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Topic: Self Publishing suggestion?
| Author | Message |
| Mr Media | Posted – 11/26/2007 12:39:02 AM | show profile I think there should be a section on the website about self publishing. I am really frustrated trying to find a publisher. And the more I think about it I am thinking about self publishing. However, I have also read that there is a stigma against self publishing. For one thing its hard for self published books to get into stores. I also most people do not buy self published books online. So I wonder has anyone here self published a book before? And was your book a success? |
| Village Gal | Posted – 11/26/2007 10:04:57 AM | show profile There is so much information already out there about self-publishing. As for stigma, most places will not review self published books, so that is a big problem. I would not recommend this for a novel or memoir. It is hard enough to get publicity for those genres when you publish with a reputable house, never mind if you self publish. And as you noted, distribution is a problem. I think self-publishing could be a viable option if you had a self-help or advice book with a built in audience. |
| writesonwater | Posted – 11/26/2007 11:47:35 AM | show profile | email poster I'd suggest you read some books on it to get enough information to make a decision. There's self-publishing and then there's self-publishing. Just chunking a book out there on authorhouse or publishamerica isn't going to do it. On the review front, I've heard but not had it confirmed that there's lots of pubs that won't review a trade paperback period -- has to be hardcover. Which is something to look at. One of the old things against self-publishing was that writers wanted a publisher to push their book for them, give them a promotion budget and help etc. These days from what I hear self-promotion is a must either way. Some good ones lately by the Well-Fed guy, by Dan Poyntor, Tom and Marilyn Ross, Peter Bowerman and a host of other authors. There's even a Dummies guide -- look for something done in the last couple years for technology purposes. Everything I've heard suggests it's way easier to self- publish non-fiction (how-to etc.) With self-publishing there are a couple ways to get into stores -- see above books. However, the biggest stigma I've seen is a legit one -- most people aren't equipped or willing to hack at their book, to put it indelicately. They don't edit critically, they fall in love with things that need to go. They refuse to judge their book by its cover, have it professionally designed or edited (or do so themselves). They try to cut dumb corners, like making the print tiny instead of cutting or going up pages as needed. A self-publisher who refuses to adhere to professional standards has a fool for a publisher. The more of those skills you have yourself -- strong editing, design, publicity, promotion -- I should think the stronger your chances are. |
| writesonwater | Posted – 11/26/2007 11:52:33 AM | show profile While this site skews strongly in favor of freelance writing, there are book writing questions that come up all the time and people are helpful. However, if you're interested in self-publishing, I think it's like any other topic -- to get enough information to go on, get into the books. I've bought or read dozens, if not hundreds, of books and taken in maybe 7 workshops on all aspects of my craft over the past three years. I tell myself I'm putting myself through my own MFA in writing. |
| Mr Media | Posted – 11/26/2007 2:59:22 PM | show profile Hello thanks for your responses I guess I will continue to research my on self publishing. I have heard about iuniverse, authorhouse, and those other places. I didn't know that some places will only review hardcover books I learn something new today. |
| flight risk | Posted – 11/26/2007 3:43:56 PM | show profile Production is easy. All of the print on demand companies make it easy and cheap to self-publish. They'll even supposedly provide distribution channels and advertising options. But what it comes down to is self-promotion. Even published writers have to do a fair measure of self-promotion. Be prepared to spend a lot of time and money on advertising. I have a friend that did it and he ended up spending tens of thousands of dollars. Of course, he was an academic and a specialist in his field so had a niche of buyers he could sell to at lectures. |
| westsidestory | Posted – 11/26/2007 4:36:17 PM | show profile The biggest mistake people make in self publishing is this: they create the book product, then try to figure out how to market it. Instead, think of where the audience is for this book, and work back from there. Do they buy on Amazon? At bookstores? At specialty outlets? Having your marketing lined up ahead of time is critical if you want to make a dime and/or an impact with your title. Yeah, I know, it's not glamorous or interesting to most writers but without a marketing plan any book - from an independent or a large conglomerate - sinks like a stone. As the previous poster said, producing a printed book independently is the easy part. |
| Mr Media | Posted – 11/26/2007 6:08:54 PM | show profile This is amazing advice your comment makes a lot of sense about thinking in advance about "how" to market the book. You are right this is critical. Its all about distribution how to get the book to the right demographic. I think this is the key .I think my book can reach a few demographics. I already had one book published a few years ago by a small press and I definitely did all the marketing for that book. I did contact editors, newspapers, ect. about potentially reviewing my book. I think I am going to go the public library and look up for some more info on marketing techniques and information. Of course, I would prefer a traditional publisher but I think if I have to self publish my non fiction book then I will. |
