Sunday, August 2, 2009

Self-taught self-publishing

Once you get to know me you'll find out I have a tendency to immerse myself in a subject, reading everything I can get my hands on . . . sure, some of the material repeats itself (and some doesn't).

Then, I go do something else and forget about what I've read . . . sometimes the act of letting my subconscious work on the matter provides a better solution than if I actively worked on the answer. And sometimes another answer is presented to me from a different source.

Self-publishing my book is a case in point . . .

For some time now, I've been getting emails from a company called AuthorHouse about self-publishing my book. Not that they know I have a book to self-publish, but they're there, willing to offer their services ("they're," "there," "their"). Something in my gut kept telling me to let 'em slide . . .

A couple months ago, I went to a lecture given by an author who used AuthorHouse for his self-published book . . . he told how AuthorHouse was always there (until they got his money, then they all but disappeared). ERK!! "There but for the Grace of God go I," I thought.

I did a Google search for "self-publishing comparison" . . . and in my reading, I found Lulu.com. It was considered one of the better self-publishing companies, so I looked over their website to see what I could see. I was considering self-publishing my work as an eBook, to cover the costs of printing a paperback version.

Then, I found "The Fine Print of Self-Publishing" on http://www.book-publishers-compared.com/. This is a fine site, and the downloadable book is written by Mark Levine, an attorney who compares the contracts of 45 self-publishing companies. I'm working my way through the book. My own book is on hold, until I can make a better informed decision . . .

(AuthorHouse is listed as a publisher to avoid . . . Lulu is listed as a pretty good self-publisher (two steps up from AuthorHouse) . . . I'm looking over the list of outstanding self-publishers (one step up from Lulu). Wish me luck.)

10 comments:

  1. Here's wishing you the best of luck, Mark. I'm anxious to here your opinions and what you decide upon. Who knows, maybe someday.......I'll be searching for just the right place myself and I'm hoping you'll do all the research for me. lol
    chris

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  2. Ooops, sorry, Raymond, I just called you Mark, because I was trying to post whilst talking to my friend Mark at the same time. Not a good thing to do. So sorry.
    chris

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  3. (makes a mental note to self: no multitasking for Chris, LOL) . . .

    Thank you for the encouragement, Chris. What sort of book have you written?? I'll give you my opinion, alright: I think you have to do SOME research of your own, LOL.

    I'm gonna post some more about this book, so get ready . . .

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  4. You know, to be honest, I wouldn't care if you copied your book at a kinko's and put it in a 3-ring binder. I'd still buy it!!!

    Good luck with the publishing. Can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

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  5. Greg, I originally planned to do the very thing you suggested . . . there's not much difference between a bad self-publishing job and "homemade" though. I want something I'd be proud to own up to (and sell to you) . . .

    I have three main reasons for going this route: first, I'll need an ISBN number and UPC code before I can sell the book to any libraries or through bookstores . . . second, I want well-designed cover art (to attract the eye) . . . third, I'll need the services of a copy editor to go over the text. It'll be some work, and it'll be some time, but it'll be the best damn book around!!

    So, how about this for a proposition?? . . . I'm gonna post parts of the book here on my blog (and give away the heart of it for free) . . . I'll make a formal announcement in a day or so, with all the particulars. This way, you won't have to wait for the book to come out to get the information within it . . . sorta like "try it before you buy it."

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  6. I like that idea. Going this route may get you more sales in the long run. You'll be on top of the NY Times best seller list in no time. Oh before you make it big and forget about us low guys, can I have your autograph? *grin*

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  7. Greg, do you think I'd send you a copy that wasn't (autographed, that is)??

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  8. Mr. Houston,

    Hello! What is your book about? I've published via Lulu.com. My latest book (#4) is one that I've self-published with me as the publisher. May I suggest you read "Aiming at Amazon" by Aaron Shepherd?

    Best, Kyra
    www.BlackThreads.blogspot.co

    P.S. My latest book is "This I Accomplish: Harriet Powers' Bible Quilt and Other Pieces" - self-published. Hope you enjoy!

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  9. Mr. Houston,

    Opps! Meant to also add this link. It's a blog I sometimes post to on quilts and self-publishing.

    http://publishyourquilts.blogspot.com/

    Best, Kyra

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  10. Thank you, Kyra . . .

    I talked about the book in an earlier post (May 9th). It's primarily about what everybody else missed regarding symmetry. In the next several weeks, I'll be presenting much of the material here on my blog . . .

    So, your experience with Lulu.com has been a positive one?? Maybe I should take a second look at them . . . I'll also look into the book you suggested, thank you.

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