Is Self Publishing a Book Really Free?

self publishing a book seems to be free and magical, but not necessarily the case.

Self Publishing a Book Seems Magical & Free–but, Truthfully, it is Hard Work & Costs Some Bucks

By Deborah S. Nelson, Author-Book Coach-Speaker

Now that digital publishing has spawed the concept of self publishing a book–the book publishing industry has entered the field of the World Wide Web. Therefore, the obvious question rises on the horizon of online book publishing. Is it possible to make money when self publishing a book? In this article we address the question for those considering entering the ring of digital book publishing.


Self-Publishing a book is more doable with this Free Self-Publishing Toolkit by Deborah S. Nelson from Publishing Solo

History of Book Publishing

Book Publishing reaches back into history; and traditionally was an pricey venture. The printing press was an expensive piece of equipment in the first place, as well as the set-up for printing just one book. Consequently, this required an up-front investment for printing at least 10,000 books to make one book affordable. See the video below which explains in more detail the difference between digital publishing and traditional publishing.

Now that digital publishing allows any of us to print just one book affordably, that makes self-publishing doable for a one-person or small enterprise.

Money Required for Self Publishing a Book

Before we can talk about making money in publishing a book, we need to talk about the costs involved to get started. Since expensive printing equipment or set-ups are not required, anyone with a simple computer and an idea for a book can enter the field of book publishing. With no large investment required, the potential profit obviously skyrockets.

However, expect to put in some sweat equity, or pay labor costs to prepare the digital file for publication. For more details about costs involved in publishing a book read, Real Self-Publishing Costs to Publish a Book.

Millions Made by Publishing a Book with Digital Publishing

Book Publishing Coaching by Deborah S Nelson who saves your hundreds and thousands of dollars

How Much Does Self-Publishing Success Cost?

Digital publishing equipment has made a new self publisher era possible. No longer considered ‘vanity publishing,” many successful traditionally published authors are getting excited about the size of their royalties made by publishing a book themselves. Take Barbara Freethy, for instance, author of 34 novels including the Wish series and first author on Kindle and Nook to sell one million books. She has been writing for 20 years and was published through four different publishing houses. Freethly is now self-publishing. “Once I saw how well my self-publishing books were doing and how much more attention and focus I could put on my own books, it was a pretty easy decision [to continue self-publishing] because those books have been doing so much better,” Freethy comments.


Those who have completed Ms. Nelson’s Courses are raving fans. See Videos Reviews & Author Library.
Hmmm … I am not quite ready—just send me the Free Self-Publishing Toolkit

Click Here for Your Self-Publishing Toolkit

FREE SELF-PUBLISHING TOOLKIT


Amanda Hocking has made millions with her romance series on e-book platforms as well. Considering now, that the self-publishing industry is estimated as a 52 million dollar industry in 2012, there is big money to be made in publishing a book. Self-publishing figures appear to be eclipsing traditional book publishing numbers many times over.

Amanda Hocking and Barbara Freethy are just two of the most well-known millionaire authors. Indeed, this article just barely scratches the surface. Huffington Post Live has a comprehensive video interview with some of today’s most successful self-published authors. Therefore, with the publishing playing field leveled, they interview Hugh Howey, Darcy Chan, Bella Andre, Jasinda Wilder, all New York Times Best Selling authors, and all approaching 1 million or more in book sales. So, with royalties what they are in self-publishing, you can bet those sales numbers has brought each of these authors millionaire status.


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Self-Publishing Success–Love or Money?

By Deborah S. Nelson

Self-publishing success equals money?

Is Self-Publishing Success Just About the Money?

Does self-publishing success equal money? Many think that success shows up in the form of money–true to a certain extent. However, before the money flows, we must build momentum with committment, passion, and focus.

So putting the money issue aside for, Consistent, Committed, Focused Passion towards a dream does pay off.  Just when you think no one is seeing your work…Bam! Someone notices.


Click Here for Your Self-Publishing ToolkitI jofully announce that PublishingSOLO.com is selected for an award as a Top Self-Publishing Site for 2014~ Woo Hoo! My Thanks go out to all the authors who have published through Publishing SOLO, for without them there is no PublishingSOLO!

The short list is Emily Yurcheshen, Suzanne Landry, Julia Loggins, Cindy White, Maya Shaw Gale, Audrey Addison Williams Robert Munster, Karen Maryum Morse  Eve Morong-Briere, and dozens more. In fact, if you would like to see all the first time Publishing SOLO authors you can visit the Author Library page on our site.

Save Money by Learning Secrets of Self-Publishing Success

I cordially invite you to take a leisurely stroll around this now award-winning site to learn how you can also experience self-publishing success. Join Publishing SOLO and get a free self-publishing toolkit right off the bat. Read the comprehensive articles to get the real inside truth of what self-publishing really involves. Get informed before you jump into a project which could be more expensive than you anticipated with a higher learning curve that you expected. We offer enough free information on this site to save you hundreds of dollars in wrong turns, or in learning how to publish a book on your own. Additionally, if you want even more help, we offer DIY Books, Courses, and private coaching. Ms. Nelson even offers half hour free publishing consultations on Mondays with no obligation. She only wants writers to bring their passion to the world and to experience the self-publishing success that is so exhilarating.

Other Related Self-Publishing Articles:

Millionaire Amanda Hocking Tells Her Story

Is it possible to make money in self-publishing? How much money can you make? In this YouTube video self-publishing success Amanda Hocking tells how she did it.

How to Publish a Book

Ever wanted to learn how to publish a children’s book, a novel,  or business book? Friends, family, and peers see you in a whole new light once you become a published author.

My Five Secrets for Writing a Quality Book Fast

Deborah S. Nelson, author/publisher of 14 books gives away the store on how to write a book. Just like eating an elephant one bite a time gets it done, Ms. Nelson teaches how to write a book one word at a time!

Five Benefits for Self-Publishing a Book

Is it digital publishing really worth it? The cost, the time,  the learning curve? Why should you self-publish a book? Are you ready to self-publish a book? Publishing SOLO tells all. 

The Real Costs of Self-Publishing a Book

Are Authorhouse, CreateSpace, LuLu, and the other print on demand companies really free? Yes, and No. Get the real scoop on the costs to self-publish a book, and what it takes to achieve self-publishing success.

Publish your Book Blueprint by Deborah S Nelson

Have a Dream to Publish a Book—
But Lack the Time or Know-How?

Look no further. This potent detailed DIY publishing guide grants you the time and know-how. Learn how to self-publish a book by doing it! Once you become a published author, friends, family, and peers see you in a whole new light! This unique system propels both aspiring and seasoned authors through digital publishing step-by-step. You won’t even need your completed manuscript to start!

