If you want to self-publish, or otherwise pay for publication, there are many choices, all dictated by your budget and your reasons for wanting to self-publish. But understand this: You are only self-publishing if you own the ISBN (International Standard Book Number) on the book. This means that you've gone to www.ISBN.org and purchased a bank of ISBNs or have bought one from … [Read more...]
Get Published by a Small Press
Small presses are not "less than" presses. Almost every major publishing company today began as a small press. In fact, the Association of American Publishers reports that over 73 percent of its membership qualifies as small or independent press. However, understand that some small presses have not been in business very long, others have not enjoyed much success, and many may … [Read more...]
What to Expect When Your Book is Published
Understand what to expect in the publishing process. Try not to get stars in your eyes. The following tips might help keep you grounded. Keep in mind that every author can't be on Oprah! or The Today Show. Know that not every publishing house pays huge advances. Don't name the amount you'd like for an advance, and don't be offended if an independent press doesn't offer … [Read more...]
Be Prepared to Publish Your Book
The wise first-time author seeks information about writing, publishing and marketing. Publishing reference books can provide a wealth of information. The style manual for the book industry tends to be The Chicago Manual of Style (University of Chicago Press), and using it as a reference can help you learn such basic information as the parts of a book and their correct order, … [Read more...]
Get Ready to Get Your Book Published
It really thrills me to see so many people interested in writing books — people from every slice of the American pie. Your numbers are impressive, but it is your passion that motivates me to encourage you. Your work, whether academic, literary, genre fiction, self-help or the most basic how-to, is valuable, and you should work as tirelessly on behalf of its publication as you … [Read more...]
Present Your Book Manuscript Professionally
Remember that you are presenting your work with the expectation that a publisher will purchase it and agree to spend at least five figures producing and marketing the finished product. Because of the amount of money to be invested, you will reasonably expect the publisher to do a professional job producing and selling your work. Therefore, it shouldn't surprise you to learn … [Read more...]