For book/ebook authors, publishers, & self-publishers
Self Publishing
Information
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.
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.
Comment Wall
Comment
-
Comment by Chad Fleagle on November 18, 2009 at 7:45am
-
I understand. Yet other posts have made it sound like I'm not doing enough footwork to promote my book. I'm doing the best I can with what I have and can afford.
-
Comment by Tory Lynn on November 18, 2009 at 7:41am
-
I don't think anyone assumes anything like that Chad. These are just "suggestions" from people who are trying to do the same thing you are. Take it or leave it.
-
-
Why does everyone assume I haven't tried or done these exact things? I'm not as young as I look or naive. I cannot afford to buy extra books for a signing. It costs me over $200 for ten books with iUniverse. I have made fliers and have them at my library, but no one is taking them. I have even discussed a book signing there the head of the library told me it'd be a waste of time. Each signing they have ever had no one ever turned up for. Only friends and family which I unfortunately have none. Most of my relatives and family have passed on. I only have my parents that I live with and I also don't drive a car.
I know the internet is powerful enough to get me where I want to go in writing. It's obvious. Because it's putting my local newspaper out of business, putting many newspapers out of business. The internet is the new newspaper. I can give my library a copy. But what does that solve in a situation where I'm trying to make the money back I spent? If they read it at the library they won't need or care to buy it then.
Such is why I created and posted my widget with ten pages free to read. Hoping readers might read it and be interested in buying a copy. Seriously, the book is only 86 pages long but a great read. I have the widget posted in most major online locations and an Amazon Author Central site about myself and the book.
-
-
Chad, I was able to get my local paper to review my book only after I was able to get a book store to hold a book signing for me. If you can afford to get some books, since you self published I'd really recommend it. I too am on a tight budget. I pass out business cards constantly, make fliers about my book and short stories, and am constantly trying to promote. It is important to get family and friends to help when they can. Get involved with writers groups and budget yourself to go to a few writers conferences. If you can do a discussion in front of groups of people at the library, or other writers groups it helps. Just remember that you are an unknown and it is going to take a lot of time, possibly years, unless you get lucky just to get your name out. As everyone knows this is a very competitive business.
I've put books on consignment with my book store and have donated to the local library's. There are many things you can do, but it is up to the author to do the majority of the foot work, even traditional publishers are expecting the author to get out and promote.
I wish you the best of success with your book.
Sincerely,
Vickie
-
Comment by Linda S. Prather on November 18, 2009 at 7:07am
-
Has anyone had a Kirkus Discoveries Review? They seem to be one of the God's of reviewers as far as many places are concerned and of course if you're self-published you can only get to them through the Discoveries section.
-
-
You want to know what my marketing plan is, Michelle. Sell books! It's really as simple as that. I'm a smart guy but not a promoter or marketing guru. I know where I want it to go but most of you keep telling me things that cost lots of cash. I'm on SSI and don't have a budget. It was a risk just getting Sky Park published myself and it took a huge chunk of my monthly check too. To even think I could afford more services is crazy. I do thank you guys for trying to help me out. Unless it's free or damn near close to it I'll remain an unknown author with a dust covered book. Tried all I could locally to no avail. I don't live in a big booming town or city here.
-
Comment by Michelle Dunn on November 18, 2009 at 6:00am
-
If you haven't written a marketing plan, you need to do that immediately! I would also check out books and newsletters from Dan Poynter, John Kremer and you can check out my 'Mosquito Marketing" blog for tips on free and low cost promotion - http://michelledunn.com/mmblog/
-
Comment by BiblioScribe on November 17, 2009 at 7:51pm
-
Chad - just see http://www.biblioscribe.com/writing-great-press-releases-for-your-b.... or simply submit an article that relates to your book, any book, book marketing, etc.
-
-
Sounds great my friend but how in the world do I start? I don't have a Press release.
-
-
Chad - Feel free (and I do meen FREE) to use www.BiblioScribe.com to help promote your book.
Book Marketing Bestsellers
About
Recommended Website
Music
© 2024 Created by John Kremer.
Powered by
You need to be a member of Self Publishing to add comments!