Includes downloadable template
Free ISBN number & POD account
10 steps to print on demand publishing
Displays book parts in chronological order
Publish your book blueprint proof in a week


Those who have completed Ms. Nelson’s Courses are raving fans. See Videos Reviews & Author Library.
Hmmm … I am not quite ready—just send me the Free Self-Publishing Toolkit

Click Here for Your Self-Publishing Toolkit

FREE SELF-PUBLISHING TOOLKIT

Self Publishing Success-Not Just Vanity Press!

Self Publishing Success Trumps Vanity Press

Self Publishing Success Replaces the Old Book Model

Self-Publishing Replaces Old Publishing Model

Recent reports of self publishing success ia proving the idea of vanity publishing to be a thing of the past. Remember the term vanity publishing? Vanity publishing has given self-publishing a bad reputation. Let’s face it. Vanity publishing says ego-publishing. Vanity publishing says you aren’t good enough for a real publishing company.  It says you are not a good enough writer. To use a vanity press company to print your book was borderline public embarrassment. This is no longer the case, if it ever really was.


Self-Publishing

This image developed when traditional book publishing companies were married to academia. People with Ph.D’s or highly educated with a high measure of honor, knowledge, and reputation were published. In modern times, media personalities, celebrities, and politicians qualified for this set. Anyone who wasn’t scholarly, yet published anyway, was considered vain. After all, they did not earn the credentials to educate the masses with writing and publishing a book. This was an honor reserved for a privileged few. Certainly, the main publishing houses perpetuated this idea to counter their competition. With verified facts and reports of self publishing success that has all changed!

Enter Digital Publishing

Self Publishing Success Stories

The New Look of Book Publishing

With the invention of the digital printing press, a large investment to cover the expenses of inventory of books is no longer necessary. With digital publishing, the main thing required is to set up a digital file. Using print on demand, books are printed as ordered, as few as one at a time. Self publishing success is just a digital file away!

“Self-publishing is now supported by a sophisticated and highly accessible support structure,” said Beat Barblan, Director of Identifier Services for Bowker. Bowker Books is practically the Bible in the book publishing industry. They produce a yearly directory of books, entitled Books in Print which is a book catalogue with ISBN numbers, to help identify books for ordering. Creators of products and services that make books easier for people to discover, evaluate, order, and experience, Bowker also conducts research and resources for publishers.

Beat Barblan goes on to remark positively on today’s self publishing success: “It’s provided everyone who has a story to tell with a method for sharing it and leveled the playing field to an unprecedented degree. This is no longer just vanity presses at work – self-publishing is out of the dark corners and making its way into the mainstream. Notable success stories include a number of self-published authors landing their titles onto the prestigious New York Times bestseller list for e-book fiction.” Bowker has done extensive research on the state of self-publishing. To see the rest of their research, you may read their article entitled, Self-Publishing Sees Triple-Digit Growth in Just Five Years, Says Bowker.”


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Debate: Self-Publishing Vs. Traditional Publishing–Which Way Should You Go?

Self Publishing vs Traditional Publishing

Debate Over Self Publishing vs Traditional Publishing Goes On

Self Publishing Vs. Traditional Publishing–the Rumbling, the Pros and Cons, Plus a Little More

By Deborah S. Nelson, Author-Book Coach-Speaker

The debate rages on: Self Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing? Who will win? Having worked in both sides of the industry, I can tell you without a doubt that self publishing is winning. What makes me say so? Do you remember in photography the debate between film and digital cameras? There was the idea that film was superior and was the proven standard. And also the idea that digital cameras were cheap and not up to par, and the photos could never be as good. However that debate has gone by the wayside. As a case in point, have you shopped for a roll of film lately? Have you tried to develop a roll of film lately? Good luck on that! The same will soon be true of the self publishing vs traditional publishing. The debate may go on and on, but one day we’ll look up and offset presses will be sitting in antique shops! That day is coming closer than we may realize.


Self-Publishing

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Traditional publishing companies are going out of business and side-by-side with their sales arm, the bookstore. In 2011, Borders, one the largest bookstore chains in history, closed its doors to bankruptcy. What people may not realize is that online book purchases are surpassing brick and mortar book sales. This, in turn, creates a bigger problem for traditional publishers who market their books through the bookstore venue. They can sell books online as well, but there’s only one problem–Amazon Books, a behemoth larger than all the bookstores put together, and online books sales mostly go through Amazon, which Barnes and Nobles (the remaining large traditional book store chain) considers as its largest competition. In fact, many traditional bookstores refuse to carry any “self-published” books printed by Amazon’s print on demand arm, CreateSpace. That’s how fierce this debate can get. While the self publishing vs traditional publishing debate rages on, some traditional publishing companies are buying print on demand equipment and offering print on demand services to authors, now blurring the lines between the self publishing and traditional publishing. Basically self publishing involves the writer making and financing the publishing decisions all along the way. These decisions are many, such as book cover, interior book layout, editing, marketing and distribution. However, what allows this to be more possible than ever, is print on demand, digital printing, which makes publishing just one book affordable. A writer can now publish without the financial backing of a large publishing corporation. With the offset press of traditional publishing, the set-up costs to print that first book are beyond the means of most writers. Thus the partnership with writers and traditional publishers began.

How to Self Publish a Book Yourself

I have written many specific articles on this site on how to self publish a book yourself. Before you make a decision to do that, I suggest you get a clear idea of the landscape of self publishing vs traditional publishing.  The video above is simple and a great explanation of digital publishing, print on demand, and traditional publishing. If you want to learn how to publish a book, or have started publishing a book, study this site before you leap. It isn’t easy, but it is not that hard either. Do your homework before you get involved because once you get started, it is difficult to stop in the middle. You may even want to be the publisher of your own books. See my article about Becoming a Publisher in Seven Strategic Steps if you want to write and publish a multitude of books. Just keep in mind, if you do not know what you are doing, you could spend a small fortune trying to finish a frustrating and difficult project. I am passionate about self-publishing and if you would like a half hour consultation, let me know, I would like to help.


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Learn How to Self-Publish a Book

Introduction to How to Self-Publish a Book

By Deborah S. Nelson

Learning How to Self-Publish a Book Step by Step

How to Self-Publish a Book, Step by Step

In this article I will give a short overview of how to self-publish a book. Today, many options are available for self-publishing, but the one we are addressing here is the printed book. The printed book is still alive and well! Publishing a printed book to sell on Amazon through other online booksellers or even in bookstores or in person is a key step to becoming a self-published author. Once you organize the concept, content and flow of your book, and set up the basic file for printing, you will easily be able to created the other digital versions from that foundation.


