I've been in the industry for over a decade. This is what I've learned...

When I formally entered the literary industry in 2011, I hit the ground running with eyes wide open and ego fully engaged. I wanted validation of my talents as an author and I received it. I received it from potential readers, bookstore proprietors, literary agents and fellow authors as well as providers of literary services. I had no idea what I was in for and I wasn't prepared for any of it.

I assumed that any author that came before me would be willing to impart a little wisdom to make my journey into what would become my next career a little less challenging. I couldn't have been more wrong.

Hindsight being what it is, I've come away with some thoughts on what a self-published author can expect when they enter this cutthroat industry.

For starters, just because someone compliments your work does not translate to them being in your camp. Compliments can be a genuine expression of their admiration of your accomplishment. If someone has read your work and they are willing to provide you with a review in writing, that in and of itself seems innocent enough. But if someone has services that they want to sell you, whether it is editing or marketing, you want to be wary and approach with caution.

Always ask if they have examples of their work and references of satisfied customers. They should have a website. Don't be afraid of checking it out to see for yourself if they are capable of providing the services they claim to be able to deliver to you. Notice how they respond to you when you ask questions. Are they professional?

This is not only a highly competitive industry; it is an industry full of predators who are willing to charge you top dollar for what mediocre services. I've encountered this first hand and it happened because I gave trust blindly without checking for examples of work and references. Never again.

Some people think that they are giving you a compliment when they ask for a copy of your book without paying for it. They want a signed copy of a book that nine times out of ten will never get read and instead will sit gathering dust inside a box, or on a shelf, maybe a table. They don't realize that they are taking money out of your pocket when they do this. If they really want to support you, have them purchase your work and offer to sign the book for them and explain that you are in business for yourself. You now have to think like a business person instead of a starry eyed newcomer who just needs a little validation Hopefully they'll understand that and if they don't, they should.

What do you hope to accomplish as a creator of content? What platforms do you use and how do you engage your audience? Do you know who you are writing for? Do you have an information packet to provide to potential bookstores and is your work listed in Ingrams catalog?

And I'm really surprised to have to say this but copyright your work. Meaning, register it with the Library of Congress to ensure that you are the original owner of your work.

Treat your newfound career like a business and not a hobby. This was the seismic shift for me that was most challenging. You see, for as long as I was working full time for a corporation, it was easy to put the businesses needs before my own.

Now that I am retired, I am looking at this endeavor through different eyes. I don't have any excuses anymore. If I am afraid of success or failure, I have to get out there and do what needs to get done. I get to focus on the importance of what I need to do to maintain my way of life as I know it. I have the time to fulfill my dreams and address my own bottom line.

Know your environment. A former supervisor had advised me of this and I took her observation to heart. Know who and what you are dealing with. Do your research. Learn as much about this industry on your own and trust your gut.

There are people that have good intentions and are genuinely good. There are people that are willing to share wisdom and knowledge. The trick is having the discernment to know who you are dealing with and possessing the foresight to determine what their bottom line happen to be.

~ J.L. Whitehead