The network for book authors and 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: 337
Latest Activity: 1 day ago

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

My Very First Magic Wall..Was This.. (Which Got Me This And That!) 3 Replies

Started by Susan James. Last reply by Rose Ippolito Jan 1.

When Kissing Refrigerators Replaces Printed Books (How The Publishing Industry is Looking In The Wrong Direction for Solutions to Revenue and an Authors Worth.)

Started by Susan James Dec. 28, 2009.

LULU.COM Some leading questions 21 Replies

Started by Linton Robinson. Last reply by MAXINE Dec. 21, 2009.

Comment Wall

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Comment by Tory Lynn on November 18, 2009 at 7:24am: 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.

Comment by Chad Fleagle on November 18, 2009 at 7:03am: 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-book.php. or simply submit an article that relates to your book, any book, book marketing, etc.

Comment by Chad Fleagle on November 17, 2009 at 6:55pm: Sounds great my friend but how in the world do I start? I don't have a Press release.

Comment by BiblioScribe on November 17, 2009 at 6:34pm: Chad - Feel free (and I do meen FREE) to use www.BiblioScribe.com to help promote your book.

Comment by Chad Fleagle on November 17, 2009 at 4:37pm: I see no reason why people wouldn't take iUniverse seriously. My book is very well made and highly professional in every way. I've done just about everything I can in my local area. My newspaper won't do a story on it, I tried believe me. Cannot afford enough books for a signing. I even had my Library pass out color fliers with the cover on the page with my email address. Books in Sync sounds good but I'm on a very tight budget.

Comment by Linton Robinson on November 17, 2009 at 4:23pm: Part of your problem is being with iUniverse, I'd say Chad. People don't take it very seriously.
But now that you're there, you have to do some aggressive promotion to draw attention to it.
Carol and AF have some good tips, but you want to think past the internet. Starting, perhaps, with your local area. Has your neighborhood newspaper noted this? Your company newsletter or alumni magazine?Have you done a talk at the library or a signing?
Do you always walk around iwith a copy of your book visible? Do you circulate cards or bookmarks?
The time to spend money on stranger pushing your book is after you have exhausted all the ways you can do so yourself.

Comment by Carline Férailleur-Dumoulin on November 17, 2009 at 4:04pm: Hello Chad,
I fully understand where you're coming from. I also see that some great ideas on book promotion have been suggested here. I would like to add one place to visit. Have you heard of Books In Sync. Check them out at www.booksinsync.com. As a member, you will be able to have access to great services such as book reviews and book trailers for a very reasonable price. The membership fee is also reasonable. Good luck to you!