Self-Publishing

Digital Publishing Options

Once you create the digital file for printing a physical book, the options are almost endless. From here, you may create an audio book (either downloadable or on a DVD), an e-book, Kindle or Nook, and many other options which can be distributed from various book publishing online networks. You can also create a digital flip book version and make it downloadable from your website. Consider the many top book publishing platforms which include Kobo, Kindle, Smashwords, and CreateSpace. Do your research to find which options are best for your book. Books which are graphic intensive, four-color, or with photos are not suitable for Kindle. However, you can create a four-color digital version of these types of books to be read from a computer screen with animated pages that flip and turn. Some of the digital publishing platforms are helpful to bring your book to market, but with self-publishing you will need to be involved in marketing and sales of your books.

Basic Phases of How to Self-Publish a Book

Through my curriculum, courses, and private coaching I have taught many writers how to self-publish a book. As a publishing coach, I first explain to clients and students the three phases of bringing a book into the world:

writing and printing a book at home

1.WRITE THE BOOK

self-publishing services

2.PUBLISH THE BOOK

selling books on Createspace estore

3. MARKET THE BOOK

After self-publishing and assisting many self-published authors to self-publish some 100 plus books, I strongly suggest any self-publisher to focus on each stage separately. You may experience overlap between the phases, but these are best limited to transitional only. Similar to building a custom home as your own general contractor, you can unknowingly and quickly create a nightmare situation if you are not clearly focused on each phase of the process. Each one depends on and is defined by the earlier phase. Finish one phase completely before moving onto the next. When building a home, you pour the foundation first and then let it cure before proceeding. When writing a book, write the book first. To go back and change the foundation once the framing is finished is not a good idea. Likewise, to go back and rewrite your book once you are in the publishing stage is an invitation for disaster. Write your book. Pause. Publish Your Book. Pause. Market Your Book. Pause. Carefully learn the steps of how to self-publish a book before embarking on this compelling mission.

Editioral, Copy-Editing and Proofreading Services

Learning how to self-publish a book is easiest if you start with a small project first. Digital publishing is not a simple matter if you have never done it before. Many steps are involved which need to be taken in chronological order. For example, many people confuse editing with proofreading and copy editing. These are three distinct and separate skilled tasks. Learning how to self-publish a book and therefore becoming an independent publisher is no less complex than becoming a general contractor to build your own home. To proofread a manuscript before your content edit would be like painting walls before you put the wall plastic on top of the sheet rock. The beautiful paint would get covered up by the plaster finish. The same is true if you proofread before the content edit is completed. First hire the content edit, next the copy-edit, and lastly, at the very end, you may have the proofreading done (i.e., painting). Of course, you are absolutely encouraged to run spell check after you have completed the writing of your manuscript, but after that, forget about proofreading until the very end. Concentrate on organization, content, and flow. The Once Upon a Book Video Series outlines the ten basic steps of how to self-publish a book. Authors, Share Your Book with Millions of Readers

How to Publish a Children’s Book or Other Four-Color Book

Starting with a four-color book is more complicated and difficult to carry out for a first self-publishing book project. If working on a children’s book which requires color illustrations, to increase your chance of success I suggest first you start with a creating a book blueprint in black and white. The reason four-color is complex is because instead of printing one color (black on white paper) we have introduced the spectrum on colors, and this requires a more time-consuming and expensive process. The books are from three to five times as expensive as the black and white counterpart. The set up and printing job is more challenging. To get this right, I suggest that you first create a book blueprint. Be your own architect and get this part right before you print in expensive four-color book run. First create the book in black and white and use one of the print on demand companies such as CreateSpace of LuLu. Then simply print a black and white proof for about $10 on CreateSpace (sign up here for a free CreateSpace Account); and work out all the bugs on this black and white blue print. Next you can enter into the four-color phase of printing your children’s book or other four-color book. First learn the steps of how to self-publish a book before you publish a complex book. Another way create a full-color book blueprint sample is join www.blurb.com. They do four-color books one a time. However, Blurb is not a good option for a final print run if you plan to sell and market your book.  Although reasonable for producing one four-color book, the price per book is quite high, but well-worth doing as a book blueprint, to get the bugs worked out before moving forward in your book project.

Editoring services for self-published books

Editoral Services

Hiring Book Publishing Specialists

Selecting and hiring book publishing services is a key part of learning how to self-publish a book of professional quality. Do your research and your homework. The level to which your sub-contractors do will define the end quality of your self-published book. First you will need to decide which areas to hire done, and which you will do by yourself. You may possess skills that make you qualified to take on a certain part of the work, which may save you money or time. The only process that I would recommend that you absolutely hire, is the proofreading process. A phenomenon occurs when writing a book. As writers we become immune to our own errors because we are focused on the content and the concept. After reading and writing, rewriting, and self-editing we can no longer see the missing words, the duplicate words, misspellings, or formatting issues. I recommend  you hire a proofreader, even if you are a professional proofreader! The following is a list of the areas you may need to hire an outside contractor:

1. Content Editor

2. Copy Editor

3. Proofreader (emily@thevacationrentalguide.com)

4. Book interior layout artist (highly recommended hiring a specialist)

5. Book cover designer specialist (highly recommended you not do this yourself)

6. Illustrator

7.  Headshot photographer (for author bio photo)

8. Promotional writer (synopsis of book and author bio)

9. Indexer

10. Printing Company

Trials and Joys of Learning How to Self-Publish a Book

Learning how to do anything has its risks and rewards. Learning how to self-publish a book is a phenomenal economic skill to develop. By becoming a published author once, it is easy to repeat time and time again. entrepreneurs, home makers, artists, and grandparents are discovering the joys of publishing their own books. Take the steps and you, too, can feel the exhilaration of becoming a published author, and share your inspiration with your circle of influence.
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publish my

Have a Dream to Publish a Book—

But Lack the Time or Know-How?

Look no further. This potent learn-by-doing guide grants you the time and know-how. Learn to how to self-publish a book by doing it! Once you become a published author friends, family, and peers will see you in a whole new light! This unique new system guides and propels both aspiring and seasoned authors step-by-step through the digital publishing process. You won’t even need your completed manuscript to get started!
Includes a downloadable interior template
Displays parts of a book in chronological order
Gives 10 easy steps to print on demand publishing
Sets up free ISBN number & self-publishing account
Gets a blueprint published in 3 days! (shipping extra)

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What are the Self-Publishing Services? What Services are Necessary for Self-Publishing?

