Self-publishing, POD and e-publishing

What about a Publishing Partner?

TPwrites — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:23:49 GMT

http://www.naphtalibooks.com/aboutus.html

Accepting manuscript submissions for books to be released in 4Q of this year or 1Q 2010. You won't be classified as "self-published" because you don't pay. You won't get a limo to pick you up and a spot on the Today show (yet) but you'll get your book in print and distributed through Ingram. Check it out!

Publishing to the Kindle

JasonInKS — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 22:50:48 GMT

All,

I wanted to relay my experience publishing my book, The Final Solution, to Amazon's Kindle eBook device (Kindle version) in the hopes that it might open an additonal avenue for sales to you as well.

I purchased a Kindle in February '08 and was fascinated with the display which looked amazingly like paper and the over-the-air delivery of content via Sprint's EVDO 3G cellular network. I had just published my first novel in 2006 via Lulu and the paperback was selling on Amazon so I decided to release a Kindle version. It certainly couldn't hurt anything.

The process was simple. You just go to Kindle's publishing site: http://dtp.amazon.com/mn/signin and register. To upload, the first step is to convert it to HTML first via MS Word's Save As feature. It would seem that when you save a manuscript in HTML form, which is formatted for final distribution to a publisher, the resultant HTML would look like the original manuscript but unfortunately, this isn't the case. It does a fair job but you'll want to go through the HTML output and "massage" the page breaks, drop-caps, etc. to make it look presentable in a web browser. Why a web browser? Because that's essentially how the Kindle presents the material on it's e-Ink display.

Once you're satisfied with the HTML version of your manuscript, upload the file to the Amazon Digital Text platform. The site will walk you through pricing. Amazon gets 60% of the total revenue, leaving you with 40% in your pocket with each sale but there's zero overhead in printing, fulfillment, and shipping -- the supply chain is shortened to one step: delivery via Sprint's cellular network right to the buyer's Kindle as they lay in their bed on a wintry night.

Depending on how you setup the method for Amazon's royalties payments, you'll receive money quarterly for all sales in the previous three months. It's wonderful to look at my bank statement and see a deposit from Amazon.com -- everything's automatic.

Regarding my experience with sales to the Kindle: I've actually seen Kindle sales increase over the past 4 months while traditional paperback sales have dropped off sharply. My personal opinion is that the $4.99 that I charge for the Kindle edition of The Final Solution is easy for a buyer to bite off vs. the $25 charge for a paperback. After all, from a buyer's psychological mindset, it's much easier to take a risk on an unknown author when the price is about on par with a Starbuck's Latte.

Another huge plus with the Kindle is that you get to decide what should be in your book's "Sample". You see, if a buyer is interested in your book but not yet willing to part with real dollars, they'll click the "Send me a Sample" link from the marketplace and instantly the sample that you, the Author and Publisher, set is sent to their Kindle. When they get to the end of the sample, there's a "Did you enjoy the sample? Buy Now" link. When they click, the purchase happens automatically and the full book is delivered to their Kindle wirelessly; you get another sale and another guaranteed royalty payment!

I honestly believe that eBooks are a wave, like it or not, that we have to learn to ride now in order to succeed as authors in the next revolution in publishing. I'm not convinced that the Kindle will be the nail in paper's coffin but these devices are removing many of the objections that readers have had in the past. If your book is only available in paper, consider publishing to Amazon's Digital Text platform. It's free and the potential sales are real.

Enjoy!

Self publishing

Lily60pad — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:02:19 GMT

I have self published two books of which neither did well dispite all the money spent to get them out. I am disappointed to say the least. I was lead to believe that they would help me get the word out and such, but all they did was send me info on what to do. I am NOT a salesperson and now would like to find a REAL publisher that would be willing to pick up the books and give me a whirl.

What you guys think?

NellyDreams — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:47:58 GMT

I have been looking for the best company to print my next poetry book. I don't have that much money to work with right now. Don't us all...? Ok I went with Catawba Publishing Company(small press last year but my focus is distribution. Their prices isn't that bad. Just wanted to research some more to possibly get what I want and need. Now the other day, I received a postcard from Fidlar DoubleDay. Now is that a good choice to go with?

