SELF PUBLISHING SERVICES
Why self publish?
• Be entrepreneurial
Why self publish?
• Be a rock star
Why self publish?
• Don’t wait for Jim to fix it...
...it might not happen
How to self-publish
1. Do it all from scratch2. Get help with the tricky bits3. Pay someone else to do it
• Buying software• Typesetting• Cover design• Finding printers• Setting up your files• Registering with Nielsen• Setting up distribution
Doing it all from scratch(becoming a publishing company)
Getting help with the tricky bits
• Access tools which make it easier and less expensive to publish
• Link you in to distribution options• You spend time or money on the areas that
are most important/where you need more help
• You need to learn or improve on some skills
Getting help with the tricky bits
How to make the most of this option (four relatively small things that will make a big difference)
1. Learn to use MS Word2. Look inside a book3. Look at a book4. Be flexible
Pay someone else to do it
• Pay between £800 and £12,000• You don’t need to learn any new skills• Limited control
How do you choose?
Don’t forget the marketing
• It’s hard for people to buy something that they don’t know exists.
• Using some services will make marketing easier
• Experiment with blogging platforms• Investigate twitter
Think of the Digital Future
• Take advantage of the increase in digital books• How can you reach your audience?• Beware of the hype
Key points
• Think about what is right for you (time vs. enthusiasm vs. money)
• Try out a few services• Don’t forget the marketing• Don’t trust Jim