Self-Publishing: What's Best for Authors?
Nan Barnes
If you are planning to produce a memoir or family history book for commercial distribution, the services of companies like iUniverse, Create Space, Lulu, or Xlibris may look very attractive. But before you sign up you should read Carla King's article The Pitfalls of Self-Publishing on the Media Shift website. King, who is the author of The Self-Publishing Bootcamp Workbook, examines all aspects of the service packages offered by these companies including:
There are some advantages to the services these companies offer. But King uses case studies to show that authors thinking of using one should research exactly what they are buying before putting their names on a contract. King also looks at using independent professionals to assist with editing, book design and marketing. She concludes, "In terms of working with consultants, remember that paid professionals are as proud of their work as you are of your own, and they're a joy to collaborate with. For book authors this is, luckily, the more rewarding choice."
We couldn't have said it better. That's why Stories To Tell offers you the services of a personal editor throughout the process of creating your book.
To read King's full article copy and paste this link into your browser www.pbs.org/mediashift/2010/03/the-pitfalls-of-using-self-publishing-book-packages084.html
- Who controls the rights to the book?
- What share of the sale price of each book goes to the company and what to the author?
- What are the limits of book distribution offered by these publishers?
- What marketing and publicity services are actually included in the service package?
- Does the package include personal services by a professional editor or book designer or a template based program?
There are some advantages to the services these companies offer. But King uses case studies to show that authors thinking of using one should research exactly what they are buying before putting their names on a contract. King also looks at using independent professionals to assist with editing, book design and marketing. She concludes, "In terms of working with consultants, remember that paid professionals are as proud of their work as you are of your own, and they're a joy to collaborate with. For book authors this is, luckily, the more rewarding choice."
We couldn't have said it better. That's why Stories To Tell offers you the services of a personal editor throughout the process of creating your book.
To read King's full article copy and paste this link into your browser www.pbs.org/mediashift/2010/03/the-pitfalls-of-using-self-publishing-book-packages084.html