This is a question aspiring writers, authors,\nand creatives dissected in a Self-Publishing 101 workshop last May 22, 2024 at\nthe SM Aura Book Nook. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An ongoing book club series, \u201cThe Write Side\nof Bookshelf\u201d by Bookshelf PH, tackles the riveting world of publishing by\nfeaturing diverse Filipino authors and hosting book club sessions. Now on its\nfourth session, the publishing house immerses bibliophiles into\nself-publishing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From knowing what book to write to owning 100% of their story, Bookshelf PH emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s audience and the discipline to meet self-imposed deadlines. Divided into four mini sessions, the workshop also provides a step-by-step roadmap, showing the journey from manuscript to published book. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you want to write a book, the first thing\nyou think about is what your book is going to be about,\u201d Monette Quiogue,\nCo-founder of Bookshelf PH says. \u201cBut you also need to determine who your\naudience is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The average person consumes about 34 gigabytes\nof information a day. As the Social Media Capital of the World, these\n\u201cbyte-sized\u201d content are mostly consumed through online platforms in the\ncountry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet, the demand for printed books still exists\nand evidently, there is a gap when it comes to producing localized content. A\nquick trip to the local bookstore would tell you the prevalence of Western\nbooks and the lack of a Filipino counterpart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPeople connect to books in a much more\nintimate way than any form of content,\u201d Quiogue adds. She even notes that there\nis a spike on the number of self-publishing inquiries Bookshelf PH has gotten\nsince its launch during the pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Such a spike is a tell-tale sign that more\nFilipinos aspire to be self-published and that books remain a source for\ncredible information amidst the oversaturation of content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou need to give a deadline for the first\ndraft of your book,\u201d Porsha Mangilit, Managing Editor and Marketing Manager\nexplains. \u201cBut you also need to celebrate your small wins like finishing a\nchapter, because this is a long journey that could stretch for weeks or\nmonths.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to writer\u2019s block, Mangilit adds\nhow important it is to step away from your work as a writer and find people who\nare willing to give constructive feedback. \u201cYou\u2019re not just writing for\nyourself. You\u2019re also writing for an audience who\u2019s willing to pay to read your\ncontent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Self-publishing means you own 100% of your\nstory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Such power comes with responsibility, as you\nare not just an author; you are also the entrepreneur behind selling your book.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This comes with a few challenges, as writing\nis not the only task you will be doing. From layouting the book, finding the\nperfect cover, to copyediting and printing, engaging with publishers like\nBookshelf PH can help you outsource these to a strong team who has the literary\nbent and creative eye to turn your book into a reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTraditional publishers own your book and give\nyou a share of the profit,\u201d Nicole Borromeo, Marketing Manager says. \u201cBut with\nself-publishing, you own your book, you decide who gets a share, and how much\nthey\u2019re going to get.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finding your audience and selling your book is\nthe final step. \u201cWhen it comes to selling your book, we have online and offline\nchannels. Maximize your third-party marketplaces and social media platforms,\nbut also combine it with offline channels like speaking engagements, exhibits,\nand partnerships where you\u2019re more visible and in touch with your target\naudience,\u201d Michelle Dulinayan, Marketing Manager explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the mini writing activities and Q&A,\nBookshelf PH organized a giveaway, distributing a selection of titles. The\npublishing house also made a heartwarming book donation to the SM Aura Book\nNook, represented by Ms. Margarita Catalan, Assistant Vice President of\nMarketing Operations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This generous contribution enriches the\nofferings at the community library and learning hub located on Level 3 of SM\nAura. Book Nook is a vibrant space where readers of all ages can enjoy a wide\nrange of books, now including the latest selections from Bookshelf PH, all\navailable for free reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For those eager to embark on their literary\njourney, stay tuned to Bookshelf PH’s website and social media for updates on\nupcoming workshops and creative book club sessions. Your story deserves to be\ntold, and Bookshelf PH is here to help you tell it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bookshelf PH<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Email: hello@bookshelf.com.ph<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Facebook: www.facebook.com\/bookshelf.com.ph<\/a>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instagram: www.instagram.com\/bookshelf_ph\/<\/a>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n