Self publishing? Using an company? UH?

Question

Alright, I am a young author (14 to be exact), and am half way through my first book. I plan to finish it by Christmas and edit for a few months after. I want to have ALL rights to my book, and I want to be the one that says what to do with the book and whatnot. If you can't tell, I am a Huge control freak. I like things my way. More so when it is really my work. Get what I mean?

Well, is self publishing a good idea? I have no problem with the price, so don't mention that. If you think it is, do you have any websites about it? I have tried to research, but I never find what I am looking for. If you think it is a bad idea please feel free to tell me why, and tell me what you think I should do.

Well, thanks in advance!!

Answer 1

If the cost of self-publishing is no problem, then you can try the following sites:
www.lulu.com
www.trafford.com
www.iuniverse.com
If your simply type "self-publishing" in Google, you will see that many, many POD (print-on-demand) companies are looking for your business.
Again, self-publishing should only be considered when money is no concern at all. Self-publishing companies will offer you "startup packages" as low as $400, but it's only for 10 copies or so. Additionally, you have to seriously consider editing and proofreading services, which can cost $1,000-$2,000 depending on your book lenght. It is always recommended to have a book revised by a professional.
Major bookstores will only accept books from well-established publishers and refuse self-published books. It easier to keep 5-6 suppliers in their accounting then 5,000.
Finally, please note that Xlibris, a popular self-publishing company, paid $1 million dollars to 9,000 authors since its foundation in 1997. (approximately $111 each over 9 years).
On average, self-published books sell around 100 copies, half of them given to family and friends.
If you wish to get self-published for personal satisfaction, then it's ok. If someone was doing it thinking of making a living out of it, I would not recommend it.
I understrand when you say you would like to keep control on your book. It's true that most traditional publishers will change things in it. But just remember they have many specialists working for them, like graphic designers, editors, marketing analysts. They all work with one objective in mind: that the book will sell. POD companies do not care if your book sells or not, because they already made their profit in printing fees.
Ps: I wrote my first book at 11, so I know how excited you are about it. I wish you the best of luck!

Answer 2

You can have anything published by yourself if you wish. Vanity publishers would be glad to take your money for performing this service. You can take your transcript to a printing company and have it done exactly the way you want it. But, why would you have it published that way, instead of presenting your work to a reputable publishing company, who might (if your work is any good) actually pay you.
Here is how I protect my work ; I seal it in an envelop, send it doulble registered mail to myself and don't ever open it. I don't let anyone see any copy of my work until this is done. That way, if copyright infringement becomes an issue, you have evidence that proves you to be the author. Hell of a lot cheaper than paying all the legal fees for copyright.
Most likely, if you publish on your own, no one will ever read it, so what is the point? Just to tell people that you have been published. You really need an outside opinion about your work, BEFORE you publish.

Answer 3

Try joining the Yahoo Self Publishing Group. There are about 1500 active members all of whom are involved in the industry somehow.

Consider reading books such as Dan Poynter's Self Publishing Manual (currently in its 15 th edition, I believe), and Fern Reiss' Publishing Game series (updated about twice per year, without a new edition number).

You might also look into web sites such as www.aeonix.com or the Reference Desk section of my own site, www.GropenAssoc.com, for information about publishing in general, and printing options, design options and more specific service sources.

Publishing well is as difficult as writing well. You don't want to waste the work you have put into your writing by failing to work on your publishing.

Oh, and I am not implying anything about your abilities as a writer with this statement, but you might find that you aren't the best judge of the way to help your book find its audience. Very few authors have the experience to do that.

Answer 4

You can self Publish. There is a company in Pittsburgh, but I do not know the name. Then there is a Company in Bloomington, Indiana called Author House that you can self publish with.
The other avenue is to pay a literary agent to read your book and market it to publishers.
You can educate yourself on these things and study the Writers Guide available at your local library.
I am extremely jealous as I wrote a book I now hate that was ruined by some low lifes. Don't let anyone ruin your story young lady. Please watch National Treasure for me and make sure I get your vote for best answer. If you want the book that went door to door by President Bush in Pennsylvania as I requested I will be happy to send it to you electronically by e-mailing me at [e-mail] and requesting it and providing your e-mail in the text as yahoo will block your address...that is provided I get "Best Answer"....just kidding. Parker BUT BEWARE MY BOOK MAY MAKE YOU CRY IT IS THAT BAD.

Answer 5

Try iUniverse.com. They help you more than a regular self publishing house. They have agents to help you along and it is all rolled into their fees

There fee are slightly higher but if you want advice as well as control this would seem like a good compromise.

Answer 6

Try checking out http://publishing.hammocksurvivalguide.com/
for some really interesting articles.

Answer 7

http://www.lulu.com

Free self-publishing and you keep all the rights.