Turning the gears of Book Publish Systems and organization

Many Complex Self-Publishing Services Required to Publish a Book

Gear-up Knowledge to Hire Self Publishing Services

By Deborah S. Nelson, Author-Book Coach-Speaker

If you are considering (or have decided) to self-publish your own book, a key issue is the self-publishing services you select. Not only is it important how you select self-publishing services but how you manage them. In this article, Below is a list of basic self-publishing services needed to publish your own book. Becoming your own book publisher is similar to building your own home. It is a large time-consuming project with many pieces that need to be coordinated in chronological order.

What Self-Publishing Services Are Available to Publish Your Book Professionally?

Click Here for Your Free Self-Publishing Toolkit by Deborah S. Nelson from Publishing Solo

To start, this article will help you plan which services you will use to publish your book. Like being your own general contractor to build your home, some jobs you may choose to do. Decide before you start which services to hire and what you will do yourself. Below, I have listed three areas of self-published services needed for a professionally self-published book.

Design Self-Publishing Services

Book Cover Design is a basic Book Self-Publishing Services
Book Cover Design Affects Sales

1. Book Cover

Do you judge a book by its cover? I certainly do. If there were one service I would hire above all, it would be the book cover design. You will want your cover very graphic and simple as possible, to include a compelling graphic, title, subtitle, and author name on the front cover. On the back cover include an author biography and a sales pitch synopsis of the book. An ordinary graphic artist will not necessarily know how to create a great book cover. Look for someone who specializes in book covers or who designs book covers for their career.

2. Interior Images

If you are publishing a children’s book or a photography book, or simply want images, illustrations, or drawings, you’ll most likely want to hire an artist to create these. Be sure, most of all they create them in a 300 dpi resolution and deliver them in a digital file compatible with the interior design software. Most likely if they deliver these images in a jpg file, that will suffice for the interior designer to place the images into your book document. You will need to specify exactly to your interior designer where to place any images, illustrations. or photos.

Interior Design Book Publishing Services shown with an open book with Fantasies
Interior Design Includes Fonts, Graphics, Front and Back Matter

3. Interior Design

Unless you want to learn to book interior design as well as purchase expensive art software, you best hire a specialist to create your interior design. Laying out a book interior is highly detailed and complex. Header design, front matter, back matter, page numbers, table of contents–these are all very complex. If they have never designed a book cover, this is very time-consuming for them to learn. Not only are multiple components involved, but the digital file must be made to printer specifications. This is tricky with someone who is unfamiliar with these technical nuances.

Editorial Self-Publishing Services

Image with OOPS on the keyboard representing Content Editing Services for Self-Publishing
Learn the Nuances of Copy Editing, Content Editing, and Proofreading.

1. Content Editing

Learning the differences between proofreading, editing, copy editing, is key to making an accurately written book. Most new writers get this mixed up. These passes must be orchestrated in the right order. Content editing is first; proofreading follows copy editing. Multiple changes are made prior to proofreading, so why work on that which will no longer exist?

Content editing deals with chronology, accuracy, consistency, meaning, and flow. If you write about something in the first chapter and bring it up later, is that clear? Does it require reordering or redefinition? Are chapters in proper sequence? Content editors work with the big picture–content, organization, and meaning.  Consider, who are you writing to?  What is the age and educational level? In rough spots, the content editor realigns the copy and makes it readable, and understandable. They delete superfluous words, order sentences properly, and reorder paragraphs, pages, or chapters. They also clear up confusing areas. For example, a sharp content editor will clarify issues such as whether a city name is Greenwich, New York, or Greenwich Connecticut.

Image of wild random letters to show copy editing, an important publishing service by Dream to Publish and Deborah S Nelson
Copy Editing is a Self-Publish Service that organizes formatting, bolds, italics, quotes, endnotes, headings with a consistent look.

2. Copy-Editing

This task focuses on punctuation, formatting, headings consistency with bold, caps, and italics. Many novice writers do not understand the concept that there is no “right” way on many punctuation questions. Most editors, copy editors, and proofreaders use a style guide to solve this. That English teacher who corrected your papers with red ink–exactly what style guide did she use? Indeed, these punctuation rules are not as “black and white,” as we were taught. Judgment calls are made–the most common call is for style consistency. Decide what style guide you’ll use, and ask your proofreader to use that guide when they copy edit for you. A long-standing guide is the Chicago Manual of Style.

Red Pencil stands out to represent PROOFREADING services offered by Dream To Publish Self-Publishing Services
The Powerful Red Pencil of Proofreading

3. Proofreading

This is the last pass to fix errors in the “editorial process.” Proofreading is focused on spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Run spell check while writing your manuscript, to keep errors in check and this part will go faster. A good proofreader finds issues of duplicate words; when “your” should be “you’.” missing words, wrong tenses; and awkwardness. Some proofreaders are also copyeditors and may do both. Yet, expect to pay for both services, as they are two distinct passes. For best results, try a specialist in each area. Finally, instruct all to use the same style guide, or the book will be an inconsistent mess.

Promotional Self-Publishing Services

1. Headshot

You will need a photo for the back of your book cover, and honestly, a normal snapshot is not professional. Look for a portrait photographer who knows how to take headshots, with good lighting.  A full-length photo is too small and includes too much distracting background to use for the back of the book cover. In addition, you will also need a shot for the interior of the book for the page entitled “About the Author.”

this branding service helps authors expand their brand--Typewriter with Hot Flames to show Author that is HOT
Once Your Book Publishes. You Will Need Author Branding

2. Author Branding

Develop a basic branding image or icon for your author name. Upload to Facebook and Twitter. Goodreads is the Facebook for book lovers–so start an account with them, too. Create a tagline with a consistent look and feel on social media when promoting your book.

 3. Marketing Tool

You may, or may not become a “best-selling” author, due to multiple variables. Regardless, leverage your book as a marketing tool by creating a full-page ad at the end of your book. Similarly, use this to promote your other books and services to interested readers. Consequently, your book becomes a powerful strategic marketing tool to market your other services.

Hiring the right self-publishing services can make the difference in how professional and attractive your published book is. Naturally, when you hire these services, get a quote! Although most charge by the hour, you will need an estimate of how many hours the job will take. Unfortunately, if you do not ask for that, you are basically writing a blank check to the contractor.

Next post, I share ways to find self-publishing services for hire; and how to manage those people. If you prepare and manage them correctly, you can cut costs for these services by up to 50%. Finally, I know you’ll be in good hands with Dream to Publish Self-Publishing Services. Also, I’ll give you a quote, and you’ll know what to expect.

