Can anyone shed some light on how to start your own publishing company?

[P. M. Morris]

Recently, I have heard several authors indicated they have launched their own publishing companies in an effort to compete in the publishing industry.

Anyone have any comments on the pros and cons to taking this route? Are there any websites or referrals you would suggest to research this option? What are the best "How To" guides to get this ball rolling?

I look forward to your thoughts.

Happy Reading!

[H. Court Young]

I started my own publishing company in 2002 with a partner and have loved ever minute of it. While you have to work to promote yourself and your book, it is a fantastic adventure. This really is what John Kremer is all about - and is entrepreneurship at its finest. Often the money is not great and the learning curve is very steep, but It serves to bring out the best in those who try it.

Prepare to work hard, learn much and enjoy an incredible voyage into self discovery. I very much encourage you to start your own publishing company. You still have the option of publishing with a traditional publishing firm if you decide to go that route with some of your books.

I have now gotten into the realm of eBooks and am enjoying it very much.

Sincerely,
H. Court Young
Geologist, author & publisher
Promoting awareness through the written word
http://www.hcourtyoung.com
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[P. M. Morris]

Thanks so much for the information. I sense the excitement in your response and I am ready to take the plunge.

How can I begin to explore this avenue? Is there any literature I can reference as a "How To"guide to get started?

[H. Court Young]

Actually I have two references that you need to start with:

1001 Ways to Market Your Book by John Kremer
Beyond the Bookstore by Brian Jud

These two books will give you a start into the process of writing and marketing a book.

I am just finishing a new eBook entitled "The Art of Writing an eBook". This book will be available in the next two weeks or so. It will be announced in my newsletter ILLUME-Brining timely issues to light. To subscribe go to www.hcourtyoung.com.

Sincerely
H. Court Young
Geologist, author & publisher
Promoting awareness through the written word
http://www.hcourtyoung.com

*subscribe to my free ILLUME newsletter and get
my free How to Prepare for the Coming Energy Crisis 3-part mini-course
mailto:[e-mail]*

[SusieSunshine]

If I have to market and distribute my own book using a traditional publisher, I might as well not pay any middle man and use my own company. I know what I want for me.

I agree with Court Young. It is an exhilarating experience! I started my company, Weaving Dreams Publishing, in March 2006. It was mainly for my own books. However, I am finding that all I have learned is benefiting others. I am either working with them to start their own company or working with them on their own books.

I have been blessed that when I have needed funds for something it has been supplied. And I wear many hats. But it is so rewarding in many ways.

What do you want to get out of starting your own company? How much are you willing to put into it?

[SusieSunshine]

Also Dan Poynter's book, The Self Publishing Manual, is an asset in any one's library.

[Donna Deloney]

There's also a really fantastic book by Mack and Sara Smith called "How to Self-Publish & Market Your Own Book: A Simple Guide for Aspiring Writers". They do a very good job of breaking down the process. They'll also be doing a seminar at the BWRC next year (I think).

[Dwan Abrams]

If you want to start your own publishing company, you need to determine whether you will publish your own books and/or other people's work. Once you determine that you proceed just like you would to establish any other company i.e. business license, company name, etc. In order to be considered a publisher you'll need ISBN's.

As a publisher, there are so many printing options. Will you print your books in-house or outsource. If you have books on hand, you'll need a place to store them. Or you could become a POD. That's cheaper, but you won't have access to a lot of booksellers and libraries.

The best book to read is Dan Poynter's book, The Self Publishing Manual. It will answer your questions. Hope that helps.