Here’s a list of websites you should know about when starting out as a self-publisher. Most of the sites listed are considered to be the biggest names in the industry. They are listed in a random order:
1. Google.com/AdSense: they manage the affiliate programs of many websites. These websites, including BarnesAndNoble.com, require an account with Google AdSense if you want to earn referral fees. Free.
2. LinkedIn.com: a way to get listed and make professional connections. Free.
3. WordPress.com: the biggest, easiest and best way to start a blog. Free. See also WordPress.org
4.Scribd.com: storage and sharing of PDF documents; and sale of documents and electronic books. Free.
5. SmashWords.com: great place to get involved with ebook publishing. Smashwords is an eBook publishing and distribution platform for eBook authors, publishers, and readers. We offer multi-format eBooks that are DRM-free, ready for immediate purchase and sampling, and readable on any e-reading device.
6. Amazon.com Advantage Program for Books: the largest and most important online book retailer. You are going to spend a lot of time learning about Amazon.
7. BarnesAndNoble.com: the second largest retail book site.
8. APSS: Association of Special Sales Publishers: helps authors find new sales opportunities to non-bookstore buyers.
9.iBooks.com: for selling your e-books.
10.BookWorks.com: self-publishers association.
11. YouTube.com: the most important place to show your videos. Free.
12. LightningSource.com: a POD source for print books and eBooks; will manage its worldwide POD sales and distribute to Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It is considered a clandestine way to get your posts into Ingram’s database.
13. BowkerLink.com: the source for purchasing and managing ISBNs.
14.FreeBarCodes.com: a great place to create Bookland barcodes for your publications. Free.
15. Linda.com: the best place to learn about publishing software. I spend a great deal of time using this website.
16. MailChimp.com: mailing list management. Free up to a point.
17. EzineArticles.com: Authors can post their articles to a searchable database for newsletter publishers to publish. Free.
18.PRLog.com: is an online press release delivery and distribution service. Free.
19. Creative Commons.org: provides licenses that help the copyright owner to share some rights with others. Free.
20. Gravatar.com: a website used to create your personal avatar that will appear every time you post a comment. Free.
21. CafePress.com: An excellent website to create t-shirts, caps, etc. with graphics and images that you create. Great way to add a little extra income to your book sales.
22.SPAWN.org: Network of small publishers, artists and writers. Great way to connect with your peers. A lot of useful information. Their mission is to provide education, information, resources, and a supportive networking environment for creative individuals and small business owners interested in the publishing process.
23. IBPA-online.org: Independent Book Publishers Association. Great way to connect with your peers. A lot of useful information. IBPA is a trade association of independent publishers. Founded in 1983, it serves book, audio and video publishers located in the United States and around the world.
24.SelfPublishingReview.com: is an online magazine dedicated to self-publishing: book reviews, publisher reviews, interviews, news, opinions and tutorials.
Here are three more you should also check out:
25.PayPal.com: a fast, easy and very popular way to send and receive money.
26.CIPblock.com: librarian and publisher Adrienne Bashista will create the CIP block for her books. Bashista’s goal is to provide quality CIP blocks to the independent publisher at a reasonable price while maintaining a high level of service and quality.
27.Shopify: the biggest, easiest and best way to sell your books through your own online store. No design skills are needed and it can be easily customized.