| helen | Posted – 11/27/2007 6:05:28 PM | show profile | email poster Self-publishing suggestion Mr. Media - not doing a commercial here, but I have a new book out that pretty much answers all the questions raised here about self-publishing. You can learn more at www.releaseyourwriting.com. You might also check the user reviews at amazon.com if you want more feedback. The title is Release Your Writing: Book Publishing Your Way. I think you'll learn a lot. MB member - Helen Gallagher |
| Metro Writer | Posted – 11/28/2007 9:41:54 AM | show profile Keep checking www.ctpressclub.com. On February 7, there will be a panel discussion by people who have self-published books. The information isn't up yet, but keep checking it out and read the blog. |
| chopchop | Posted – 11/28/2007 2:10:25 PM | show profile from what I have heard... if you really want to publish your first book and self-publishing is your only option, and you have the money, then it may be worth looking into. take a look at frpbooks.com they will not only publish, but market, warehouse, and distribute your work. additionally amazon.com will sell your book, worldwide. reputable publishers have been known to pick-up self-published works and re-publish them. |
| Mr Media | Posted – 12/15/2007 12:38:25 AM | show profile Actually I had one book published via the traditional route it was by a small press. I am just so frustrated right now. I wonder should I self publish? Is this the way to go? I am tired of waiting for a publisher?My first book published was a collection of poetry by a small publisher in my country. The problem is getting the second book published? Its been over two years and I am trying hard to find a second publisher to publish my poetry? I have sent my work to literary journals to improve my reputation and all that. I also have been in anthologies this year as well. I'm just really frustrated. If anybody knows of a publishing house that does publish poetry let me know? I'm definitely going back to the public library and researching via the internet. |
| Letterbox | Posted – 12/15/2007 2:12:28 AM | show profile You should pick yourself up a copy of Dustbooks' Directory of Poetry Publishers. That's a pretty complete source of small press publishers. You can also try the Writers Market. Poetry is a really tough market and a shrinking one. |
| writesonwater | Posted – 12/15/2007 2:35:35 AM | show profile I have a friend who self-published a book of poetry. However, he does not want to do the marketing and research and travel involved to market it -- and pitching poetry can be a daunting task at best. It's definitely not a money-making proposition, but he will probably break even. However, there's no cross=promotion going on. He's not using it to further a writing career or vice versa. I think it just felt better to him to get it printed. But be forewarned: the company that printed it did like zero editing or anything, and he didn't want to make the effort/spend the money to have it privately done, and he didn't have those tools in his toolbox. Friends may be reluctant editors and say what you want to hear ... So the product is less than it could be. |
| ns | Posted – 12/15/2007 8:52:07 AM | show profile | email poster On self-publishing Do research and also research regular publishers, I decided to publish myself [http://www.InfinityPublishing.com] for the simple reason that big publishers can just stop making your book available, which is bad when your book might take a few years to grow. Some number one NYT bestsellers took the slow route. Most books don't sell millions anyway. I believe 10,000 copies in sci-fi is still considered a success. You can publish and distribute a perfect bound or hardbound pod yourself through such as Infinity and Ingrams' http://www.LightningSource.com Readers buying your book, provided you've given it a great, professional looking cover, and professional proof and layout inside won't know or care if the huge companies didn't put your book together. They want the info or the story in your words and style. Yes, you will have to market it and get the website foot traffic, but you'll know your book is available at Amazon and other online stores, or by order at your nearby walk-in store. Once you've set up your company you're a small publisher, who publishes your own works. You can even publisher another's. This is America we pump our own gas, hook up our own computers, and shouldn't be ashamed to say, "I am a self-publisher." Or just say "new publisher" and that you haven't found any other clients you like yet, because you've been too busy, or have "special tastes." ;) Just like the "big" boys and girls. --Neale Sourna http://www.Neale-Sourna.com |
