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 Felice Gerwitz on November 18, 2009 at 3:44pm: I agree with you, Joel. Price is everything. Especially in today's market. I would highly recommend another publishing venue for future publications.

Chad you asked how other authors were doing. I can only speak or myself. My company, that I began in 1994 paid myself back the initial 500.00 personal investment in six months. I had a speaking platform lined up and was Keynote at a conference the same year my first title, "Teaching Science and Having Fun" made it's debut. I would never have published the book except that I had a way to sell and market.

Five years after the first book I began looking at ways to expand my market and one summer read everything John Kremer, and another well known self-publisher put out. I took copious notes and followed much of their advice. (Their books are available at the library for free.)

Now, I have nineteen titles, (three are novels for tweens), and I am actively publishing other authors. I am very picky in the authors I select. My number one ingredient other than a good story is a partnership to sell the book. Authors today need a marketing plan in order to wow a publisher, no matter how large or small.

Two of the three suggestions I sent you were free, my blogtalk radio show, WritingandPublishingRadio.com where I interview guests in the "know" and my blog, http://www.InformationInANutshell.blogspot.com.
Even though I've published for years, I am learning new things daily from those I interview.

Sales are steady even in this slump. And, yes, this is now my full-time job. I am a wife, mother, homeschool my three children, and teach online classes. I teach an e-course for aspiring authors and classes on using social media in business. I think we authors do whatever it takes to keep honing our craft and connect with other, positive, like-minded people... and bringing in money, even if not directly related to our books.

I published a book, Information In A Nutshell: Writing and Publishing and "rebranded" myself as a consultant. Now, I work with business people who want to write because they have a platform.

Use your book as a way to open doors. You can write Hubs or Squidoo Lens (check out both sites these are free). You can write ezine articles. Lots of opportunity out there. Much more than when I began.

If you believe in your book, others will as well. There is no magic bullet or formula. But, as Joel said there is very good advice in this group. Try some of it, first...and then come back with some positive comments!

Comment by Joel Friedlander on November 18, 2009 at 1:55pm: Chad, thanks for the detail. I agree you shouldn't judge by the length but unfortunately, many people do. I find it astonishing that you have to pay retail for your book, and $8.00 "shipping and handling" each is close to criminal, in my opinion. You have my sympathy.

Comment by Chad Fleagle on November 18, 2009 at 1:45pm: If I had it my way Sky Park would only cost $5 and maybe $3 for shipping and handling. One should never judge a books content by how small it may be. I remember when Stephen King started the Green Mile series. Each book was around 100 pages a piece.

Comment by Chad Fleagle on November 18, 2009 at 1:38pm: I didn't decide the end price of the book, and I really don't like iUniverse at all. It was a rookie mistake. They pulled me in with fancy words and talk of big possibilities. Big deal the book is only 86 pages, it is only a novella not a novel. It's still a very good read and size never should matter. Do the math, $12 per book plus $8.00 shipping and handling per book. The advice I'm getting is fair at best. Most of them are still sending me to areas where I'll need to fork out cash for good services. I don't follow steps I follow my heart. If the steps work so well where are they now with their books? How well are they selling? I'm not coming off rude just stating my opinion.

Comment by Joel Friedlander on November 18, 2009 at 1:28pm: Chad, I know you like iUniverse, but it looks to me like you are really behind the 8 ball trying to sell an 86 page book for $12.00. I've bought thousands of books in my life, but never one that short. And I really don't understand how 10 books shipped to you cost $200.
By the way, you are getting some really effective advice about marketing, the links are well worth following. Good luck.

Comment by Chad Fleagle on November 18, 2009 at 10:57am

Comment by Michelle Dunn on November 18, 2009 at 8:52am: HI chad,
That is part of my marketing plan as well! What I mean by a marketing plan is to actually write down specific steps you can take (that can be free!) and try to do at least one thing each day to promote your book. I know that I get very frustrated marketing my book, this is because I don't have any extra money, cannot spend any money on advertising and have to take advantage of the free ways to market and promote myself and my book. I make a list of things I can do when I have the time, for an example I will share a short list I use that really helps me to do things to market my book - keep in mind that results can take many months or even years but you have to keep at it.
My short marketing list:
- Focus on targeting best seller lists and bulk book sales
- Initiate email campaigns
- Maintain a blog and offer to guest post on other relevant blogs
- write and send out press releases
- Write articles and send to local newspapers
-Social media networking
-Calling radio stations to ask about interviews

I hope this helps.

Comment by Felice Gerwitz on November 18, 2009 at 8:18am: My blog contains 10-Things that every author should do before writing the first word. http://www.InformationInANutshell.blogspot.com

I feel your pain, Chad. I work with many authors and find that while the books are of merit getting the word out can be frustrating. Here are some suggestions:

I took a look at your book on iuniverse. The sample copy of your book on the website, needs some indents, or spaces between paragraphs. It is hard to read. That will really help. I'd also make it shorter and leave it at a "cliff hanger"... leave the reader wanting more.

You need a few (even if from relatives with different last names!) recommendations for your book. Put that in your overview section.

As far as the book goes, and getting interviews, you may want to check out Blog Talk radio or Talk Shoe. These are podcasts online and hosts are always looking for authors to interview. Look for podcasts of host in your book genre. I'm not sure if it is para-normal or what your genre is. There is a wide variety of shows out there. Listen it, its free. You can learn much from groups and forums such as these.

You can also join people in the chat room and let others know (when appropriate) about your book. Be careful of this, and make friends first and leave good comments before you begin selling.

If you believe in your book, you are your biggest advocate. Even if you can't send a hard copy out for reviews, you can send ebooks right? Keep plugging away and don't be discouraged!

A cheap way to advertise your book is to buy 1000 business cards, or postcards from Vista Print. They sell for around 30.00. You would put a book cover, short blurb, and website where the book can be purchased. Leave it everywhere, public library, slip into envelopes when you pay a bill, etc. I used this technique for an author I am publishing and the results were astounding.

Comment by Chad Fleagle on November 18, 2009 at 8:04am: That's all we can do most of the time. You at least have work. I cannot work for reasons I shall not discuss here. I can escape only through my dreams.

Comment by Tory Lynn on November 18, 2009 at 8:01am: Most people here just want to help. I think if we all sat around a table together to see each others facial expressions and hear the tones in our voices the interpretations would be much different.

Most of us work a day job to pay for our writing, I do. Just continue doing what you can do. The only thing I know is, that it is an ongoing process. I personally take one day at a time and learn and take in as much as I can, so hopefully one day I can put it to use in the best possible way.

Good luck.