Publishing Your Book

I am sure that many of you have had the urge to write a book. For some of you, it might be the idea of a new textbook that would provide a refreshing look into the subject you teach. For others there might be that burning desire to write the great American novel. You may have thought to write a book of vignettes, chronicling the stories of the students you have come into contact with. On a more personal level, perhaps you wanted to leave a legacy for your children by researching and writing a history of your family. The opportunities to do so are better now (and less expensive) that they ever were.

At one time in order to get book published, you would have to send out dozens (or even hundreds) of query letters and anxiously wait for a response. You may have had to send completed manuscripts to publishing firms with the hope of getting accepted. Few ever did.  You could have chosen the vanity publishing route, where you would pay to have you book published, but prior to the computer age this was a very expensive venture. Today, with print on demand publishing and e-book published, become an author is easier, faster, and less expensive than ever.

Two of the more popular online companies that will allow you to self publish are Iuniverse (www.iuniverse.com) and Xlibris ( www.xlibris.com). They provide basic publishing services and you pay for just what you need. If you need editing services or graphic designers, there will be an additional charge. They print on demand so there is no large inventory of unsold books. Another company that focuses more on photo books and books of artwork is Blurb( www.blurb.com)

One of the big drawbacks of using on demand publishers is marketing. For the most part you  are on your own. You will have to make the posters, organize your own book signings and arrange with local bookstores for a "meet the author" program. You could, of course, hire a marketing firm to help you roll out your first book, but their services are expensive.

Before you begin the self publishing process, you may want to do a little background reading.  I would like to suggest two books. The Complete idiot’s Guide to Getting Published by Sheree Bykofsky and Jennifer Sander is loaded with suggestions and tips on every topic from selecting a topic tor write about ( take a look at the NY Times best seller list on Sundays)This books has had multiple  printings and comes with a  CD Rom disk that include templates for query letters, a list of literary agents, and the locations of writers conferences that you  might benefit from.

Another book you might wish to review is The Fine Print of Self Publishing by Mark Levine.  Now in its fourth printing, this popular book offers a great deal advice for the novice author.

By the way, send me a copy of your published work and I may choose to review it here on the blog.

Good luck.