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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.

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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

Two very important events for writers of ebooks, web fiction, podcasts, other eMedia 2 Replies

Started by Linton Robinson. Last reply by Linton Robinson Nov 9.

Query/Christian author. Good results expected.

Started by Eliza Earsman Oct 21.

LULU.COM Some leading questions 16 Replies

Started by Linton Robinson. Last reply by Gabrielle Oct 21.

Comment Wall (222 comments)

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222 Comments

Comment by James and Terry Hamilton 1 day ago: Biblioscribe writes:"Unless you are Sarah Palin and make it to the top of the New York Times Bestleller List before your book hits the streets, you have to look at ways to become established at some level to at least gain a leg up on promoting your book"
Do not forget Joel Osteen and his foolish Non biblical Mush got an advance of $13 Mil. If the Children ever study with the real Rabbis they would never spend a dime on that superficial junk IMO

Comment by BiblioScribe 1 day ago: Will "preloading" on the social networks pay off?

Unless you are Sarah Palin and make it to the top of the New York Times Bestleller List before your book hits the streets, you have to look at ways to become established at some level to at least gain a leg up on promoting your book.

If you are lucky enough to have a literary agent or traditional publisher working on your behalf to ensure you get noticed, then your talents as a writer have already been proven to someone in the traditional book publishing community, and the impedus is on them to take care of promotion. But what if you are like me and working on your first book?

As my book, 'Wealth Virtues' is not due out until early 2010, I started in the Spring of 2009 of establishing myself more prominantly within the social networking community, specifically under the title of the book. For example, my twitter address is http://twitter.com/WealthVirtues. I have started a discussion group on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45900532926, and began a Ning discussion group (similar to this one) at http://wealthvirtues.ning.com. I do not expect much traffic on the latter two, but I have been building a followership on the Twitter account. And finally, have just designed and launched a website with blog at http://wealthvirtues.com.

The big question is, will all of these systems actually help? Yes I plan to do some "live" marketing after the book is published, but I am cureious to know if the veteran authors here have had successes doing the same things. In essence, has a lot of your pre-marketing paid off?

I will actually be able to measure this myself after book publication and availability. I believe the content is good, useful, readable, and understandable - but will it be acceptable for a mass market? These, I am sure, are questions every author (especially new authors) ask.

I will report back on my findings and hopefully pass on some success stories. Any hints or suggestions you may have on the sites listed above would be appreciated.

Jim Ward
Poor Richard Web Press
www.PRWP.com
www.WealthVirtues.com

Comment by Deborah McCarragher on November 12, 2009 at 6:54pm: Come see me on "Author Spotlight" at Author & Book Event Center - regarding my book Mission Possible - http://www.bookeventcenter.ning.com

Comment by Dalian Artanian on November 12, 2009 at 12:04pm: Fawcetta: Voices and Echoes of the Coliseum volume I is released from AuthorHouse. It is available through Amazon, Barns and Noble, Borders and many online retailers!!

It is available in Hardcover and paperback.

Please check it out!!

Synopsis:They say dreams are for those who feel the need to be a part of something bigger. They say fantasies exist in the minds of those who are free spirited. They say illusion is what every man carries through his life until death opens his eyes. Everyone feels the need to get away from their own lives where predictability and monotony threaten to crush their spirits. They long to escape to a place where life keeps them on their toes and the risk of losing everything is always just around the corner. This story, which has been buried and forgotten in the waters and sands of time, has no boundaries, no safe havens. Fawcetta is a world of mystery, drama, deceit, romance, and is filled with action and adventure. The emperor of Fawcetta struggles to hold not only his empire together, but also his family. No one suspects they are being purposefully manipulated and deceived by one power-hungry man. Anger divides children from parents, loss and betrayal spurring vengeance and hatred. The fat of the once peaceful paradise is placed in the hands of a young Guardian named Kaina. She must find a way to find her soul-mate in order to open the one gate that will save their beloved planet from falling into total darkness. Othewise, Fawcetta's days are numbered.

Comment by Carline Férailleur-Dumoulin on November 9, 2009 at 7:40pm: Congratulations Vicki! Love the cover.

Comment by Cleous Young on November 9, 2009 at 12:47pm: Feel free to check out my website with a new format of self publishing books at http://www.themountainofmiracles.com. Its a new line of books for the children of our future... God Bless

Sincerely;
Cleous Young

Comment by Eliza Earsman on November 8, 2009 at 12:01pm: Thank you Saundra,

http://abookinside.blogspot.com (Author Spotlight = scroll down left hand side) is actually the blogspot of the very capable and professional CAROL DENBOW. Join her list/send her a note - she is very able!

My site is www.elizaearsman.com

Have a great day.

Eliza.

Comment by Michelle Dunn on November 8, 2009 at 3:27am: Congratulations Vicki.

Comment by Vicki Hopkins on November 8, 2009 at 12:16am: I'm happy to report that on Monday, November 9, Xlibris will release my second book - The Price of Innocence. Below is my summary.

The Price of Innocence is Vicki Hopkins' debut fiction novel, penned to tug at the hearts of many. Insightful, but delicately written, the author draws a picture of life, but allows the reader to paint the canvas of intimacies in their own imagination.

It is the tender story of Suzette Camille Rousseau, a young woman in late 19th century Paris, who makes a difficult journey from innocence to maturity. After losing a sheltered life with her father, Suzette is thrown into the harsh reality of poverty, struggling as a homeless woman on the streets of Paris. In order to survive, she faces difficult choices that offer little hope of redemption.

Her journey takes her from the charities of St. Vincent de Paul, to a local laundry house where she toils endlessly in filth and squalor. To her surprise, one of her customers is the Chabanais, the most famous brothel in France that only caters to aristocrats.

Like a fly drawn to a spider's web, the mistress of the brothel entices Suzette into a world of opulence, comfort, and beauty, but there is a price to pay—her innocence.

Succumbing to a life of prostitution, she meets a handsome English Lord who saves her from the unthinkable. When he spirits her off to another country, her past follows. A man, who refuses to forget his promise, relentlessly pursues Suzette intent on regaining her heart. He only wishes for one thing—to give her love and a life of respectability.

The author transports its readers back to another time and place, weaving facts of 19th century life throughout the story. After careful research into the existence of charity houses, washhouses, and brothels, the results make the story rich and alive. It includes laws and practices of legalized prostitution in France, as well as historical facts and information regarding the most famous brothel of its time.

In conclusion, The Price of Innocence is a stunning tale of two men, one woman, and the symbol of a flower that promises happiness. Penning heartfelt emotional journeys is Vicki’s forte, and her first historical fiction novel is sure to please its readers.

Comment by Saundra Goodman on November 6, 2009 at 6:05pm: Nice Blogger site, Eliza. I love the idea of having a % of book sales go to a favorite charity. WHich format did you use on BLogger?

Saundra
www.gotteethguide.com