Self Publishing

Over the past few months I have tried to absorb so much information about publishing I think my head is about to burst! As for most subjects, Google returns thousands, if not millions, of hits for just about any keyword relating to publishing. There are also many books on the subject, the best of which I have found, is Day Poynter’s Self Publishing Manual, 16th edition. Having writing and self-published over 120 books, Dan seems to know what he is talking about. If you are considering self publishing, go no further until you have written Dan’s book.

Book publishing seems to fall into these realms:

1. Traditionally books have been published by major companies who contract with a writer, handle the cover and book design, do the editing, have the book printed, and get it into distribution. In return, the author is paid a royalty on sales. Publishers are looking to sell substantial volumes, so if a book doesn’t sell more than 5000 copies within the first year, it will probably be dropped.

2. Vanity press is the route many people take when they just want to get in print to impress family and friends. They contract with a vanity press which will handle design and production and print a limited number of copies for a fee.

3. Print on Demand presses are a step above vanity presses in that they will print a few or many copies and claim some distribution capabilities. An up-fron fee, along with marketing and other fees are paid during the process.

4. Self-publishing is the process where an author actually controls and contracts for all aspects of the publication process from acquiring an ISBN number (the number and bar code on the back cover), to editing, to cover design, to book design, to printing, to distribution. Self-publishing is actually a good option for an obscure author who is up to doing all the work of a publisher, wants to be in control, and get the book to market early. Self-publishing is the route I decided to take in publishing my new book, The Successful Home Business Guide.

No matter what route is taken, it is really up to the author to promote the book. While writing a book can be tedious and time consuming, the real work begins in marketing and promotion.

Will Limkemann
will@limkemann.net