Self publishing: Have you done it? Do you want to?

I have been interested in self publishing for several years. I am considering doing it when I get my book done. I am also interested in helping others through the self publishing process. I have come across a few self publishing coaches or consultants. I already work with writers and other creatives. Is it worth offering another service or maybe even it being the main service.

Anyways, I am interested in hearing other peoples experience or questions or thoughts on self publishing. I am currently thinking of moving my business in a different direction. I have been mainly working with jewelry artist and running my own jewelry biz and have learned that it isn't really something I'm passionate about.

Tags: publishing, self

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Permalink Reply by FatherJPChrstVampyr on July 23, 2009 at 3:22pm: I have only published once through Lulu.com but am looking for a better source that doesnt charge a lot or upfront; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by SpiralingElements on July 23, 2009 at 5:16pm: i'm in the process of researching companies like Lulu.com. Where there things that you did or didn't like about their service? Is there a link to your book? I believe that Lulu.com owns the ISBN and pays you in royalties, is that right? Have you checked out createspace.com?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Christin Keck on July 23, 2009 at 11:32pm: I've self-published two books this year, and I must say that I found it to be a fantastic process BUT--only through one website. That would be Createspace.com. They are by far the best deal out there--it's totally FREE to publish your book, (you only buy proof copies,) and they also sell your title on amazon.com, target.com and in their own e-store. It was a super-easy, almost stupid-proof method, the print quality of the finished product is exceptionally nice, and they have tons of tutorials and help available. IMHO, they cannot be beat for value and ease of use, and the product is fantastic.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Christin Keck on July 23, 2009 at 11:34pm: PS: Createspace allows you to own your ISBN and all your rights--you can market your book at any other publishing firm you wish after publication. And there are no hidden costs.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by SpiralingElements on July 24, 2009 at 11:30am: Thanks for the info. Right now for my biz I have been slowly making my way through all the companies taking notes on their services. If I move forward in this new direction I'll need to be up to date on everything.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by SpiralingElements on September 16, 2009 at 6:51pm: lets us know how it goes with your site.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Moonwillow on September 19, 2009 at 12:59pm: Hi
I self-published my 1st fantasy-fiction novel last year and up to now have absolutely no regrets about taking this route.
I am not going to say it was easy, it wasn't. But I have sold over 3000 books to date and my novel is still selling really well.
I know in publishing terms this isn't a huge amount but I am a really happy bunny with how things are progressing!
There are a lot of legalities you have to look into and know about if you take this route but I have learnt an incredible amount on my journey so like I say well worth it.
Remember to check who actually owns the artwork for your jacket design to avoid problems down the road. Just because you paid for the artwork doesn't mean you actually own the copyright for it and down the road should you not own this copyright the artist can claim co-author and have a right to half of anything you make. Just something to think about. I bought the copyright to the artwork for mine to avoid this.
Also remember to purchase your isbn. Not only does this register your book on all the new releases that go out to retailers it means you can sell your work in shops and online.
I think the hardest thing to do when you self-publish is finding places to promote your work. In this day and age it is so expensive for advertising and if you don't have a lot of money this can be hard. Even just setting up stalls in your local towns to promote and sell your work can come into thousands of dollars or pounds. Especially when you consider that to do anything requires you have public liability which again just adds to your expenses. I have relied heavily on the web and social networking sites to do this and for me personally this has been successful along with setting up a website dedicated specifically to the novel!
I am now in the middle of writing the sequel to this novel and now have a solid fan base who are posting me regularly for updates on when I am going to release the next one!

I hope my own experiences of self-publishing will help anyone who is thinking of taking this route themselves.
Blessings!; ▶ Reply to This