what are the steps involved in self publishing a book?

Question

What are the advantages and disadvantages over getting a publisher? How does one get a publisher?

Answer 1

The best way to get your book published is by following these steps:

1. Don't self publish. You'll spend a lot of money and most likely have little to show for it. It's sad that so many people are out there exploiting people who just want their ideas and dreams to be heard, but it's true.

2. Ask your friends, teachers, experts on the subject and others you respect to read your manuscript and suggest improvements.

3. When you really think your book is awesome -- I mean truly, honestly, in your heart -- send the manuscript to literary agents. Try a directory of literary agents like Writer's Market. Another good idea is to find out which agents represent authors you really respect. You can often discover the agent's name by checking the author's acknowledgements page, particularly for the author's first book or two.

4. Absorb dozens upon dozens of rejections, if not hundreds.

5. Keep writing!

Answer 2

Getting your writing published is hard. The reason for that is that publishers are fairly sure of what sells and that is what they are looking for. There are manuals listing publishing houses and what they publish and what the submission guidlines are.
Self publishing may be appropriate for a niche type of book for which you have identified a select market or for instance a book of poetry which may be distributed via a personally established network.
The steps will be different depending on where you live. Why don't you search out some writers groups online. They have a wealth of information and there are forums where you could get specific info. from people who have already done what you want to find out about.

Answer 3

not too difficult to self-publish. there are a zillion self-publishing website out there. what i've heard about advantages and disadvantages--

self-publishing, you get there book out there, one way or another, and, although you put the money up front, you can, theoretically, make more than by having it published via traditional means.

traditional publishing, you don't put as much money up front, it takes longer, cuz you have to find someone to publish you (look for a Writer's Market book for lists of publishers) or you have to find an agent, but there is the prestige involved and the more likelihood that if they decide to publish your book, they have already decided it will do well for them, and you might have some success that way.

it's a toss up these days!

Answer 4

One thing you should be made aware of: Self-publishing does not make you a published author despite the word "publishing" in there. Places like iUniverse and Lulu do not check for content, grammar, syntax, spelling, etc so that is entirely up to you. Self-publishing and vanity publishing are both expensive and generally not worth your time. The only time self-publishing isn't too bad is when you're doing it for yourself and only want a few copies. If you're doing it in the hopes you'll become a bestseller you're in for a rude awakening. Unfortunately vanity presses and self-publishing has bred a new crop of egomaniacs who like to brag about being published authors when in reality they're not. But, that's just my two cents. EDIT: I speak truth and get a couple thumbs down. Nice.

Answer 5

Self publishing is nothing more than vanity publishing no matter if it's on line or through a vanity publisher. It is simply don't to assuage your ego and for no other reason. It's NOT REAL publishing. Getting into REAL and legitimate publishing is VERY difficult which is why the vanity publishers exist.

Answer 6

How to Publish a Book. What is Book Self-Publishing?
In the past, if you wanted to publish a book you had to hire a literary agent or submit your manuscript to book publishers yourself. Over 98 percent of all unsolicited manuscripts submitted to traditional publishers are rejected. Hiring a literary agent is expensive and time consuming. At AuthorHouse, we will show you how to become your own publishing agent by self-publishing your book and bypassing the literary agencies.

With AuthorHouse, you can publish your own manuscript and maintain copyright. We answer all of your how-to questions and guide you through every step of the book self-publishing process, from publishing to distribution. Your book will be available for order at more than 25,000 retail outlets worldwide, on the Internet via Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and through the AuthorHouse online store.

At AuthorHouse, you self-publish your own manuscript in black and white or full-color and bypass the rejection letters and literary agents. As an AuthorHouse author, you are eligible to take advantage of our comprehensive suite of book promotion tools.

If you would like to learn more about how to publish a book with AuthorHouse or would like to learn more about the book self-publishing process, complete this form to receive our complimentary Publishing Guide Book by mail. This in-depth guide explains our process and invites you to take your self-publishing journey with us. You may also call toll-free at 888.519.5121 to speak with one of our author advocates.