RELATED ARTICLE: How to Design a Book Cover

5 Superb Benefits of Self-Publishing a Book

Benefits of Self-Publishing a Book

By Deborah S. Nelson

The Self-Publishing a Book Debate Ends Here!

What are the benefits of self-publishing a book? As a publishing and writing coach, I am often queried about the idea of self-publishing a book or e-book. Many writers hold that traditional publishing is the way to go. However, the evolution of digital publishing has begun to see the diminishing of traditional publishing more each day. With electronic book readers, the success of online booksellers; millionaire self-published authors surfacing–the traditional model of bookstores, book signings, and agents are quickly fading. This system relies on bookstores to make books sales and to work as the marketing arm.

Now that the majority of books are purchased online, this model is failing. With first-time authors practically begging to be published agents filled the role of screening and bringing talent to publishers. With the cost of publishing exponentially cheaper with print on demand, writers no longer need an agent to connect with the most unavailable traditional publishing companies. Yet, many writers are still attracted by the allure of becoming a best-selling author, making the TV and radio circuit, followed by book signings while backed by a large publishing house.

Are You Ready to be the Star of Your Own Show?

As self-publishing millionaires surface and online booksellers outpace their retail counterparts, traditional publishing houses that rely on bookstores to sell books are experiencing difficulty. Many have gone out of business or bought out by larger publishing houses. Borders completely shut its doors in 2011, nearly 400 stores, leaving only Barnes & Nobles almost the only outlet for marketing traditionally published books. Left only were about 1500 independent local book stores.

Many traditional publishers are more conservative than ever when selecting works to publish. With competition stiff against Amazon and other online booksellers, along with many people flocking to self-publishing, the traditional publisher must take on book projects that are “sure things,” such as a book written by an already well-known public figure. This leaves even less opportunity for a first-time writer to be published by a traditional publishing company. Even if a first-time author were to land a contract with a publishing house, the advances have dwindled to tiny amounts. Self-publishing a book becomes more attractive as time goes on.

Benefits of Self-Publishing a Book

Step #1 of Self-Publishing Checklist

SAVE TIME: Avoid the lengthy time involved in finding an agent to represent you to publishing companies. Many agents will expect you to have been previously published, so this is a tricky situation and a bit of a “Catch 22.” New writers may find that self-publishing a book will save them a lot of precious time.

Step 2 of Self Publishing Checklist with Publishing SOLO

SAVE REJECTION: One of the top benefits of self-publishing a book is skipping the rejection phase. Become your own self-publisher to avoid the lengthy rejection process and emotional turmoil involved before you may or may not find a publisher committed to publishing your book. Most often, their rejection has more to do with their assessment of their ability to make a profit on the book, than it has to do with the quality of your writing.

Self Publishing Checklist--Step 3

COPYRIGHTS: Keep your copyrights. When you sign with a traditional publisher, they own most of your copyrights most of the time. One of the most important benefits of self-publishing a book is that you own all your copyrights, forever!

Steo 4 of the Self Publishing Checklist by Deborah S. Nelson

CREATIVITY: As the author of a self-published book, you will enjoy complete creativity and the ability to harmonize the book cover, interior design elements, and images to your satisfaction. Your creative control is maximized and is a key benefit when self-publishing a book.

Step five of the Self Publishing Checklist.

ROYALTIES: 100% of royalties go to you. You do not split them with the publisher at all. Since you are the publisher, the self-publisher, you will receive all the royalties, and they will be much more than .25 per book.

RELATED ARTICLE: How to Publish a Book


Publish Your Book Blueprint in a Week by Deborah S. Nelson

Have a Dream to Publish a Book—
But Lack the Time or Know-How?

Look no further. This potent learn-by-doing guide grants you the time and know-how. Learn how to self-publish a book by doing it! Once you become a published author friends, family, and peers see you in a whole new light! This unique new system guides and propels both aspiring and seasoned authors step-by-step through the digital publishing process. You won’t even need your completed manuscript to get started!

Includes a downloadable interior template
Displays parts of a book in chronological order
Gives 10 easy steps to print on demand publishing
Sets up free ISBN number & self-publishing account
Gets a blueprint published in 3 days! (shipping extra)

CreateSpace Book Cover Template

Invaluable CreateSpace Cover Template Calculator

By Deborah S. Nelson, Author-Book Coach-Speaker

One of the first things I do, and one of the first things I suggest all my writer-clients do, is to create a book cover right away. With  ongoing publishing clients, I want them to create to the book cover before they finish writing the book. And that’s where CreateSpace Cover Template comes in. We always seem to need it and cannot find it easily on CreateSpace website.

It is OK to Judge a Book by its Cover!

The book cover is the most single important aspects of book publishing. If you are creating a book cover you’ll want it exciting! If you will make your book available for sale online, you’ll most likely want to create a custom book cover design.. If you are self-publishing a book and using print on demand, the first step will be to use the CreateSpace Cover Template tool. If you haven’t done so already, you will need to sign up for a free account. (Sign up here).

Next, you’ll need to download the correct CreateSpace Cover Template to send to your graphic designer. If your graphic designer does not have or follow the correct template, Createspace will not accept the book cover file for publications. The easiest way to get this right is by using the CreateSpace Cover Template Calculator.


Experience the exhilaration of BOOK COACHING during a trial session with Deborah S. Nelson. Click to schedule a complimentary 1/2 hour—available Tuesdays & Thursdays from 12p.m.-6p.m. EST.

COMPLIMENTARY BOOK COACHING


Using the Createspace Cover Template to get your book cover self published

Book Cover–Gather Your Book Info First

But wait … the nice thing about CreateSpace Cover Template is the calculator.  Not everyone knows about this calculator. With the CreateSpace Cover Template Calculator, you fill in the number of pages your of your book, the size of the book, click on a button, and your custom cover template is ready to download! Next, simply download in a zip file, your choice of PDF or Word doc.  and send over this template over to your book designer. You will need:

      1. CreateSpace login information. If you do not have CreateSpace Account ( now Amazon KDP) register for an account. Once logged in click on Cover calculator.
      2. Book size, called “trim size,” in publishing. (See CreateSpace book sizes below)
      3. Number of pages of your book. (We’ll tell you how to estimate number of pages)

CreateSpace Book Sizes

Before using the CreateSpace Cover Template Calculator, you’ll need to decide on book size. Here is a list of the standard CreateSpace book sizes:

