The following is a brief interview with jaebi, an author who put intense thought into his name for about 10-15 minutes. Since then he’s barely given it another thought, so for the foreseeable future, jaebi will stand for “just another existential brief incarnation.”

1. How did you come to self-publish? Did you try to get published
traditionally?

I had a ton of time to write my book. Over the pace of a few years, you begin to learn more and more about this corporatized world you guess you will eventually be submitting your awesomely formatted manuscript to–the publishing community. As I slowly gathered information and people that could help me squeeze into a traditional publisher, I was also submitting to short fiction markets. After several polite let-downs, I realized I was going to be spending a lot of time submitting.

Meanwhile, 100’s of folks were already reading my stuff on facebook, twitter and other reader communities and all of a sudden I felt idiotic for trying to bottleneck my content through a gateway when I could distribute it to a much wider audience.

When I realized how much I was going to save on postage, I was sold on self-publishing.

2. What self-publishing service did you use? Happy with the service?

I’ve recently set my company, Imagenat Entertainment, up with a distribution account on Lightningsource.com. I’m planning to do a complete overview others can use as a guide when navigating the realm of publishing options. This kind of support for authors will also be a key service of Imagenat. So far, LS is a bit pricey, but I feel like I’m getting my money’s worth.

3. What avenues have you taken to market the book? Have you gotten
reviews, interviews, TV, print media coverage?

Imagenat has set up an awesome marketing plan for The Guardians (is this the first time I mentioned my book-seeking immediate communications help!). The plan involves engaging potential readers in the themes of my novel to create a personal connection to the world of The Guardians.

The Guardians marketing strategy uses some awesome elements to tie these themes into a cohesive appeal online, across the social spectrum, at trade fairs and festivals an guerilla tactics in my hometown. With all that’s happening, more media coverage is destined to follow.

4. What drove you to write this particular book?

A dream,  Al Gore, the NRA and Japan.

5. Is the book in any one particular genre? Is it a genre that’s familiar
to you?

Science Fiction. Definitely scifi.

6. Who are your greatest writing influences?

The worldbuilders and mind benders. Writers like Aldous Huxley and whoever was authoring those ‘Finish Your Own Adventure’ stories back in the late 80’s. Those were awesome. They’re actually like writer training wheels.

7. What’s your writing regimen? Any tips for keeping focused?

Be consistent. Write four times as much as you think you need to. If that seems like too much, you should probably be doing something else with your aspirations.

8. Would you self-publish again?

Two things are coming in 2010 from Imagenat Entertainment. A compilation of short stories and a Productivity book that should fit nicely in the self-improvement arena.

9. Any final words of advice for those looking to self-publish?

The best way to get something done is to figure out what you don’t know first and then find people to do those things for you or teach you how to do it yourself. Seek help.

This will be the key service of Imagenat, starting very soon. For more information on self publishing services my company will offer, email info[at]imagenat.co

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