How to put a book on the web?

Question

I wrote a book 15 years ago. And it's been sitting on a shelf ever since. Mostly because, back then mailing a manuscript through the mail to different publishers cost lots of money. Plus I was raising two children on my own, and they needed food, and a roof etc. And now that the New Year is just around the corner...well you get the picture. (And even though I am a gram now, doesn't mean I've given up on the dream) So what I'd like to do is simply scan each page and plop-it on the internet. But if that isn't possible, I'm willing to type it word by word etc. So my question is...is there a way to scan and plop-it? If not, that's still ok, but can you tell me where is a good free site where I can just type it up for the world to read? Any help or direction would greately be appreciated. Happy New Year!!

Answer 1

I don't know of any sites to use for this purpose. I would recommend that you start your own website, and that you scan (or type) your book up, and put it on that site as an attachment (for people to download). You can then use the website to try to get regular readers (start a regular column, or something of the sort), who will then hopefully decide that they like your ideas, and would like to read your book. Websites can be had for relatively cheap (I don't have exact numbers, but have known a number of people with limited financial resources who have managed to have their own sites), and there are many tools out there to help you set a site up. By getting your name out there, while also writing down new ideas to try to attract people to your site, you may have something to point to in the future to make a publisher interested in you, and may also be encouraged to write additional books.

If your book is of the type which would work well in audio format, you may also want to read it and record it, or have someone do it for you, and put that on your website as well. This may broaden your appeal, and since it seems that your aim is to get your ideas out into the world, rather than to get rich, anything you can do that will make people more likely to experience your thoughts is a good thing.

Good luck to you.

Answer 2

I think the idea of putting it up on the web is a good one, or of making your own website. there is www.blogspot.com that allows people to create their own blogs and they used to have a section about blogging your novel. they should have tips on how to do it, and its free. or at least it used to be.

Answer 3

i'd suggest you this site:

http://www.fictionpress.com/

upload it there as it guides you
good luck