Black and White Book Interiors

Trim Size

White Page Count

Cream Page Count

5 x 8 inches 12.7 x 20.32 centimeters
24 – 828
24 – 740
5.06 x 7.81 inches 12.9 x 19.8 centimeters
24 – 828
24 – 740
5.25 x 8 inches 13.335 x 20.32 centimeters
24 – 828
24 – 740
5.5 x 8.5 inches 13.97 x 21.59 centimeters
24 – 828
24 – 740
6 x 9 inches 15.24 x 22.86 centimeters
24 – 828
24 – 740
6.14 x 9.21 inches 15.6 x 23.4 centimeters
24 – 828
24 – 740
6.69 x 9.61 inches 17 x 24.4 centimeters
24 – 828
24 – 740
7 x 10 inches 17.78 x 25.4 centimeters
24 – 828
24 – 740
7.44 x 9.69 inches 18.9 x 24.6 centimeters
24 – 828
24 – 740
7.5 x 9.25 inches 19.1 x 23.5 centimeters
24 – 828
24 – 740
8 x 10 inches 20.32 x 25.4 centimeters
24 – 440
24 – 400

.Full-Color Book Interiors

Trim Size

White Paper Page Count

5.5 x 8.5 inches 13.97 x 21.59 centimeters
24 – 480
6 x 9 inches 15.24 x 22.86 centimeters
24 – 480
6.14 x 9.21 inches 15.6 x 23.4 centimeters
24 – 480
 7 x 10 inches 17.78 x 25.4 centimeters
24 – 480
8 x 10 inches 20.32 x 25.4 centimeters
24 – 480
 8.5 x 8.5 inches 21.59 x 21.59 centimeters
24 – 480
8.5 x 11 inches 21.59 x 27.94 centimeters
24 – 480

Figuring Number of Pages

The reason we calculate number of pages is to figure the thickness measurement for the spine of the book. If you book is less than about 100 pages, CreateSpace will not print anything on the spine, and your book cover layout will include that smallish blank spine. Based on letter size 8.5″ x 11″ manuscript, single-spaced using 12 point type and Times New Roman font,  if your book is 6 x 9 or less, you can about double the number for your published book. For 100 pages of typed material in letter size at 12 points you can estimate your book will be 200 pages when published. For an 8 1/2 x 11″ book, add about half of the pages to your total pages to be printed.

You will need front matter, back matter, headers, page numbers, margins, illustrations, dividers, end notes, About the Author, Resource Sections, and more. See my Book Blueprint book to for more details about the parts of a book. Once the interior design of your book is completed to the specifications required for printing, you will have an exact count of pages. At that time you may use the CreateSpace Cover Template Calculator again, and then ask the book cover designer to make an adjustment in the size of the spine on the book cover layout, if necessary.

 CreateSpace Cover Template Tool

CreateSpace Book Cover

CreateSpace Cover Template Calculator

This is what the CreateSpace Cover Template Calculator looks like. Once you  know your trim size, number of pages and interior type (black and white or color), you can use the calculator to create your cover template. Next send it in an email to your book cover designer, and keep in mind the file must be in a print ready high-resolution PDF. Let your cover designer know these specifications, so you will not have any trouble when it comes time to upload your book cover file to the CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

If you are a graphic artist and can thoroughly understand the steps below, then I would urge you to design your own book cover just how you would like it. If not, I suggest hiring an expert in book cover design. We offer book cover design services at a very reasonable cost to our students and clients should you need someone, just contact us and we’ll make our best recommendations.


Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Publishing

What is the Best Book Size for Self Publishing?

The best book size is that standard book size of 6 x 9–at least that is the most popular size. However, if you are creating a workbook, most likely you will want a larger, 8.5 x 11 size. If you are producing a 4-color photography book, you will want it even larger, so  mages will be displayed beautifully in all their glory. If writing a novel, a pocket size is more appropriate and that would be about 5 x 8 (exact size is 5.06 x 7.81 at Amazon). These are the main standard sizes that you may expect to be accepted at all, if not  most of the bookstores and all online venues. To learn more about how to publish a book yourself try our FAQ-Frequently Asked Self-Publishing Questions

What is Interior Design in Self-Publishing?

Interior design refers to the inside of the book. If you are self-publishing, you must create the complete manuscript PLUS front and back matter to printer specifications in a digital file. This file is a layout reprentations of how the inside of the book will look. The interior layout must include headers, page numbers, chapter headings, front matter and back matter–and a design using fonts and graphics that flows from the book cover.

Many nuances plague the graphic artist who has never designed a book interior. A head’s up for those who are self-publishing for the first time–create your front and back matter before you hire the interior design artist. To get a good overveiw of the strucure of a book including front and back matter,  see The Book Blueprint by Deborah S. Nelson. If you do not, this will add more billable time to the interior design, maybe even double the price to create interior.

What Does the Term “Bleed” Mean in Self-Publishing?

This term refers to a design choice in printing and is a common error returned when using print on demand services. Many covers include a bleed in the design. What this means is if an image spans the entire surface of the page, it is said to “bleed off the page.” In order to accomplish this in printing, an extra margin must be provided in the layout. Once printed and dried–when it comes time to cut the paper to its final size, this extra margine provides enough extra space for cutting error.

Cutting is not 100% accurate like printing and has a margin of error. That’s why the image that is bleeding off the page must extend far enough to be cut off. If your graphic file does not provide enough image to reach beyond the actual printed page, when final cutting is done, you could see a thin piece of white paper along the edge, rather than a clean edge with the image reaching to all the sides of the paper. To learn more about the details of self-publishing read FAQ-Frequently Asked Self-Publishing Questions.

What is My Royalty When Publishing on Amazon?

Once your book is published through CreateSpace and available for sale on Amazon Books, you can look in your account to check your book sales and your “royalty” earned. What you will see is the retail price which you have already selected in the set up of your book title, minus the cost of printing your book, minus roughly 40% sales fee from Amazon. Therefore, you can expect to make about 60% (less printing costs) for each book sale. This could be considered to be your “royalty.”

A true royalty, however, is granted by contract and in practice, from a traditional publishing who pays anywhere from .10-$1.00 per copy sold–depending on the agreement made. In the case of self-publishing, the final amount you earn is actually more accurately described as net profit, since as a self-publisher, you are in business for yourself. The 40% that goes to Amazon is a sales commission and the small printing fee is a cost of goods–making the final amount paid your net profit. To learn more about the nitty-gritty of self-publishing read Frequently Asked Questions about Self-Publishing by Deborah S. Nelson, Self-Publishing Coach.