Has anyone worked with them?

Nelly

E-books

Frederick Claus — Mon, 08 Nov 2004 18:25:19 GMT

I have a book that I wrote on marketing for a small hom based business. It's not all that big, but it has some tips for marketing that not too many people would think about.

I wanted to self publish this book as an Ebook having people come directly to my web site to get it. Should I be conserned with people trying to steal my book or just sending their friends a copy of the file?

I also have a movie trivia book I wanted to sell that way too.

Frederick

Good Places to List a Self Published Book

mimswriting — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:48:19 GMT

I put this up in another forum so please excuse the cross post.

I am trying to help my friend get the word out on the internet about his book. He already has a website. What I'm interested in finding are places on the web where we can post a short description about his book, all the necessary information and his website.

I don't know anything about internet marketing for a self-published book and would appreciate any help, ideas and suggestions.

Thanks in advance,

Mims

Self publishing good or bad?

DerekWhite — Wed, 10 Nov 2004 22:01:01 GMT

Im thinking about publishing with Authorhouse. is it a good or bad idea?

The joys? of Self -Publishing

dragonkeeper — Thu, 09 Jun 2005 06:45:05 GMT

Has anyone self-published? I have and just want to hear about experiences of others.

Marketing Your Book

melaniekay — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 19:20:01 GMT

Hello, all. I am new to the publishing world; I'm planning to try to publish my first book by the end of the year (or so). I am curious though, about the different ways you can market your book after it has been printed. I know with self-publishing and print-on-demand companies, you do most of the work. What about with mainstream publishing companies? How much work do they do for you, and how much are you expected to do? Also, I know many self-publishing companies give you options for the sort of marketing "package" that you can buy, but how does it work in mainstream publishers?

Any thoughts/advice in this area is welcome. Thanks!

Just need a little help

BigRedMachine — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 04:04:09 GMT

I have this one story that only took me a couple of months to work on. My process was very hard. First i had to plan everything out in my head, jot down notes, use a taperecorder to record notes, write it down on paper, write it all over again (w/corrections) then I typed it up with even more corrections. I used an old computer that just kept crashing at times. Add in the fact that I was in the hospital a while last year.

Anyway, I was wondering if someone out there could help me with trying to find someway to get my story published. I added the pages up and I think 123 pages qualifies it as a book. I could be wrong but if I could just get somehelp with this that would be great.

Anybody heard of a place called Lulu's?

seanwrites — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 12:50:35 GMT

What can you tell me about Lulu.com - Free Self-Publishing?

I have a friend-of-a-friend who is a freelance writer. She has recently self-published two or three manuscripts through Lulu. She suggested the online self-publishing, but I am a little apprehensive as I am looking to publish short stories.

Any advice or information or opinions about Lulu.com?

POD- and Self-Published Authors: Get a Free Web Listing at NothingBinding.com

WordedWrite — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 02:37:48 GMT

New! A Web site for authors whose books are not stocked in book stores! Introduced by a former Warner Books executive, this site is for all of the world's readers to find great books that they won't see in bookstores. And IT'S FREE!

If you're a self- or POD-published author, get a listing now at http://www.NothingBinding.com!

Hiring a Publicist for a POD-published Book

Factuality — Tue, 28 Jun 2005 00:22:24 GMT

I've been reading about generating publicity for POD books, and there is so much to know! I think I might benefit from meeting with or possibly hiring a professional publicist. Has anyone here worked with a publicist? What should I know?

Thank you,

Factuality

Novel Writing Software?

Searcher — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 20:32:22 GMT

A question I would like to put to you- Is using a software program like NewNovelist, helpful for starting out a novel? Structure wise? Is ANY software program that would assist a new novelist for that matter good? Or is this like, how shall I say it; . . . cheating? Comments please. Thanks.

-Searcher

Unfavorable article about PublishAmerica in the Washington Post

DeePower — Sat, 22 Jan 2005 22:04:59 GMT

Another member suggested I post this here

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A25187-2005Jan20.html

Dee