Are you an experienced tradesperson looking to share your knowledge and expertise with the world? If so, self-publishing may be the perfect way for you to reach out to a broad audience. Publishing your book requires planning and dedication but can also be gratifying.
Although DIY and self-help tips are shared on social media, published materials on trade secrets and advice from professionals also fetch their share of followers. For example, the “Building Construction Handbook” by Roger Greeno and Roy Chudley, both professional consultants in the construction industry, is already on its 12th edition and continues to be a must-read for construction-related learning.
Read on for our beginner’s guide to successfully self-launch a tradesman book.
A Checklist
Before the technical aspects of self-publishing, you can start by thinking about what skills you can bring to the table that will make your book stand out from the thousands of other books on the shelves. Is your material entertaining? Informative? Does it provide a unique perspective? Once you know what makes your book special, you’re ready to figure out how to get it into people’s hands.
Planning Your Content
The first step in writing your book is deciding what content you want to include. You can start by outlining all the topics you’d like to be covered in the book. For example, if you are writing a book about plumbing, some cases might include “Installing New Fixtures,” “Unclogging Drains,” and “Tips for Preventing Clogs.” Once you have your list of topics, start fleshing out each section with detailed information about each case. This will give you the framework for your entire book.
Designing Your Cover
Your cover is one of the most important aspects of self-publishing a book because it’s how readers can identify and pick up your book when they see it in stores or online. Think carefully about what kind of design will best represent the tone and content of your book. You don’t need to hire a professional designer; there are plenty of online resources such as Fiverr that can help you create an eye-catching cover for free or at a low cost.
Be Aware of Legal Issues
Being a self-publish author can be an intimidating process. Authors must stay on top of a wide range of legal issues not all writers may be familiar with. This includes making sure any works used are attributed and credited to the original owners, establishing an LLC to protect your earning potential, applying for copyright protection if the work is eligible, and avoiding any legal issues regarding defamation or invasion of privacy.
Some self-publish printers may also have a legal scholar in their organization to help self-publish authors. Most authors will also likely need to enter into contracts with an eBook or print publisher for distribution and promotion, which will require abiding by their rules and navigating various industry-specific regulations. Taking the time to understand these legal implications and performing due diligence will go a long way in helping you protect yourself from potential pitfalls.
Marketing Your Book
Once your book is ready for publication, it’s time to start marketing it! Begin by creating social media accounts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn where you can post updates about your work and connect with potential readers. Ensure to include relevant hashtags with each post so that people interested in learning more about tradesman books can easily find yours!
Additionally, consider partnering with other businesses related to tradesman books to promote your work in exchange for exposure or discounts on their products/services. For example, you can partner with a trade or skilled labor recruiter and have your book be a resource material, even a required reading, for potential recruits. Meanwhile, if a friend or a family member has successful experience within the industry, don’t hesitate to reach out for advice — their experience may even come in handy if you need additional assistance!
Finally, remember traditional forms of advertising like radio ads or newspaper articles which can help spread awareness about your new venture!
Self-publishing a trade book may seem daunting at first—but it doesn’t have to be! With careful planning and dedication, anyone can successfully launch their tradesperson’s book into the world. Start by outlining what content you want to be included in the book, designing an attractive cover for it, and then begin marketing it through various channels such as social media accounts and partnerships with other businesses related to tradespeople books to get the word out there!
