For book/ebook authors, publishers, & self-publishers

Self Publishing

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Discussions and recources for all types of self-publishing, from using POD publishing services to doing your own printing and distribution.

Members: 536
Latest Activity: Aug 1, 2023

BEING YOUR OWN PUBLISHER

Yeah, yeah, there's new tech parameters and a paradigm shift and all that.

But the important thing is that there are (and always have been) alternatives to writing something then trying to sell the rights to a publishing company. This group is to explore these areas of self-owned publishing biz.

Some writers have niche books, some have special needs (like texts for their seminars), some are just too entrepreneurial to sell of their own inspirations. And some just want to see something in print.

There is a spectrum these days, from big publishers through the new, small POD publishers, to using publishing services like lulu.com or iuniverse, to printing yourself and selling online, to release of downloadable mp3 "podcasts" or pdf manuals.

If you have expertise, experience, or questions in this area, don't be shy about posting them here. It's a rapidly expanding field and nobody knows everything about it, but lots of us are learning enough to do what we want to do and successfully get it across the counter.

Discussion Forum

LULU.COM Some leading questions 20 Replies

Started by Linton Robinson. Last reply by MAXINE P. SOSO Dec 20, 2009.

Who is your book distributor? 19 Replies

Started by Dana Marie. Last reply by Zhana Apr 19, 2017.

How to get started publishing your books 17 Replies

Started by Linton Robinson. Last reply by Zhana Jan 13, 2018.

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Comment by Chad Fleagle on November 20, 2009 at 9:15am: TOME OF MIDNIGHT (TWO SAMPLE CHAPTERS OF STORY TWO)

Comment by Chad Fleagle on November 19, 2009 at 2:06pm: Sure, I'll just pack up and start walking. I live with my parents. If they move I move, if not I'm stuck where I am. I dropped out of High School myself. Lived in the very same city for 20 years. Takes money to move my friend and a place ready to move into which is even harder to find these days. Everything is so sky high from the recession.

Comment by Stefhen Bryan on November 19, 2009 at 1:22pm: Chad, I am by no means a rocket scientist. In fact, Im a high school drop-out. But from reading your posts, I have concluded that your major problem in trying to get the word out about your book, may be your residence in a 'one horse town.' Me thinks you should consider moving.

Comment by Chad Fleagle on November 19, 2009 at 12:46pm: See I've spoken of this before. I have fliers at my Library, but they were even reluctant to allow me to put them where people check out the books. I live in a one horse town that rarely allows anything unless it will benefit them in some way. Cards are a good idea but if the fliers had them in question imagine business cards. They are just to lazy to pass them out. Called it soliciting for the purpose of selling something that was not for the Library. Told me it's never usually allowed. Been close to three or four weeks and no fliers have been taken.

Comment by K. L. Stewart on November 19, 2009 at 12:21pm: I think (although, I'm not sure if there's a catch or not) that vistaprint.com offers free business cards. If you could make a card advertising you and your book, the library may be willing to pass them out for you. My library is great about letting me pass out flyers, which I make using Microsoft Word, and my Kodak printer. It is one of the cheapest ways to advertise, other than word of mouth.

Comment by Chad Fleagle on November 19, 2009 at 8:37am: Most of these great pieces of advice take transportation in which I do not have. I don't even drive at all and I've no friends that drive. For some these options are easier than for others. We must remember that we are all living in different situations. My Library told me not to do a signing because of past troubles with no one showing up at other signings. I'm going to contribute a copy to them though for the locals to take out and return. Except I will place my email address in the book.

Comment by Michelle Dunn on November 19, 2009 at 2:51am: K.L. Stewart,
This does work, I have done this and you may not get results immediately but you do down the road.
So much good advice here!

Comment by K. L. Stewart on November 18, 2009 at 7:49pm: Here's an idea for anyone that might be interested. Local libraries, schools, and community colleges will often host local author events. You might not make any money from attending, but you will get the opportunity to share your work, and spread the word of you and your writings. I've contacted my local library, and they are considering me for an event in April.

Comment by Chad Fleagle on November 18, 2009 at 4:45pm: It seems you're telling me my attitude stinks in a non-argumentative fashion. I have tried the advice I have been given on here. Can't do it if I don't have the money. If you are all so connected and willing to help determined self-published writers sell books. Why was I not asked?

Comment by Joel Friedlander on November 18, 2009 at 4:31pm: Felice, thanks for such a detailed background post. It's amazing what you can do with what is available. You seem to have found the connection between what you are naturally good at doing, and what there is a market for. That is a sure sign of success. I'll connect with you off-group to see if there are any synergies we can explore. Check out my blog at www.theBookDesigner.com. Over the years I've helped launch many self-publishers and the opportunities now are better than they have ever been!