Description
Author's note: this book was updated in September 2011 to cover the issue of formatting books into ebook editions and distributing them to major e-readers: Kindle, iPad, Reader, Nook, Kobo...'Times are bad. Children no longer obey their parents and everyone is writing a book.' Cicero 106-43 BC Roman orator and statesman Self-publishing can be more rewarding than being published - creatively, financially, and in other respects - if you go about it the right way. You could well be confused, as many self-publishers are, by the multiplicity of options available to you. The good news is that you can now make your books visible and available to book buyers around the world at minimal cost. This book was made available worldwide as a paperback for a one-off payment of just GBP42.00 and as an ebook (Kindle, iPad, Reader, Nook, Kobo...) for a one-off payment of GBP95.00. As a self-publisher, what are your options for new books? Should you choose an offset lithography print run, a digital print run, or maybe print-on-demand (POD)? Hardback or paperback, or other formats? Possibly an ebook too?And, crucially, how will you get your books distributed cost-effectively to buyers around the world? This book will take you through the options and explain their relative advantages and disadvantages. It provides guidance on selecting book topics with strong sales potential; writing distinctively; obtaining a professional critique of your work; writing content-rich non-fiction; writing in a number of genres; choosing between hardback and paperback and other formats; choosing the optimal printing method; book content formatting; book specifications; colour plate section options; distribution; print-on-demand ('POD'); order fulfilment; dealing with Amazon, Lightning Source, Nielsen, and Bowker; printers; copy editors and proofreaders; typesetters; cover designers; photographers; pricing; marketing your books - and a whole lot more besides. Mike Buchanan, a British writer and former business consultant, is the author of six books. He's been published internationally by a major publisher (in English and Chinese editions), and he's self-published. He much prefers self-publishing, for a variety of reasons.In January 2010, at the age of 52, he took early retirement and now writes and self-publishes full-time. He developed the model of 'professional self-publishing' outlined in this book. The model has been designed to help self-publishers enjoy their writing more, increase their output of strong titles, and maximise their profits.
About the Author
Mike Buchanan (1957- ) is a British author who has written nine books since 2008. The first was published and distributed internationally by Kogan Page, the other books were published and distributed internationally by his own company, LPS publishing (lpspublishing.co.uk). Copies of all the books are available to order from the website, upon request Mike will both sign and dedicate books ordered from the website. Credit cards accepted. Before taking early retirement and starting to write and self-publish full-time in January 2010, Mike Buchanan worked for 25 years at a senior level in the procurement of goods and services for major organisations, including printed materials: this experience provide invaluable material for the book.
Reviews
I've been publishing my own books for over 20 years, after having been published by more than a dozen of London's leading publishers including Pan, Penguin, Corgi, Arrow etc. I've had books on both the 'Bookseller' and 'Sunday Times' bestseller lists. During the last two decades I've self-published scores of books and sold millions of copies around the world. I wish I'd had Mike Buchanan's book 'The Joy of Self-Publishing' when I started. It's the best damned book on publishing in existence. Brilliant. I'm learning stuff from it every time I open it. Writers who try self-publishing without reading it first - and without keeping it on their desks as they go on - are giving themselves an extra handicap. And in the business of self-publishing we all start with enough handicaps. Dr Vernon Coleman Reviews from buyers on Amazon.co.uk 5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful, easy to understand, and amusing 5 Aug 2011 By Richard W Hardwick As a published writer setting myself up as a self-publishing writer I've bought at least eight books on self-publishing and book design. And now I've designed my book I'm finding this one is the one I'm turning to more than any other. I didn't even plan to buy it. Mike answered a question of mine in a Yahoo group on self-publishing and then he gave me his phone number so I could go over some issues in more detail. I only bought his book because I felt I ought to. But here's why it worked so well. It really is the easiest one to understand. And self-publishing (if you're new to it) is so complicated you wonder why you ever decided to bother half the time. It made me smile a number of times too, and I'm pretty miserable so that's no mean feat. If you're new to self-publishing buy this book and then scout around the rest of them and buy one more too, one that's specifically designed for what you want. You'll get there (I almost am) and a book like this will help you. 5.0 out of 5 stars Great reading for all budding writers 9 Sep 2010 By A Heslop Technology has opened up a whole new world for writers and self-publishers - until I read this book I didn't realise by just how much. So, if there's a book in you - write it. Begin to write it now, whilst the creative urge is flowing. But before you get too far, read Mike Buchanan's book The Joy of Self-Publishing. You'll learn more about writing and publishing by