This week we’re joined by Grahame Elson who has a pragmatic approach to writing and self-publishing. He initially kept his Africa adventures as a travel journal and then realized the potential of becoming an author and self-publisher. I think he’s also the first indie author we’ve featured who has not only created a print and ebook, but a hardcover version as well.
Unlike many indie authors who throw marketing and promotional activities at the wall in the hopes of them sticking and generating interest an increased sales, Grahame focuses on a shorter list of activities, and thinks nothing of dropping ones that aren’t reaping any benefits. This is a useful insight for other travel writers who are becoming overwhelmed by the post-publication effort a book requires … try marketing methods to see what works, and if you’re not enjoying a specific activity or you don’t feel you’re getting and ROI … just stop doing it.
There’s no one-size-fits-all path to success, and indie authors have the power to choose their own journey. Let’s see what other inspiration we can get from Grahame’s indie adventures. ~~ Jay
Author Interview: Grahame Elson
How would you describe the type of books/genre you write?
An memoir with trivia, humour and the occasional elephant.
What motivated you to start writing?
I’ve now visited 57 countries on 6 continents and looking back over some photos I realised just how many places and experiences have started to fade from my memory. I resolved there and then to start getting everything written down.
Tell us the journey you went on to get your books published (e.g. direct on your website, self-published, assisted-publishing, traditional publisher)
I didn’t even think about publishing while writing. The book was written more for me than anyone else but once it was complete it seemed natural to try and get it into print. I started off with Lulu.com who provide a print on demand service so I could get myself a copy and see what it looked like.
After several iterations I finally had a product I was happy with and my next step was to get it listed with Amazon through KDP publishing which provided an ebook and paperback format that was quickly available for distribution.
The hardback copy has now become available on Amazon through Lulu and I’m currently looking at any extra distribution channels that could be used.
What publishing elements do you most enjoy and most like to avoid, and why? (e.g. design, marketing, formatting etc.)
It’s all been good fun actually. For me it’s all very new and working with a limited budget means that there is no professional support for any of it. There are a variety of tools online from both Lulu and Amazon which make the formatting and cover design relatively easy, but a lot of time has still been spent watching ‘how to’ videos on Youtube.
The marketing aspect is interesting and rewarding when it works, but it is easy to get demotivated when you put a lot of energy into something and it makes absolutely no difference.
With the hindsight of being a published author, anything you would have done differently?
I’d have worried less about making mistakes. You WILL get things wrong! As long as you learn from it then it’s still worthwhile.
What tips or advice would you give an aspiring indie author who is looking to self-publish?
Write the best book you can. Then when you’ve finished put it in a drawer for three months and then read it again. I was amazed at the things I didn’t like about it and wanted to change after that!
What marketing or promotional tools or techniques do you use to reach your readers?
I have tried a variety of different promotions through Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Amazon and many more.
The best approach, in my opinion, is to focus on one thing at a time and make sure you do it properly and then assess the impact. Pinterest did nothing to help my sales but when I switched my efforts to Twitter I saw an immediate increase.
What impact do you want your books to have on your readers?
If I can make them laugh and want to go on holiday then I’ll be happy.
What is your latest book about?
My book is about my travel’s in Africa. It’s about history, politics, military adventures, wildlife, conservation, climate change, local stories & culture. Anything that interested me when I was there really.
What’s next on your writing journey?
Six weeks in China, or possibly the Caribbean! I have plenty of material for both and have spent some time playing about with the outlines. I’ll definitely make a decision soon.
Find out how author @grahameElson used his Africa trip to write and #selfpub his #6WeeksInAfrica #memoir Click To Tweet
About the Author
A traveller and adventurer (well… I went parasailing once). I’ve spent 20 years in retail where at least I’ve earned enough to start travelling the world. 57 countries on 6 continents so far and on a mission to get to all the rest.
- Twitter: @grahameElson
- Facebook page: @SixWeeksTravel
- Spotlight on Lulu: www.lulu.com/spotlight/sixweeksinAfrica
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Thanks for sharing – I love hearing about how other authors have successfully written and published their books. It’s so inspiring.
That’s one of the reasons I publish these – I find them inspiring as well Elly.