The Well-Fed Self-Publisher: How to Turn One Book into a Full-Time Living

by Peter Bowerman

Landing a publisher has never been harder. So many want to get published, but few understand the enormous challenges, the fierce competition, and the merciless reality of bookstore shelf. But, what if you are one of the lucky ones to land a publisher? Well, here’s what you can count on: anemic royalty rates, 18 to 24 months to publication, and giving up the rights to your book. And guess what? You’ll still be expected to do most of the marketing yourself! There’s a better way. Thanks to the Internet, self-publishing has become easier, more viable, and more potentially lucrative than ever before. In 2000, veteran commercial freelancer Peter Bowerman self-published The Well-Fed Writer (an award winning Book-of-the-Month Club selection) and in 2005, he did the same with its companion, TWFW: Back For Seconds (triple-award-finalist). The books became “standards” in the lucrative field of commercial freelancing: writing for businesses, large and small, and for hourly rates of $60-125+ or more. As this is written, together, the two books – about 50,000 copies in print – had earned him a full-time living for over five years. The definition of a full-time living (straight from the horse’s mouth): Okay, we’re not talking “picking-out-chateaux-in-the-South-of-France” kind of money, but the book paid all my bills (including a couple of print runs each year), allowed me to stay the course in funding my retirement account, stay completely out of debt, and take a few nice vacations each year. Would that work for you? The Well-Fed Self-Publisher is a 300-page, detailed, step-by-step blueprint that explains exactly how the author did what he did. According to Bowerman, “This book is for those who really want to turn their passionate creative efforts into real ‘pay-the-mortgage’ money.” Acknowledging that “self-publishing” carries an enormous amount of negative baggage (and deservedly so), the author says the focus of the book is to dramatically raise the bar on quality, for starters: I’ll show you how to create a book indistinguishable in quality from one produced by a reputable publishing company; how to do a far better job of marketing and promoting that book than a publisher ever could; and how to make far more money than you ever would with that publisher. And by doing it all yourself, you control the timetable (potentially shaving 12 to 18 months off production). Plus, you retain all the rights, allowing you to leverage the brand you’ve created into a host of profitable “spinoff” businesses – each with its own income stream. Starting from perhaps not-so-obvious fundamentals (“Write a book people will want to read”), the book progresses through a discussion of the significant limitations of the conventional publishing model (despite the best intentions of most publishers). Then, in a nod to the outright panic and terror most “creatives” experience at the mere mention of the term “sales and marketing,” the book provides an entire early chapter to help demystify these often daunting concepts. As Bowerman is quick to point out, “Success as a self-publisher is far more a function of a process than an aptitude. It’s far less about some way you have to be than it is about a bunch of things you have to do.” At that point, the book kicks into gear, offering up discussing in-depth discussions of book production, distribution, marketing, promotion, publicity (through one’s own web site, the Internet, radio, article writing, bookstores and far beyond), Amazon, spinoff businesses, and an entire chapter on the controversial so-called “revolution” known as “POD publishing” (print-on-demand). The book finishes with five appendices offering up resources and a time line for the self-publisher, a primer on foreign rights, and more.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference

294 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2006

Reviews

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

People self publish for many reasons. Many want to keep strict control over their intellectual property. Others just think it is ridiculous to receive royalties of a buck or so while the publisher takes in the majority of the profits. For Peter Bowerman control of his writing is important but making money is his main motive for self publishing.

In The Well-Fed Self-Publisher, the author shares his secrets to success, success meaning selling large quantities of books. Much of this material is the common sense notions that writers often completely forget when trying to promote their work: getting reviews, determining your target audience, creating name recognition, and selling without appearing you are selling.

It would seem that the author source of his success is that he takes these aspects to the extreme. Most writers think that a handful of reviews is more than enough, Bowerman sends out hundreds of review copies. He then follows though to get those reviews complete. The author does the same with gaining media attention. He is constantly trying to find and make use of a new angle to get his product recognized. Bowerman also states that in order to make money you have to spend money (on professional editing, covers, typesetting, review copy costs, etc), but do so wisely.

[Elizabeth Cottrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is only for someone who really is ready to self-publish a book, but it is chock full of detailed, practical information and resources about how to do it. It's not easy, the but the author is a good cheerleader for all the reasons that the process is so much more satisfying (and lucrative, if you have a good book) that finding a publisher or going the vanity press route. The author has "been there, done that," and is willing to share his mistakes and what he did right.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book for self-publishers that I've encountered. Peter Bowerman offers excellent recommendations.

Having been an indie author since the 1990's, I've read many a how-to on this topic. I've found Bowerman's approach to be exceptionally practical and helpful.

