To Self-Publish or Not...

[Mavis Jackson Romer]

Hi, my name is Mavis J. Romer...I'm rather new to the publishing field. I'm in the process of writing my first book, and would really love to get feedback on the self-publishing tip(s). I've heard quite a bit on this subject, but not enough for me to feel comfortable in choosing it over any other process to get started. What can be told to me that I should know first and foremost?

[Judi Lake]

Hi Mavis and welcome to this Network! I guess the biggest question to ask yourself is: 'do you want to maintain control over your work' or 'do you want to loose control over your work'. That will determine which route you decide to go. More and more authors are opting for self-publishing for a number of reasons and the biggest is to maintain all rights and control -- As a designer, I have worked on both sides: for big publishing houses and for the individual self-publishing author. I can tell you this, Mavis, in larger publishing houses manuscripts often lie in offices for years sight unseen unless there is a potential for a 'big money maker' and for the lucky few who are chosen to be published, a small percentage (money) of the book is actually given to the author -- Also, authors loose their rights for editorial re-writes, design and 'branding' -- Most importantly, a publisher WILL NOT market your book strongly; the bulk of the 'blood, sweat and tears' marketing is left to the author -- This is something you must do research on, ask questions and absolutely soul search within yourself asking yourself, 'how much are you willing to do' for your 'baby' (your book). I hope this helped a bit and I wish you the very best!

[Sean Toh]

Hi Mavis,

My name is Sean and I'm from Singapore. I have just self-published my first book called the "4 Steps To Financial Freedom".
Here are the answers to some of your questions.

What is Self-Publishing?

Self-publishing is a form of publishing whereby the author undertakes the cost of production of his/her book.

The author engages the services of a publishing consultant, who will oversee the entire publishing process from the editorial stage, design and layout to printing.

You would consider self-publishing if you are:

a writer looking forward to publish your book.

a consultant or trainer who wishes to share your knowledge and expertise with your clients and/or your trainees.

a member of a corporation who wishes to publish a corporate commemorative book or a publication for your employees.

part of an organization that is thinking of producing a publication without knowing how or where to start.

Why Self-Publishing?

Total Control

You have control over your book in terms of creative presentation, profit, selling price, publishing and reprinting rights, as well as distribution.

No Restriction of Rights

You retain the rights to publish your book with other publishers, get your book translated, or even sell your rights to film makers.

No Rejection

Many people have chosen to self-publish their books as a solution to being rejected by publishing houses that are unwilling to publish their material.

Faster Results

Your book will be out within 90 days. Major publishing houses take at least a year or more to read manuscripts, respond and print.

High Profits

Earn 100% of the profits from your book sales, not the standard 8-10% royalty rate that most publishers pay.

Personal Fulfillment

See your work in print and fulfill your dream of becoming a published author.

Self-Promoting Publicity Tool

As a published author, you gain instant visibility when your book is displayed in bookstores, reviewed by the media, or distributed among business associates, staff, students or the general public.

Open Doors to Opportunities

Let the book open up new business opportunities, win new customers and increase your business profits.

Well, I hope all these answers will be useful for you to decide if you would like to self-publish your new book. Thanks and catch up.

[Curt Eiworth]

Hi Mavis,

The most important thing is to find an editor and/or a coach, somebody to give you feedback, to bounce ideas off. You want your manuscript in the best possible shape whether you submit it to an agent or decide to self-publish via Lulu (no up-front fees) or some other publisher.
Whichever you choose you'll have to do your own marketing.
The next most important step is to find a professional to do your cover, and maybe even design the rest of your book if you're not comfortable with doing layout work (whatever you do, don't go the Word route).
Good luck with your book!

[John Kremer]

The major disadvantage to self-publishing is this: Poor bookstore distribution. If you can live with that, the rest of the work in self-publishing can equal or surpass what a big publisher can do -- as long as you are capable or hire others who are capable at editing, proofreading, book design, typesetting, publicity, marketing, etc.

[Nicole Davis]

Everyone has provided some great advice to you. When you are ready to tak the next step in publishing your book, send me a note and I'll try to help in any way I can.

[david b mclaughlin]

Curt/Others,
What is the problem with using Word? What should you use instead?

Thanks in advance!
David McLaughlin
http://www.davidbmclaughlin.com
http://fortyblog.blogspot.com

[Bea Vanni]

First off, know that most books are not picked up by publishers no matter how good they may be. Self-Publishing puts the money directly in your pocket and under your control instead of getting measly bread crumbs from your publisher.
Self-Publishing is a great way for you to get noticed by publishers too. Remember Chicken Soup for the Soul? Yep, self-published. SP is quicker to market as well. If you go through a publisher, you must send out proposal packages to each of them and wait for their responses; then if they accept it, it will be about a year before it is published and on the street. Further, they require you to come with your own marketing plan and list.
Run to B&N or Borders and pick up The Well-Fed Self-Publisher by Peter Bowerman. You'll get familiar with all the pros and cons quickly and easily understand how to do everything. While Peter gives you everything you need to know and then some, there are also more options depending on the book, target audience and how you wish to sell it. Best wishes on your success!

[Sally Gilchrest-Unrau]

Hi Mavis,

I am new to the whole publishing thing as well. I have written a short story that was published in a collection of Breast Cancer stories (Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivor). No real money for me but it was a start to gettng published. I now have a poem being published in Whispers on the Wind to come out in Jan 2010. Again no money for me...but...published once again.
My biggest endeavor is my children's picture book. I submitted it to a publisher who has taken it on. It is a subsidy publisher who will be illustrating it and doing the setup and cover etc. with me. I have to make all the final decisions and be happy with their work which I like. I do not have the skills to do all of that..so went this route. Yes...the whole process is to take a year...but I am not in a hurry at all. I just want to see my story in book form...
I am retired and am not doing this for any kind of income. From what I have learned ... an author has to be prepared to spend money if he/she wants to get published. And if it happens we have to be prepared to put in lots of work in marketing no matter which way you go..
Being retired will make it easy for me to put time into getting my book out...which I plan on doing.
Good luck with your book. I think it is just all very exciting . Let us all know when it is out there.

[Don Atchison]

Mavis,

You asked a question over 2 years ago about self publishing. I am curious as to whether you continued to write your book. If so, what route did you take....self publishing or not.

Donald

[Stacy-Deanne]

Donald that's something to think about because if she did self-publish and no one's heard of her book then that's a big sign right there. The sad truth is a lot of self-published books die in the water, unheard of simply because the author didn't understand the process of real publishing and what it takes to sell books to begin with.

Best Wishes!

[Don Harold]

Hi Mavis. Self-publishing can be very challenging. You are the writer, editor, and marketer at the same time. When you weigh options on self-publishing, make sure to plot out a strategic plan, from writing, publishing, to marketing. Here's a helpful article for you: http://lulublog.com/2009/03/27/advantages-disadvantages-of-self-pub...

Get more interesting tips and articles from www.facebook.com/pages/Book-Marketing-Services-BookWhirlcom/1148523...

[K Patrick McDonald]

Ms. Mavis -

In my small opinion, you can do no better than start by reading everything you can get your hands on by; Peter Bowman, Mark Levine, Dan Poynter, John Kremer. Get a highlighter & notepad and use them liberally.

This tiny investment of cash & time, will not only give you the tools you'll need to make the first decision. It will go a long way toward keeping you on track as you proceed through the process.

No need to re-invent the wheel. Let smart folks who've been there, guide you along.

Best of luck,