One bestselling author’s journey with Filament Publishing

I was underwhelmed with the service I received from my first self-publisher. They were more focused on telling me about the financial penalties I would incur should I amend my manuscript, than they were in producing a beautiful book.

I decided not to rinse and repeat for my second book.

I found Chris Day, founder of Filament Publishing on the internet and rang him in the early evening. I was amazed when he not only answered my call but proceeded to share much of his knowledge and experience with me, answering every question, holding nothing back.

It was clear to me from this conversation alone that my second book had found a home. Here was Chris, a person genuinely interested in listening to my story, having no hesitation in providing me with valuable insights and his considerable expertise.

Lessons I would love to have learned with my first book.

10 months later, The Ultimate Small Business Marketing Book, was produced and published by Filament. And what a journey we embarked on! It went straight to the bestselling position of 150 out of all Amazon titles. It proceeded to stick at number one in its category of small business marketing books for several years. In that time this little book spearheaded a lucrative secondary career as a paid public speaker. I found myself as the keynote speaker for some hefty household brands, often boggling how this had happened. It also led to a publishing deal in China. Citic Publishing paid for the rights to produce my book in Chinese. I have sold thousands of copies of this book, worldwide with many accompanying reader case studies to add further lustre and sparkle.

Underpinning all these amazing events and initiatives was, Chris. Always there to provide support, expertise, and balance when my world span too fast for me to think clearly! He also helped me to achieve a longstanding dream – a book signing at Waterstones in Croydon where my book was number one in business book sales.

I secured a paid publishing deal with Wiley for my third book but for book 4 and book 5, like a homing pigeon, I flew back to Filament.

Now, with the gift of experience as an author, plus a decent record in the bestsellers, what can I share if you’re considering self-publishing your book?

Well, firstly arm yourself with all the facts.

Be sure to have conversations with several self-publishers before signing on that ubiquitous dotted line. I know from speaking to other authors that some publishers charge an absolute fortune to deliver little more than the basics. Don’t be drawn into any deal until satisfied the publisher above the dotted line, really does have your best interests at heart.

Talk to authors that have been published by the one you’re considering. Ask about their journey, the services they paid for, the added value advice they were given freely.

And how many books they have sold!

Choose the publisher that you feel in your heart, and, in your head, you can build a great relationship with. Producing your book should be an enjoyable and fulfilling exercise, not without the occasional bumps in the road. Between you and your publishing partner you should arrive at that joyful destiny- your precious book in your hands – and on the shelves of the bricks and mortar bookshops – as well as the online sellers.

Good luck! Reach out to me if you need a little advice.