| ns | Posted – 12/15/2007 8:52:40 AM | show profile | email poster On self-publishing Do research and also research regular publishers, I decided to publish myself [http://www.InfinityPublishing.com] for the simple reason that big publishers can just stop making your book available, which is bad when your book might take a few years to grow. Some number one NYT bestsellers took the slow route. Most books don't sell millions anyway. I believe 10,000 copies in sci-fi is still considered a success. You can publish and distribute a perfect bound or hardbound pod yourself through such as Infinity and Ingrams' http://www.LightningSource.com Readers buying your book, provided you've given it a great, professional looking cover, and professional proof and layout inside won't know or care if the huge companies didn't put your book together. They want the info or the story in your words and style. Yes, you will have to market it and get the website foot traffic, but you'll know your book is available at Amazon and other online stores, or by order at your nearby walk-in store. Once you've set up your company you're a small publisher, who publishes your own works. You can even publisher another's. This is America we pump our own gas, hook up our own computers, and shouldn't be ashamed to say, "I am a self-publisher." Or just say "new publisher" and that you haven't found any other clients you like yet, because you've been too busy, or have "special tastes." ;) Just like the "big" boys and girls. --Neale Sourna http://www.Neale-Sourna.com |
| Village Gal | Posted – 12/15/2007 11:45:33 AM | show profile you should have told us this book was poerty Mr.Media, You should have told us from the beginning that this was a book of poetry. That changes everything. unfortunately, there is no audience for poetry books, unless you are famous like Billy Collins or Harvey Shapiro. Publishers care about sales numbers. I agree with looking through that Dustbook Directory of Small Presses. It is very hard to sell a book of poetry, so maybe in your case self publishing is the way to go. |
| Village Gal | Posted – 12/15/2007 11:48:22 AM | show profile oops.. a typo. I meant to type poetry in the heading |
| Metro Writer | Posted – 1/2/2008 10:27:23 PM | show profile This month, former Indiana Congressman John Hostettler will self-publishing Nothing for the Nation: Who Got What Out of Iraq. It is mindboggling because he's a Washington insider, a maverick, and the author of a timely book on a very controversial subject. By conventional wisdom, this book should have started a bidding war between top publishers and Hostettler should have been offered a "significant deal." |
| Mr Media | Posted – 1/3/2008 7:15:15 PM | show profile You are right I should of said from the start I wanted to have another poetry volume published. I am still sending my work out to literary journals I am holding off self publishing right now. In the poetry world if you self publish you are looked down on my the poetry society and editors. |
| writesonwater | Posted – 1/3/2008 8:51:33 PM | show profile That's interesting, MetroWriter -- what are the implications of his self-publishing? |
| Metro Writer | Posted – 1/6/2008 10:46:55 PM | show profile Re: Why John Hostettler decided to self-publish? I don't know. Maybe it was a matter of control. The topic is very controversia and I'm curious if he exposes anyone at the top. Some of us feel that the Bush Administration is extremely corrupt (think: Cheney, Halliburton, no-bid contracts), and if he really blows the lid off it, it could make the Monica and Watergate scandals look like amateur hour. More info on the Connecticut Press Club program. There will be four self-published authors (CJ Golden, Stacy Maxwell, Robert Crooke, and Michele Turk) discuss different aspects of self-publishing including marketing and distribution. Google these authors. It's mindboggling that Turk's book on the history of the American Red Cross wasn't picked up by mainstream publishers. She said that the big houses wanted a guarantee of how many copies each Red Cross chapter would buy. As if the rest of the country wasn't interested in reading about this visible organization, with or without its scandals! Keep checking www.ctpressclub.com. |
| rhino writer | Posted – 1/7/2008 11:46:32 AM | show profile Try picking up a copy of Poets and Writers magazine if you haven't already. I think they're online, too. They have a lot of contest listings, which seems the main way to get a first book published, or a second if your first one was in another country. Go to poetry conferences and meet people. Get other poets interested in your work -- go to poetry readings and open mics and read your stuff. If you want a chapbook that you can sell at readings, then go ahead and self-publish. That's not looked down on. But winning a publishing contest (note: This is only for poetry!) or getting your poems in well-known journals and establishing a name for yourself are the other options. Good luck! |
| writesonwater | Posted – 1/7/2008 8:04:41 PM | show profile Metro, that sounds like a fantastic program for Connecticut Press Club. Who can join, and can non-members come -- and how close is it to NYC etc.? That's really telling that a mainstream publisher wouldn't pick up that book on the Red Cross without a specific number. I have a friend who is editorial something or other for a company that does a line of coffee-table books and they look for specific numbers like that, but I wouldn't expect that of a mainstream pub. |
| Metro Writer | Posted – 1/8/2008 9:06:05 PM | show profile The Connecticut Press Club welcomes anyone who writes in any genre. The dinner meetings are usually at The Norwalk Inn, which is down the street from the Norwalk train station. Norwalk is about one hour from NYC. That said, if anyone offers a good program anywhere, it's worth the effort to get there. The fact is that people fly in from all over to any of the six sites that The Poynter Institute's National Writers Workshops take place each April. (www.poynter.org/nww) Back to self-publishing - I read that What to Expect When You're Expecting was initially self-published. Imagine that any editor didn't think there was a market for such a book! Something like 12 million copies of that book have been printed. It makes the ET/M&Ms goof look trivial in comparison. |
