

Marketing and book promotion are your responsibility when you self publish. You will need to budget for marketing and promotion expenses such as business cards, book marks, press releases, and direct mailings. The extent of your marketing effort depends on your book topic, budget, and time constraints.

Self publishing can be a rewarding process as long as you acknowledge the business aspects. Smart business practices combined with exceptional writing skills will sky rocket your book onto the best seller list in no time.