The e-book/POD publishers I use are a British outfit, Authors Online (but they work with foreign-based authors also). Their website is here:
http://www.authorsonline.co.uk/default.aspAnother one I looked at is Writers Services here:
http://www.writersservices.com/index.htm although I didn't follow that up as they didn't respond to my enquiry!
Both sites are a useful source of information and advice on self-publishing even if you don't use their services.
I have so far found Authors Online to be responsive and fast. My book was available on-line and in print about two months after I first contacted them, which is just incredible by the standards of conventional publishing. I only asked for a standard paperback, but the paper and print quality is very good - clearly above average. They will do illustrated hardbacks also. And you don't need to order any quantity of books. You get a few as a part of the package, then individual copies are printed as ordered.
The clear benefits of this approach IMO are:
1. Speed and certainty of publication.
2. Total control over the appearance, layout, content.
3. On payment of a small annual fee, the book will be kept available indefinitely.
4. On payment of another fee, you can amend it and produce another 'edition'.
5. You will never see it remaindered in cheap bookshops!
The disadvantages, apart from the need to find money up front, are:
1. You have to do your own marketing. The publishers advertise your book on their website, put it on Amazon and get it an ISBN number, but after that you're on your own.
2. You won't attract the 'casual bookshop browser' market as bookshops generally won't have it on their shelves (they normally work on a 'sale or return' basis which isn't compatible with POD).
If you're looking into self-publishing, you do need to watch out for 'vanity publishers'. I initially made inquiries about one which proposed to supply me with 500 glossy hardback copies of my book - for about $20,000!
Given the choice, I'd rather work with a good conventional publisher because of the disadvantages I list above. However, if you can't find one willing to publish your work, and you can afford some money upfront, a good self-publishing firm is well worth considering.
Tony Williams: Military gun and ammunition website and discussion forum