Granted, you'll find some hype on the front cover: "How to turn one book into a full-time living." Good luck with that!

WHAT IMPRESSED ME MOST IS THE BOOK'S UNDERTONE

To me, it's clear that Peter Bowerman aims to help readers. While many other books in this genre appeals to competition, greed, and so forth.

FIVE STARS, earned with integrity.

[Wes Locher · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Well-Fed Self-Publisher" has officially earned a top spot on my reference shelf. It will find itself sought after and cracked open many more times as I continue to write my next book. This title, along with the Writer's Market "Guide to Getting Published" will be the perfect the best maps to consult regardless of which publishing venue I choose to explore.

Author Peter Bowerman, known to most as the Well-Fed Writer offers up his experience in self-publishing. This doesn't mean that this book is the correct way, or the only way, it's simply a detailed explanation of what worked for him as he paved his own path. Written in a style that is concise yet humorous, he gives you his opinions and insights so that you don't face some of the issues that he did. He simply wants to save you time and lets you learn from his mistakes. Not only will he offer his own experiences, but he lists numerous helpful websites, and provides contact info for some of his personal industry contacts. He just wants to help you succeed. What's the catch? A whole lot of nothing.

With a lot of reference books I find myself skipping over sections and chapters that I feel do not apply to me, however, the WFSP kept me interested from cover to cover and I didn't miss a beat. He goes in-depth on the history of self-publishing and discusses what's true and what are myths, explains the important role you must play in promoting you own book, how to build demand for your title, how to tailor your website for selling your product, how to use Amazon.com to your advantage, how to gain exposure through media and radio, and above all, gives you the tools to turn your book into a full time living. Just remember, he's not going to do it for you, but he will surely show you the way.

The appendix sections alone are worth the $20 cover price, and he offers a great selection of ebooks on his website where you can get further info on specific areas.

Whether you are gearing up to release your first book or your eighth, you owe it to yourself to give this a read. With each chapter I increased my knowledge and feel confident that I can attain Peter's level of success. Sure it will take some time, money, and patience, but good people comes to those who wait (and work hard and market their product well).

I can't recommend this title highly enough for any authors who are currently trying to make their way in the ever-changing world of book publishing.

[Elspeth Rushbrook · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a well meaning attempt to empower authors to take back control of their books, at a time when getting picked by a conventional publisher is like crawling through a tiny hole (92% rejection rate) for 8% of the profit if you are accepted (my stats, not his).

The title is a misnomer - Peter Bowerman is a copywriter and author of a couple of books on selfpublishing, and that is very different from being a poet, novelist, playwright.

I agree that the spiritual artistic writer needs to be able to market their work and that some of us need some help there. However, this sort of marketing is too different to understand the needs of most bards and biographers. I also consider much of it immoral - creating demand using manipulation and over saturation, cold calling, undercutting others.

The other big irony is that these books are not adverts for professional looking self publishing. It's not well designed!

I agreed only with the general sentiment of the book and found few real insights or practical tips.

He is all for putting the publishing world back in the palms of the author - amen! - but would have us also depart from the bookshop. As much as their high percentage gnarks me and I think they shoot themselves in the foot with that, I have an important final proviso. He claims: "Your audience won't be in bookstores so don't market there." ?! Again, this belies who he writes for and what he's writing about.

If you pen computer guides, how to get rich, have babies, mow your lawn...you might find great help here, especially if you are American.

If you are literary, unconventional, live elsewhere in the world, resist marketing trends, you're unlikely to find this a useful addition to your shelf.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Bowerman has created an excellent guide to self-publishing that is packed with references and relevant links. Not only does he step you through the process of publishing, he provides the in's and out's of different options and provides some exercises for doing a reality check on your book idea.

This book is geared toward self-publishing non-fiction books, but I have gotten a lot of ideas that are applicable to fiction.

Bowerman also delves into the business of sales and marketing, which is essential to the success of your book. He uses a lot of real-life examples and points out pitfalls too.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is contemplating, or who has already written a book and is frustrated with the traditional approach to publishing. Besides, as Bowerman illustrates, you have a much greater profit potential publishing it yourself.

[Jeremy Kinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book on self publishing. Peter Bowerman tells you exactly how he successfully published his book and even gives contact information for the very people involved in the process. It is written in a simple fashion and makes the subject easy for others to understand. He writes in such a way as if you had a friend who is an insider in the industry showing you the ropes.

At the end of the book he has an action plan laid out with clear steps in a timeline format. This makes it really easy to see the steps involved in the process, at a glance. Bowerman also listed a few tips and personal touches that I have not read in other places. The resources he lists in the book add value to this wonderful book. I definitely recommend this to anyone interested in self-publishing- even if you've read others.

