Self-Publishing Checklist

What are the key ingredients to a successful launch of a self-published ebook/paperback? Or better, how can we indie writers expand our borders, so to speak, in order to reach enough paying customers so that we can write full time for a living? Here's a list from Joe Konrath of important factors to consider.

• Type of book
• How it's written
• Who the author is
• Amount of advertising
• Amount of publicity
• Amount of marketing
• Fan enthusiasm
• Cover art
• Distribution
• Price
• Book description
• Formatting
• Proofreading 
• Word of mouth

Together, these can lead to the possibility of a shot at success. Plus the factor of luck. Because, really, sometimes the stars just align and bammo, a book takes off.

But one thing to keep in mind. These factors are not static. Everything doesn't have to align the first week. As many have already stated, don't think of the launch date as an event. If no one buys the book that first day, so what? Take the long view. Or, as Konrath says, ebooks are forever and forever is a long time to get discovered.

So keep honing your skill. Keep practicing. When it comes time to launch, keep in mind the above factors. And then...go forth and multiply.