Publishing?

Question

I want to publish my first book...poetry/short stories/essays.

where can i get a cheap publishing service?

Answer 1

Why are you immediately jumping to self-publishing? Have you attempted to place your work with a traditional publisher first? Particularly for poetry and fiction, self-publishing is extremely difficult.

traditional publisher:
1. Pays an advance. Even first-time authors can expect up to $5000 or so as an advance.
2. Handles all aspects of production. The publisher handling proofreading, editing, cover art and design, layout, typesetting, advertising, publicity, distribution, and sales.
3. Provides credibility for your work. Traditionally published projects can be used as credentials for inclusion in professional organizations, on resumes, and in portfolios

Self-publishing:
1. You are responsible for all production costs, and only make money if you sell a book
2. You are responsible for all aspects of production. Do you have marketing experience? Do you know how to design a book cover? Are you prepared to pay for proofreading and editing? Do you know how to get distribution for your book so it can get into bookstores?
3. No credibility. Self-published works cannot be included on applications to professional organizations or in portfolios. Regardless of how good your work is, most people in the industry will dismiss you as a hack that couldn't get published.

I'm not saying there are no reasons to self-publish, because there are. However, before you jump into those waters you should research traditional publishers first to insure you are giving your book the best chance for success.

Answer 2

A regular publisher will not be interested until you have some paid publishing credits. I suggest you get Writers Market and start submitting individual pieces to magazines.

You can also pay for publication, but this does not count as being really published. You can spend a lot of money and end up with a bunch of doorstops in your garage.

The third option is to self-publish chapbooks. These are small easily stapled booklets you can set up on your own computer and print. Sell them at craft fairs and give them to family members as Christmas presents.

I've done chapbooks for my short stuff and poems because I know publishers are only interested in my full-length novels.

Answer 3

www.lulu.com is free and easy to use--step by step to load your files, design with gallery covers and have it printed and shipped to you. Or you can invest in distribution through online retailers like amazon.com for 150$.

Answer 4

Take a look at www.iUniverse.com.