[Beata Zwarycz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe not the ONLY book on starting your own publishing empire, but pretty darn close. Bowerman is extremely generous in sharing his knowledge and experience. The book is, however, devoted primarily to marketing. The word makes me cringe, but I hear it's the necessary evil of the publishing world... Not enough logistics about actually running the business. According to Boweman, you should concentrate on selling and farm out the rest (graphics, accounting, etc. etc.). But personally, I would rather do the graphics and the accounting and farm out the nasty business of selling. Cold calls... follow ups... having to introduce yourself to strangers.... grrr.... I can't see myself doing any of this sober.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll go four stars on this one. Simply put, the information on marketing and selling your book is fantastic. However, this book was written before a very important industry shift: The Kindle. As such, some of the book is outdated when it comes to the digital world of books. (At one point the author even asks if anybody out there really wants to read a book on a screen!) That, and a few other places where the author's lack of tech savvy make him ill-advised to speak on certain matters (how to set up a website, what software to use, generally anything technology) have merited the loss of a single star. Otherwise, highly recommended to anybody publishing a book, whether self-published or traditional.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if an author has a publisher, the sad fact of life is that the author must have an active hand in publicizing his or her own book if the world is to find it. The quote, "Build a better mousetrap and the world will come" apparently only applies to mousetraps. The world will only come to your book if they know about it.

For his first book Peter Bowerman did most of his publicity online and his suggestions are from first-hand experience. Now that he is known, he has a distributor and gets invited to speak, but too many of us aren't there yet. I found this book invaluable.

[Weldon Burge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bowerman provides a fairly comprehensive battle plan for the self-publisher, and doesn't hold back on the caveats. It is clear that the successful self-publisher must be a strong writer, a shrewd businessman/woman, and an expert marketing force, and Bowerman is all three--heed his advice! What I learned when reading this book is that I'm nowhere near prepared to be a self-publisher, and that I still have much to learn before stepping into the water. But this book is certainly a foundation for anyone ready (or who may think he/she is ready) to take the plunge.

[Jacqui Schischka · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge amount of information in this book but it was slightly out of date (2007) so it didn't include any info on Amazon Kindle publishing or other technology/software available currently. Would be worthwhile checking out if there is a more recent edition with those updates. That aside, the book is a great resource and is crammed full of information to turn your book into into a flourishing business.

[Elizabeth Scala · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book. I keep it right on my desk to refer to over and over again as I continue to write and self-publish my own work. Peter doesn't hold anything back. In fact, at times, I was a bit overwhelmed with the amount of information. That being said, I encourage readers to use what resonates and keep the rest for when the timing is right. I implemented a LOT of what is in this book- yet some of it I am not quite 'ready' for and have bookmarked to go back to. A really wonderful read!

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book for anyone even remotely interested in self-publishing. The author starts from the beginning in what can be a very daunting process and breaks each bit into manageable pieces. He gives great advice, case stories and tons of VERY valuable resource and contact information. I highly recommend this book!

[David Katzman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is not nearly as thorough or as useful as The Self-Publishing Manual . It provides a few additional tips but nothing worth the price of admission.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a "how to" book it is best thought of as a reference work. I finished my first read through and am leaving it close at hand. I've implemented a few of the suggestions - so far nothing particularly dramatic has happened, but it has been interesting in that it explains how the publishing business works behind the scenes.

[Linda Leon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Bowerman leaves nothing to the imagination with this book. It is a concise, clear cut path to producing a book, that you can turn into a profitable book business. He outlines everything from the edited manuscript to publication. The appendix is filled with very helpful additional information. An author serious about growing a book business cannot go wrong purchasing this book.

[Tandava Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. Only improvement I might have liked would have been if Bowerman himself actually had social media experience and covered it the way he did all his other topics. But on the other hand, it was nice of him to at least get someone else to write a quick appendix for him.

[Trace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll admit it - the full title of this book captured my attention.

UPDATE:

DONE! Meh... wasn't all that great... I had higher hopes for this book... ah well....

[Anthony Clair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boweman gives a mix of tactics and inspiration that can give anyone the motivation and direction needed to tackle indie publishing.

[Kimberly Vargas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like a self publishing topographical map. Very grateful for the author's insights into this newly charted and evolving territory.

[Bruce Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any author in the process of writing a book. Very informative and therefore uniquely inspirational to a writer studying the process of publication.

[Nadia Giordana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good one I will re-read each time I put out a new book. Lots of good info here.