Last week, we had part 1 of Ann Lee Miller‘s post on how she went about her Indie Publishing Journey.  If you missed it, you can find it just below this post.  In it, you’ll find brief bio information, and how she addressed factors like the cover, manuscript preparation, front and back matter, formatting and uploading to Smashwords, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.  She also gives some cost figures.  It’s well worth the read.  After you finish it, come on back here to read part 2 which covers the business and marketing of a book.  So, here’s part 2.

Business

I formed an LLC. Each state has its own application process. In Arizona, the form is about a page long and LLC status is granted three months after applying. This protects me from being sued and enables me to keep my business and personal finances formally separated.

1. Since I went the LLC route, I needed to apply for an EIN number from http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html. This was a very simple task.
2. When attempting to open a business bank account, I discovered my bank requires waiting until the LLC status has been granted. Also, my bank requires a $1,500 minimum balance for business accounts. Failure to maintain this balance will result in my being charged $7 per month.
3. I am considering opening a business Pay Pal account, but I will only need this if I sell books directly from my Website.
4. Since I have earned $2.10 so far, I have not yet opened personal and business freshbooks accounts for free at https://ardg.freshbooks.com/refer/www. I will need to affix my business e-mail to the business account and my personal e-mail to the personal account. I will be able to send my business invoices for personal expenses to reimburse myself, versus paying myself for expenses out of profits (this avoids double taxation).
5. I also will need to open an Expensify account to keep track of my expenses. This will keep things clean and put the most money in my pocket. I will then need to link that to my personal Freshbooks account in order to invoice my business for my expenses.

Marketing

1. Blog Tour: I contacted as many bloggers as I could who might be interested in promoting Christian contemporary romances and offered to do an interview or guest post (like this one) and giveaway. I scheduled a different blog stop each day for the month of June. Most bloggers ask for a head shot, jpg of the cover, bio, and book blurb. I recommend creating a spreadsheet to keep all the details in order.
2. Facebook: I wrote to friends and asked if they would like to help me by reading my book, posting reviews and passing my book on to their friends.
3. Twitter: Tweet as often as you can with the goal of building relationships and occasionally advertising your book. I highly recommend Joel Comm’s Twitter Power.
4. Speaking: I arranged speaking engagements in the two colleges I attended, the town where the books are set, and my hometown.
5. News Releases: I am sending news releases about my book to the above locations.
6. Kindle Select: Amazon’s three month long marketing program I plan to participate in.

This is more of a beginner’s testimonial than the last word on indie publishing. My favorite book on the topic is Jeff Bennington’s Indie Author’s Guide to the Universe.

 If you’ve read this far you deserve a free book! I’d love to hear your thoughts on e-publishing. Leave a comment with your e-mail address or contact me through AnnLeeMiller.com, and I’ll send you a free e-copy of Kicking Eterntiy.

 AnnLeeMiller.com

Twitter: @AnnLeeMiller

Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ann-Lee-Miller/356653761022022

JRC:  Where can folks purchase your book?

http://www.amazon.com/Kicking-Eternity-ebook/dp/B0082GF8CE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337181291&sr=8-1

Book Blurb:

Fresh from college, Raine scores a teaching job at New Smyrna Beach Surf and Sailing Camp. A crush on the camp rebel/art teacher threatens to derail her plans to teach orphans in Africa. The broody recreation director spots her brothers meth addiction and Raine’s enabling. Raine believes she is helping her brother–until lives are threatened.

JRC:  Thanks, Ann, for a very informative look at one person’s journey through Indie Publishing.  It was clear and candid and, I would think, very helpful to anyone contemplating such a journey.  Good luck.