investing just a few hours, than you normally would in ten years of self-discovery: Buchanan has been there, done it, and learnt how to make it work. This book provides inspiration (should you need it) but above all is commercial and honest about successful book publishing - it will both motivate you and help you avoid costly and annoying mistakes. And I've been there. I wrote a book that was published by a mainstream publishing house. They did a good job and the book sold okay, but their overheads were so high that by the time I received my royalties I'd worked for less than the minimum wage. Mainstream publishing makes no sense when the tools exist to do it profitably yourself - and I sense that Buchanan gets as much pleasure from the publishing process as he does from writing. My next book will be self published and the process set out in The Joy of Self-Publishing is exactly how I'll do it. 5.0 out of 5 stars At long last, a comprehensive and practical guide to self-publishing 19 Feb 2011 By KateS Unlike other books I've bought on the subject of self-publishing, this book provides practical solutions to all the problems self-publishers face, and is right up-to-date on the options available. Its coverage of Print-on-Demand ('POD') is authoritative and its comparison of the economics of different book specification options (e.g. paperbacks, hardbacks, plate sections) is very helpful. The writer delivers his knowledge of the subject with a good deal of humour and I laughed out loud on a number of occasions. The lengthy appendix of quotations on publishing, book writing etc. could be a boon for self-publishers: many are funny, many insightful. 4.0 out of 5 stars A must read for a wannabee author 31 Mar 2011 By Mrs H Owens I received Mike Buchanan's book The Joy of Self-Publishing a couple of months ago and such a valuable pack of information shouldn't be wasted on the shelf! I've been considering writing a book of my own for many months, but with the vast information available didn't know where or how to start. I especially wanted a guide to tell me about specific resources but with the internet searches I got all lost and confused and came to the edge of giving up before even starting. The Joy of Self-Publishing reached me just in time and I can't recommend it more highly to anyone who is wondering where to start. It's obvious that Mike has worked hard to give practical advice and detailed information on process, formatting, other resources including even the costs! Like everything in life, writing and publishing a book requires effort but with the aid of Mike Buchanan's book it seems not just possible but achievable. The invaluable resource The Joy of Self-Publishing gave me the hope that I (and anyone) can now make a book visible and available to book buyers around the world at minimal cost. The Joy of Self-Publishing takes you through the options and explain their relative advantages and disadvantages realistically. This book also provides guidance on selecting book topics with strong sales potential; writing distinctively as well as writing content-rich non-fiction. It even offers help choosing between hardback and paperback and other formats. With the aid of The Joy of Self-Publishing I am hoping to say, it's all much easier then it sounds! Thank you, Mike Buchanan. Review from a lady buyer on Amazon.com 5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous, encouraging, and hysterical (yes - this book is helpful AND very funny) February 27, 2011 By Kelly McCarthy Barner (Shrewsbury, MA United States) I read Mike Buchanan's first book Profitable Buying Strategies about a year ago, and when I was thinking of writing my own book on procurement I found he'd written another book that would help me out. I received my copy of this book not quite a week ago and I've already finished it. More than once I actually laughed out loud while reading it, which caused my husband to think I was hiding another book inside this one's cover, which I wasn't. Really. If you're even considering writing a book of your own, I can't recommend this one more highly. Mike's practical advice and detailed information on process, formatting, other resources, and costs make the effort required to get a book into print sound just challenging enough to risk trying. The book is made available using the same POD process he outlines in the book so you're holding the last piece of encouragement you need right in your hands. I've now proofed my review (because who would take me seriously as a potential writer if I made obvious mistakes in a simple review?) and plan to go right back to Mike's book - next to which is the pile of notes I will turn into a book of my own thanks to Mike's help.
Book Information
ISBN 9780955878466
Author Mike Buchanan
Format Paperback
Page Count 274
Imprint LPS Publishing
Publisher LPS Publishing
Weight(grams) 389g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 156mm * 14mm
About the Author
Mike Buchanan (1957- ) is a British author who has written nine books since 2008. The first was published and distributed internationally by Kogan Page, the other books were published and distributed internationally by his own company, LPS publishing (lpspublishing.co.uk). Copies of all the books are available to order from the website, upon request Mike will both sign and dedicate books ordered from the website. Credit cards accepted. Before taking early retirement and starting to write and self-publish full-time in January 2010, Mike Buchanan worked for 25 years at a senior level in the procurement of goods and services for major organisations, including printed materials: this experience provide invaluable material for the book.