5 Self-Publish “Must-Know” Basics

Self-Publishing Basics–What it Really Takes

By Deborah S. Nelson

5 Basics of self Publishing

What, Where, Who, Why, When, How–Figuring out Self-Publishing

Self-Publishing in the digital publishing age is an amazing option for those who have always dreamed to publish a book. But what are the real self-publishing basics you need to know to get started? Using print on demand is almost a miracle when compared to the traditional way of publishing a book. Since I have self-published (or helped writers) with nearly 100 books, I am extremely familiar with the process. As a publishing coach, I find a lot of confusion surrounding the use of the term “self-publishing.” So before I go any further in this article, let’s define the term “self-publishing.” Self-publishing is the process of bringing a work to market by its author. There are many so-called “self-publishing” companies online purported to be self-publishers, when in reality this is not possible. The true definition is that the creator/author is the person who brings his or her works to final printed form. This means that you as an author, take on the role as publisher.

How to Publish Your Own Book

Self-Publishing a Paperback Book

Self-Publishing a Paperback Book

We all have our niches.  I specialize in guiding people through the self-publishing process for a physical book. The e-book trend is starting to subside, and the good old-fashioned printed physical book remains a standard. New reports are show that the growth of e-books is slowing, and the printed book is showing a stronger trend. This article and site provides tools and resources for those publishing a book, a physical book.

Print on Demand

Print on demand is the most recent development in digital technology that has made self-publishing possible and affordable to the masses. Basically print on demand is a digital method of being able to print one book at a time without costly setup charges. Digital art and digital printed presses make it possible for the print on demand company to print books as they are purchased, thus avoiding a large investment in inventory, and expensive set up costs.



Self-Publishing Toolkit
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by becoming a published book author in record time.


What Self-Publishing Really Takes

The biggest problem in the self-publishing arena right now, besides the fact that the terminology is misunderstood, is the fact that many of the print on demand printers are representing themselves a “self-publishers.” This is quite misleading, and for those “who don’t know what they don’t know,” which is most of us; they easily go down a path fraught with unexpected technical frustration and over-spending in order to finish their book. It becomes like a remodeling project gone bad. Is is better to know what it requires to be your own publisher. Below is a list.

1.Project Management: As your own publisher, you become the “general contractor,” the project manager. You make the decisions, oversee the different aspects, pay the subcontractors, and guide the quality of each separate piece.

2. Comittment to Complete: You will need a very strong comittment to complete the book publishing project.  It could take up to a year, depending on the size of the project and how much time each week you have to devote. Traditional publishing companies require that authors sign an agreement before they begin the publish. You may do the same. See or Intent to Publish Agreement.

3. Timeline Finesse: You will juggle the interior editing, copy editing, proofreading, design, layout and preparation of the digital art file to submit to the printer, on a timeline, with the book cover design, and the  author website needed to market the book. Timing is essential is getting the book published in a reasonable period. Refer to our Self-Publishing Checklist. It could take from three months (if experienced and super organized) to publish your books up to a year or longer, depending on the size of the project.

4. Digital Expertise: You will need to understand basic digital terminology related to digital printing. You may refer to our Dictionary of Publishing Terms, which defines a few basic terms. You’ll need to understand art software, specifications, and basic print on demand terminology.

5. Marketing and PR Ability: These days over 73% of books are sold online, which means you’ll need to market your book online. Having book signings in stores and promoting book sales in that way is quickly fading out, as such  small percentage of books are being sold through book stores, so you will need a website. You will also need to learn how to market yourself and your books online. This would be if selling books is important to you. Some people increase their fees to do consulting, workshops, and seminars, and do not have a need to sell a lot of books. Certainly, if selling books is part of your goal, you will need to learn some online marketing skills in order to promote yourself as an author, and to sell books.

Publish your Book Blueprint by Deborah S Nelson

Have a Dream to Publish—
But Lack Time or Know-How?

Look no further. This potent and detailed DIY publishing guide grants you the time and know-how. Learn how to self-publish a book by doing it! Once you become a published author, friends, family, and peers see you in a whole new light! This unique system propels both aspiring and seasoned authors through the digital publishing process step by step. You won’t even need your completed manuscript to start!

Includes downloadable template
Free ISBN number & POD account
10 steps to print on demand publishing
Displays book parts in chronological order
Publish your book blueprint proof in a week


Those who have completed Ms. Nelson’s Courses are raving fans. See Videos Reviews & Author Library.
Hmmm … I am not quite ready—just send me the Free Self-Publishing Toolkit

Self-Publishing Toolkit

FREE SELF-PUBLISHING TOOLKIT

Self-Publishing Companies to Avoid & How to Detect & Prevent Author Scams

By Deborah S. Nelson, Author-Book Coach-Speaker

So many roads to take in publishing a book. Which are the Self-Publshing companies to avoid? Which are the best and worst print on demand services for printing a book?

Keep Your Dream to Publish a Book Alive. Self-Publishing Companies to Avoid

Get Educated: Wrong Turns with Self-Publishing Companies to Avoid Kill Dreams to Publish a Book!

As a self-publishing coach, I am often asked who are the self-publishing companies to avoid? What are the worst “self-publishing” companies? What are the legitimate or best self-publishing companies? How can I make money in self-publishing my book without spending too much money—or getting caught up with scam self-publishing companies?

Who Are Best & Worst Self-Publishing Companies? How to Avoid Self Publishing & Author Scams

If you have landed here, you are probably asking the same question–and that’s understanable. The problem with that question is it is an over simplified question. My quick and easy answer is to say that self-publishing companies to avoid are the ones which will not fit the needs of your self-publishing project. In truth a lot of problems with so-called self-publishing companies are with wrong expectations from the client. Your education could say you thousands of hours and dollars spend on a book project.

This article will help you select the best self-publishing companies for your book publishing projects and how to be aware of particular self-publishing companies to avoid. Some self-publishing companies are just scams and yet others are fine–but its us who must manage their services to get the most bang for our buck. All can be averted with the right questions and research! GET EDUCATED. This site provides self-publishing tips, tools, courses, books, to put you in the best possible position to publish on your own.


Experience the exhilaration of BOOK COACHING during a trial session with Deborah S. Nelson. Click to schedule a complimentary 1/2 hour—available Tuesdays & Thursdays from 12p.m.-6p.m. EST.

