[edwest]

Self-Publishing

You are now in the driver's seat, and while there are a number of short run printers, to get high quality paper, you'll need to print in the 1,000 copy range, at least in the US. If you are fortunate, you may find someone who will print 500, but you will have to do the finding. And you must get the correct file format(s) from the printer so that you can send them a file they can work from. You must also ask about what the image resolution should be for photos and other art. The size of your book (6 x 9, or 8 1/2 x 11) and page count are also important factors. So:

You pay for printing, and shipping from the printer, unless they are close by and your print run is low.

You pay for an editor. And an editor is not just someone who looks for misspelled words but also bad sentence structure, and will help you decide how best to present the material. Sometimes, a chronological presentation is the way to go, sometimes beginning chapters need to start the story, followed by a more chronological approach.

Get a proofreader. Before the finished book goes to press, make sure someone with some skill looks it over. We have two editors - I'm one. And invariably, while I catch most of the problems, the other guy catches the rest, and, in most cases, the proofreader catches a few more.

You pay for or learn to do the typesetting and have a program that can integrate text with photos, which may require you to purchase a program. You will also need to know how to select a readable font for the text that is pleasing to the eye, but you no doubt have plenty of books that contain a typeface(s) you like.

The cover. While dust jackets are nice, you can save money by printing directly to the board on a hardcover or release your book as a softcover and save more. Your choice.

Cover designer. Believe it or not, very good covers sell more books. That's why there are dedicated cover designers at the major New York publishing houses. Or you can select a typeface and add all the cover text and images yourself.

You may need a graphic designer to help with photos, maps and other image placement and layout.

Part Two: Distribution

You have the book in hand so now what? How do you sell it? Set up your own web site and pack and ship yourself? This is the most profitable way. And you can contact distributors and specialty sites and make your book available there as well. However, they will take a cut of the cover price. In the US, it's 50%.

You can go to amazon.com or amazon.co.uk but they will take a cut as well. Yes, you can sell your book at full cover price, but people, like Pavlov's dog, have been conditioned to prefer discounts. My advice: don't do it. But it's up to you.


Part Three: Promotion


How will people even know your book came out? Sure, you can post here and at the LEMB but where else? And review copies. Getting a positive review from established magazines and hobby sites is a must. However, they expect a free copy, postage paid. And then there's promotion on your own site.

And don't stop promoting. Maybe get a facebook page devoted to the book's progress and the announcement of its final release. Of course, posters can add comments once they get a copy of the book as well.