There are many things you learn as you go when you finally self-publish your first book. Here are 10 Things to put you ahead of the game.

It’s not magic, and there’s nothing complicated about it. It begins simply by reaching out.

What do you think about independent authors who give their book away? If you're an author, do you give yours away? If you're a reader, do you think less of the book when you see that it's free? There are advocates for both sides of this coin, and I discuss the reasons for and against here.

As independent authors, we need to find a comfortable way to reach the ideal readers of our books, but we also know that doing so is easier said than done. Learning how to talk about our books is the first hurdle.

Giving the book away is part of a larger strategy that can help you—and all of the books you’ll ever publish—to find some success.