OLD POST ALERT! This is an older post and although you might find some useful tips, any technical or publishing information is likely to be out of date. Please click on Start Here on the menu bar above to find links to my most useful articles, videos and podcast. Thanks and happy writing! – Joanna Penn
Print on demand and self-publishing truly changed my life. I went from someone who dreamed of being an author, to seeing my books for sale on the biggest book site in the world, Amazon.com. I also learnt so much from the process that I started this blog which kickstarted a whole new business and career for me, so I am a huge fan of self-publishing (or indie publishing, as we like to call it these days!).
If you are just starting out, and you want to write, publish and sell your own books, these two books will give you a great head start. DON'T waste time with this. Spend a little on information and you will find it returned multiple times in saved time and money for yourself. Believe me, I did it the hard way!
The Complete Guide to Self Publishing – by Marilyn Ross and Sue Collier
- Establishing your publishing company, operating procedures and managing your business. So many authors seem to forget that they are essentially a small business when they self-publish. You need to know all these practical things, as well as the exciting, fun stuff!
- There are lots of ideas on marketing but also areas I know little about – like marketing to book clubs (which is huge in the US), as well as direct marketing tips, plus advertising options if you have a budget.
- A great self-publishing time-table which is an essential tool for authors. You don't realise how far in advance you have to do this stuff until the day you have a book in your hands, and no marketing underway! (believe me, I've been there!)
The latest version of the book is out in August 2010 – check out the details here. There is also a great blog Self Publishing Resources and you can follow @SueCollier on twitter.
POD for Profit – Aaron Shepard
Basically, you load digital files to a provider like Lightning Source, then when a customer buys a book on Amazon.com, one copy is printed and shipped. No stock to hold or store or ship, no up-front costs, no waste, no shredding. Brilliant! It truly is a life-changing technology for people who want to get their books out there. No middleman. The market decides whether your book is worth buying.
Aaron's book guides you through the process of specifically publishing using Lightning Source for print-on-demand. It covers all the nitty gritty details from ISBNs, to formatting, what you need to include in your data, preparing your files and getting your book on Amazon.
Highly recommended if you are serious about getting your book published using POD technology. This book will definitely save you time and money and I will be using it myself as I am switching from Lulu to Lightning Source with my next books.
You can buy the book here on Amazon.com. You can also read more about Aaron at his website
View Comments (3)
Thanks so much for the mention, Joanna--and the glowing comments! I'd also like to let your readers know there is a book fan page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/thecompleteguidetoselfpublishing.com. I'm happy to answer questions there and otherwise dialogue with folks who are thinking of going the indie route!
How timely, as I was just thinking setting up my own Publishing company! You seem to read my mind, Joanna.
I can highly recommend Sue Collier's book. It's a wealth of information.
I have two books self published, and one by LifeWay. I really believe this is the best way to go and keep control of your own book. Thank you for these internet helps that you take the time to publish here.