Self-Publishing
Why Self-Publish?
Having trouble finding a publisher? Want to publish your books on your own terms or have more control and input on the process? Maybe you aren't quite ready to share with the entire world yet but a few of your friends are interested in buying your finished work. Or perhaps you're just tired of waiting and want to see your book in print right now!
Printing can be expensive, but there are companies willing to print only a few copies of your book. You just need to know where to look. E-books are gaining popularity and cost next to nothing to produce and distribute. Some self-published authors have even caught the attention of major publishers! One downside to self-publishing is that you are in charge of everything: promotion, sales, distribution, etc. Before you commit to self-publication, make sure you understand everything you'll be responsible for. A good place to start your research is reading the book The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing by Marilyn Ross and Sue Collier. |
Print Your Own BooksEspresso Book Machine
The Shapiro Library at the University of Michigan has an integrated, automated machine that prints paperback books. The Espresso Book Machine is an inexpensive way to print your book. Pricing is by page and ranges from $8.00 for books less than 100 pages and $25 for books between 701 and 800 pages long. You do not need to be affiliated with University of Michigan to use the Espresso Book Machine, but you do need to be able to pick up your books in person. More information can be found here. In Grand Rapids, MI, Schuler Books and Music owns an Espresso Book Machine as well. The 'Chapbook Press' rates and guidelines for submission can be found here. Create Space Amazon's CreateSpace is a community for self publishing. Materials are created on demand so you don't need a large up-front investment while always having your material "in-stock" and available for sale. CreateSpace is free and non-exclusive, making it a good choice for authors who want to keep their options open. Abbott Press Abbott Press is a division of Writer's Digest for authors to publish their work. Packages start at $999 and include cover design, ISBN numbers, US copyright registration, e-book sales through Amazon and Barnes and Noble, distribution to retailers, and free copies of your book. Blurb: Blurb is a one stop shop for all your self publishing needs. Using Blurb, you can print books as well as create eBooks to sell books in their online bookstore. They also offer a service to print your blog as a book. |
Publish an E-BookPublishing an e-book is an inexpensive way to get your work out. E-book publishing eliminates printing costs, allowing you to sell your books for less money and for a larger profit.
Amazon Amazon offers a lot of support for self-published authors and will help you turn your MS Word, notepad, or Mobi manuscript into an ebook format accessible to Kindle e-readers. You retain rights to your book as you sell it, leaving the option of publishing your work with someone else should they become interested. For more information on Amazon's services for making and selling ebooks for Kindle click here. Apple iBookstore Another option for e-book distribution is the Apple iBookstore. Registration to sell is free. To sell your book you should choose a "Paid books" account, which means you will be paid for your book rather than distributing books out of copyright for free. To turn your manuscript into an e-book accessible to the iPad use all you need is this free app offered by Apple. Then enter your book information with iTunes producer (a free delivery application from iTunes). SmashWords SmashWords is a free service to convert your manuscript to eBook format and distribute your work through multiple marketplaces such as Apple iBooks, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and the Sony Reader Store. SmashWords describes themselves as the "largest distributor of indie ebooks" and you keep 85% of the profits. Other ResourcesBlog2Print - Print your blog as a book. Supports Blogger, WordPress, and TypePad.
Scrivner - manuscript writing software. Enables saving as an e-book file. |