Reviews
I've been publishing my own books for over 20 years, after having been published by more than a dozen of London's leading publishers including Pan, Penguin, Corgi, Arrow etc. I've had books on both the 'Bookseller' and 'Sunday Times' bestseller lists. During the last two decades I've self-published scores of books and sold millions of copies around the world. I wish I'd had Mike Buchanan's book 'The Joy of Self-Publishing' when I started. It's the best damned book on publishing in existence. Brilliant. I'm learning stuff from it every time I open it. Writers who try self-publishing without reading it first - and without keeping it on their desks as they go on - are giving themselves an extra handicap. And in the business of self-publishing we all start with enough handicaps. Dr Vernon Coleman Reviews from buyers on Amazon.co.uk 5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful, easy to understand, and amusing 5 Aug 2011 By Richard W Hardwick As a published writer setting myself up as a self-publishing writer I've bought at least eight books on self-publishing and book design. And now I've designed my book I'm finding this one is the one I'm turning to more than any other. I didn't even plan to buy it. Mike answered a question of mine in a Yahoo group on self-publishing and then he gave me his phone number so I could go over some issues in more detail. I only bought his book because I felt I ought to. But here's why it worked so well. It really is the easiest one to understand. And self-publishing (if you're new to it) is so complicated you wonder why you ever decided to bother half the time. It made me smile a number of times too, and I'm pretty miserable so that's no mean feat. If you're new to self-publishing buy this book and then scout around the rest of them and buy one more too, one that's specifically designed for what you want. You'll get there (I almost am) and a book like this will help you. 5.0 out of 5 stars Great reading for all budding writers 9 Sep 2010 By A Heslop Technology has opened up a whole new world for writers and self-publishers - until I read this book I didn't realise by just how much. So, if there's a book in you - write it. Begin to write it now, whilst the creative urge is flowing. But before you get too far, read Mike Buchanan's book The Joy of Self-Publishing. You'll learn more about writing and publishing by investing just a few hours, than you normally would in ten years of self-discovery: Buchanan has been there, done it, and learnt how to make it work. This book provides inspiration (should you need it) but above all is commercial and honest about successful book publishing - it will both motivate you and help you avoid costly and annoying mistakes. And I've been there. I wrote a book that was published by a mainstream publishing house. They did a good job and the book sold okay, but their overheads were so high that by the time I received my royalties I'd worked for less than the minimum wage. Mainstream publishing makes no sense when the tools exist to do it profitably yourself - and I sense that Buchanan gets as much pleasure from the publishing process as he does from writing. My next book will be self published and the process set out in The Joy of Self-Publishing is exactly how I'll do it. 5.0 out of 5 stars At long last, a comprehensive and practical guide to self-publishing 19 Feb 2011 By KateS Unlike other books I've bought on the subject of self-publishing, this book provides practical solutions to all the problems self-publishers face, and is right up-to-date on the options available. Its coverage of Print-on-Demand ('POD') is authoritative and its comparison of the economics of different book specification options (e.g. paperbacks, hardbacks, plate sections) is very helpful. The writer delivers his knowledge of the subject with a good deal of humour and I laughed out loud on a number of occasions. The lengthy appendix of quotations on publishing, book writing etc. could be a boon for self-publishers: many are funny, many insightful. 4.0 out of 5 stars A must read for a wannabee author 31 Mar 2011 By Mrs H Owens I received Mike Buchanan's book The Joy of Self-Publishing a couple of months ago and such a valuable pack of information shouldn't be wasted on the shelf! I've been considering writing a book of my own for many months, but with the vast information available didn't know where or how to start. I especially wanted a guide to tell me about specific resources but with the internet searches I got all lost and confused and came to the edge of giving up before even starting. The Joy of Self-Publishing reached me just in time and I can't recommend it more highly to anyone who is wondering where to start. It's obvious that Mike has worked hard to give practical advice and detailed information on process, formatting, other resources including even the costs! Like everything in life, writing and publishing a book requires effort but with the aid of Mike Buchanan's book it seems not just possible but achievable. The invaluable resource The Joy of Self-Publishing gave me the hope that I (and anyone) can now make a book visible and available to book buyers around the world at minimal cost. The Joy of Self-Publishing takes you through the options and explain their relative advantages and disadvantages realistically. This book also provides guidance on selecting book topics with strong sales potential; writing distinctively as well as writing content-rich non-fiction. It even offers help choosing between hardback and paperback and other formats. With the aid of The Joy of Self-Publishing I am hoping to say, it's all much easier then it sounds! Thank you, Mike Buchanan. Review from a lady buyer on Amazon.com 5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous, encouraging, and hysterical (yes - this book is helpful AND very funny) February 27, 2011 By Kelly McCarthy Barner (Shrewsbury, MA United States) I read Mike Buchanan's first book Profitable Buying Strategies about a year ago, and when I was thinking of writing my own book on procurement I found he'd written another book that would help me out. I received my copy of this book not quite a week ago and I've already finished it. More than once I actually laughed out loud while reading it, which caused my husband to think I was hiding another book inside this one's cover, which I wasn't. Really. If you're even considering writing a book of your own, I can't recommend this one more highly. Mike's practical advice and detailed information on process, formatting, other resources, and costs make the effort required to get a book into print sound just challenging enough to risk trying. The book is made available using the same POD process he outlines in the book so you're holding the last piece of encouragement you need right in your hands. I've now proofed my review (because who would take me seriously as a potential writer if I made obvious mistakes in a simple review?) and plan to go right back to Mike's book - next to which is the pile of notes I will turn into a book of my own thanks to Mike's help.
Book Information
ISBN 9780955878466
Author Mike Buchanan
Format Paperback
Page Count 274
Imprint LPS Publishing
Publisher LPS Publishing
Weight(grams) 389g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 156mm * 14mm
