Ok, I would someday like to self publish. . . For those of you who have, would you give me Internet links to what you used, and give me any tips about it?



If you've been doing research, but haven't published, but still have something that looks promising, GO AHEAD AND POST!
I've been doing research, but the thing is, I might as well ask you what you did. You are more reiable (I'd hope ) than all the glowing reports that publishing sites have for themselves.

The things that I've looked at so far are; Holy Fire Publishing, Create Space, and Lulu publishing.


Thanks soooo much!

I (and probably all other publishing researchers) thank you.

I've self-published four of my books so far, though I prefer to use the term indie publishing. It's quite an adventure, and by the time you've been doing it for a few years, it's amazing what you learn.

For all of my books, I've used Create Space, and I love it. I personally wouldn't go with anyone else. I've had a few issues (defective covers here and there, etc.), but nothing major, and they've been good about fixing any of their mistakes. I've heard some bad things coming from Lulu, but a lot of people use both since Lulu offers hardcover books. So far, I think Create Space is definitely the best as far as price goes. And a huge advantage is CS is owned by Amazon so your books are listed there in a matter of days after you hit "publish."

As for somewhere like Holy Fire Publishing, the problem with companies like that are you have to set your book price pretty high to make a profit, and the author copies are expensive compared to CS (I used their royalty calculator and one of my books would cost me about $9 from HFP and I can get it for $5 from CS). So that's something to consider.

Also, besides doing paperbacks, I highly recommend doing an ebook version of your book. I have mine uploaded to both Kindle and Smashwords, and that's where almost all the sales are. Ebooks are extremely popular right now, and it's so easy and completely free to do.

If you or anyone has any specific questions, feel free to ask away. You can PM or email me too. I'm always happy to help any new indies since I'm hugely in favor of it.

*jumps up and down excitedly* Oo! I might use CreateSpace! It's good to know of somebody who's used it and liked it!

I have self-published (once thru Tate and once twice thru CreateSpace. I wrote a blog about important things to consider when self-publishing which is here on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_po ... lf-publish

Just be aware that with self-publishing (and indie) most of the marketing is up to you!

If you would like to see my books on Amazon go here: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss? ... ayne+giron

Book trailers for both books are on my Author Central page. I also do book trailers for hire. You can view samples here: http://www.mandmvideoproductions.blogspot.com/

True, marketing is a big factor to consider. I spend tons of time on it, but I've been hearing from traditionally published authors who are saying publishing houses are now leaving a lot of the marketing to the author anyway. So either way, there's going to be a lot of work involved. Makes it more satisfying.

Here's a good blog post by Wayne Thomas Batson (who is self-publishing one of his novels this summer). http://enterthedoorwithin.blogspot.com/2011/04/ebooks-bringing-down-house-part-2.html
It's mostly on ebooks, but he says exactly what I've always believed about traditional publishing, which has made me so adamantly stick to indie publishing for my work. Things are definitely going through some changes in the publishing world. I find it exciting.

You girls should PM our Council member, Timotheous. He is looking at creating a section of the forum that is specifically dedicated to information gathered on publishing. I'm sure you guys would have a lot to contribute, and he'd love to hear from you both.

*gets pm from Airi pointing me to this thread, and smiles*

I'm so glad to see we have more people researching this, and even some who've done it. I have a thread, Herald's Hall, in the planning room which will be a place to post links to information and discuss our view on the advice in the link. It would also include stuff like Create Space versus Lulu, etc. I'm not sure when it will go up, but I'll let you know when it does. Splashdown books is a small press publisher of Christian Fantasy and SF you might consider as well. I have more to say, but I don't want to put too many different ideas in one thread in favor of splitting them into their own thread once Herald's Hall is set up. It's great to meet those of you I've never seen before, and I look forward to teaming up in this endeavor.

I'm not published yet, but I have done some preliminary research. But I've found a publishing company, Flaming Pen Press, which I'm thinking may be my first step in the great publishing world. Like many companies, with Flaming Pen Press you do have to market your own book, but apparently that's becoming more and more common.

I, personally, don't want to go the ONLY eBook route.

Thank you all! Very helpful!

I've sent a few queries to traditional publishing agents already, but have since stopped sending those and am now returned to intensive revising. I am a no-website, no-blog, no-nothing-at-all schmoe who has never been published in anything at all, and yet my first work will be a full length novel.

What publishers did you send to Reiyen? Did you get form rejections?

I think you have the right idea with revising if your submissions weren't accepted. In the meantime, I would suggest trying out my critique group and starting a blog (with thoughts on purchasing a domain using your name). If you get an idea for a short story, give it a try. You'll learn a lot from editing a shorter story, and getting that first piece of professional recognition if it gets published is a good sign you are ready to publish a novel. (Mike Duran advocated this in my interview on audioTim)

If you have any questions about those suggestions, let me know. I'm not saying my word is Gospel, or anything, only that I believe those will help.