COMPLIMENTARY BOOK COACHING
Self-Publishing Toolkit to educate those who need to learn about self-publishing companies to avoid

Get Our Self-Publishing Toolkit-$47

 

How to Be Successful in Self-Publishing a Book

If you are preparing to self-publish a book, this article will help you to properly prepare for success in self-publishing. I have worked inside of a traditional publishing and with offset printing for decades. For the past five years, I have worked extensively in the self-publishing industry and have a good grasp on the landscape of services available in the book publishing industry. In this article, we will tackle the questions of which self-publishing companies to avoid.  However, first, let’s consider the following:

  • So-called “self-publishing” companies are in reality, print on demand companies. Many offer extra services, but they are secondary. To get a more clear understanding of what self-publishing or print on demand really is and what other publishing terms mean, see the Dictionary of Publishing Terms.
  • Selecting a print on demand company or printer is only one step in the self-publishing process. If you have decided to publish a book yourself, understand that it is the equivalent of being your own general contractor for building your home. Selecting a printer to publish your book would be like selecting someone to pour the foundation, put on a roof, or frame up the house. It is but one piece of the entire picture.
  • Selecting the best printing company to print your book depends entirely on the type of book you are going to publish. So the “worst self-publishing company” will be one who least likely matches the requirements of your book project. If publishing a four-color hardback illustrated children’s book, you will want to select a different printing company (“self-publishing company”) than if you are printing a black and white paperback. To learn more about the basic steps of how to publish a book, read other articles on this site.

Publishing SOLO: DIY Publishing Kits Start at $97 with Deborah S. Nelson

Best Way to Avoid Worst Self-Publishing Firms and find Legitmate Self-Publishing Companies

To avoid the worst self-publishing companies, the best approach is to do an analysis of the requirements of your book publishing project. Ask yourself the following questions:

What is the purpose of my book project? Is it to sell lots of books, sell books online, sell books in person, enter the speaking circuit, give workshops using the books, or to leave a legacy for your family?

 Will you need a small or large inventory of books?

Is your budget tiny to small? If so, you will want to consider a print on demand method; books are printed as sold, with no inventory needed.

How important is the quality of printing and paper? If your book includes high-quality four-color illustrations or photos; you will need a different kind of printer, than if publishing a normal paperback book.

Make an Informed Decision to Find Legitimate Self-Publishing & Printing Companies

The trick to finding the best printer for your book publishing project is research. Therefore, take some time to define the specifications of your printing job first. To put together the specifications of your printing project answer the following questions:

    • Will my book be paperback or hardback? (hardback is more expensive and complicated to do)
    • How many printed pages will my book be? (roughly double the number of pages of a 12 point Word document manuscript)
    • Will I have illustrations inside the book? Will I need four-color inside the book?
    • What level of printing quality will my book project need?
    • What size will my book be? Will it be a custom-size or a standard book size?

Some of the Best Self-Publishing Companies

Click Here for Your Self-Publishing Toolkit. Learn about self-publishing terms, processes, and which self-publishing companies to avoid with our self-publishing toolsFor paperbacks, I recommend starting your research with legitimate self-publishing companies such as CreateSpace, LuLu, and Outskirts Press. These “players” have been around since the beginning of print on demand technology and they have their game down. Still, I get many comments about these self-publishing companies who sometimes are being seen as scam self-publishing companies. Keep in mind that although it is free to sign up for a print on demand account in most cases, extra services are often quite overpriced, and this is where the “scamming” comes in. People feel mislead when they discover the “extra costs” involved in self-publishing a book. I suggest reading my article on self-publishing services to learn more about this area.

For Small Quantities of Four-Color Books

For small quantities (or even just one published book) of four-color books (lower quality), I recommend starting your research with Blurb, and for larger quantities, I recommend starting your research with Lightening Source. These are just some suggestions as there are many thousands of self-publishing companies available for printing your book. But the very first step is to clearly define the goals and needs of your book publishing project. As for which self-publishing companies to avoid, I urge you to first do your research on your book project. Then you’ll understand which companies will be a better fit for your project. To learn more about the process of defining your book project, see the following articles:


FAQ-Self-Publishing Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the Best Self-Publishing Companies?

Top self-pubishing companies are those who have proved to be legitimate, have been around since the advent of print on demand, and have been proven to deliver. These include CreateSpace (now owned by Amazon); LuLu, and Outskirts Press. Lightening Source (Ingram) has also recently added a print on demand option. To learn more about self-publishing and self-publishing companies, read the articles: How to Avoid Self-Pubishing Scams with Your Dream to Publish a Book and FAQ-Frequently Asked Self-Publishing Questions.

What is Self-Publishing?

Self-publishing is when the writer or author of creative works takes on the role of publishing their own works. The job is similar to that of a general contractor who builds a house. Both roles include project management, budgeting, scheduling, and overseeing sub contractors doing the various aspects of the book project. Printing the book is the most obvious aspect of the job. However, editing, book cover design, proofreading are just a few of a multitude of other aspects involved in publishing and self-publishing. To learn more details about what self-publishing is read the article, The Real Definition of Self Publishing by Deborah S. Nelson

What is the Difference Between Self-Publishing and Traditional Publishing?

Traditional publishing has been around for hundreds of years. Traditional publishing companies use offset printing to print books. There are many differences between traditional and self publishing, but the primary difference is in the printing. Offset printing requires an expensvie set up, which makes it necessary to print at least 10,000 books. Many pubishers print 25,000 books to make a book affordable to the general public. Generally, but not always, self-publishing uses print on demand printing, which allows an initial print run of just one book, making book pubishing affordable for first-time authors. To learn more details on this question read the article Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing.

What is Print on Demand?

Print on demand came into being about a decade ago. It is a revolutionary technical advance in the field of printing and publishing. In a word, print on demand is digital printing. With ophisticated digital printing presses, once the set up is done properly, it is extremely less expensive than offset printing. The quality is also quite good, with only experts able to tell the difference. Print on demand has given rise to the easy and inexpensive ability to self-publish a book. For further reading, click on my article, FAQ-Self-Publishing Frequently Asked Questions

RELATED ARTICLE: What is Print on Demand?


Publish your Book Blueprint by Deborah S Nelson

Have a Dream to Publish a Book—
But Lack the Time or Know-How?

Look no further. This potent and detailed DIY publishing guide grants the time and know-how. Learn how to self-publish a book by doing it! Once you become a published author, friends, family, peers see you in a whole new light! This unique system propels both aspiring and seasoned authors through the publishing process step by step. You won’t even need a completed manuscript to start!

Includes downloadable template
Free ISBN number & POD account
10 steps to print on demand publishing
Displays book parts in chronological order
Publish your book blueprint proof in a week


Click Here for Your Self-Publishing Toolkit

FREE SELF-PUBLISHING TOOLKIT