With the support of people who don't understand that I'm terrified of doing something well, I am going to be exploring the world of self-publishing this year. This lens will grow as I learn and experience the process.
Some of the PoD publishers on the web
- Blurb
- A relatively new template-based self-publisher
- Booklocker
- So many mixed feelings on this one. Their people will go to the mats for their authors, but you have to get past their rigorous screening process. Their zine is pretty good, but sometimes I feel like it's trying to push Booklocker a little too hard.
- CafePress
- Among other things, you can publish books and CDs through this service.
- iUniverse
- You've probably seen their flyers in the reference section of your local Barnes & Noble.
- Lulu
- This is currently my leading candidate for my own self-publishing experience. They're affordable, fairly easy to use, and come recommended by an acquaintance!
- Xlibris
- I haven't heard terribly much about them yet, even though they're one of the first companies that landed on my list of potential publishers.
Some thoughts on self-publishing
If you're looking to self-publish your thoughts, it's good to remember a few things.
1. Don't lose your entire life to revising and editing. Make sure your book conveys the information you want it to convey, get rid of the technical errors, and let it go.
2. If you don't have the means to hire a freelance editor, at least have a trusted friend read over your manuscript for you. You've spent so much time on your words that you know what you expect them to say. Consequently, you may miss huge glaring errors because your brain is seeing what you expect to see instead of what is there. A fresh pair of eyes can find these errors for you.
3. If no trusted friend is available, then read it out lod to yourself. The trick here is to read exactly what is on the paper, punctuation and all. If you find something worded funny, stop right then and reword it. If you find pauses forced on you in odd places, remove the offending punctuation. If you find yourself out of breath, add the appropriate punctuation.
1. Don't lose your entire life to revising and editing. Make sure your book conveys the information you want it to convey, get rid of the technical errors, and let it go.
2. If you don't have the means to hire a freelance editor, at least have a trusted friend read over your manuscript for you. You've spent so much time on your words that you know what you expect them to say. Consequently, you may miss huge glaring errors because your brain is seeing what you expect to see instead of what is there. A fresh pair of eyes can find these errors for you.
3. If no trusted friend is available, then read it out lod to yourself. The trick here is to read exactly what is on the paper, punctuation and all. If you find something worded funny, stop right then and reword it. If you find pauses forced on you in odd places, remove the offending punctuation. If you find yourself out of breath, add the appropriate punctuation.
Great Stuff on Amazon
Dan Poynter's Self-Publishing Manual, 16th Edition: How to Write, Print and Sell Your Own Book (Self Publishing Manual)
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 10/16/2008)
The Fine Print of Self Publishing: The Contracts & Services of 45 Self-Publishing Companies Analyzed Ranked & Exposed
Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 10/16/2008)
Complete Guide to Self Publishing: Everything You Need to Know to Write, Publish, Promote, and Sell Your Own Book (Self-Publishing 4th Edition)
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 10/16/2008)
The Well-Fed Self-Publisher: How to Turn One Book into a Full-Time Living
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 10/16/2008)
