Does anyone here know anything about self-publishing?

Stephan Ansteyfrom Lowell, MA Associate, 6232 posts	on May 8 2007 I have no real information on this, I have completely avoided it in the past. I think, to me, if i can't convince some publisher to do it for me, then I question the quality of my work. I'm not saying that's fair, right or true, i'm just saying that's my rationale for having never tried any of the alternative methods of publishing. ----- stephan
Jennifer Raganfrom Camillus, New York 423 posts	on May 8 2007 Hi Tracey, From what I've read or heard, it's quite expensive. I went through PA and I'm sure you've heard some of the negative rumors about them and I can assure you that they are all true. They stay in business because it doesn't cost the author anything. You will get a book that you will have to market on your own. I've only heard bad things about self-publishing, vanity presses and print on demand. A lot of book stores won't carry such titles and then you are stuck with an unmarketable book and a lot of frustration. I guess I feel like Stephan and before I submit to publishers I check the editor’s and predator’s web site so I won't get bamboozled again. I’m sure that has got to be a happy self -published author out there…somewhere
Stephan Ansteyfrom Lowell, MA Associate, 6232 posts	inspired from Jen on May 9 2007 Jen: I think your experience mirrors many that I've heard about. ----- stephan
Julie Ann Cook Associate, 741 posts	on May 10 2007 Speaking of Publish America, has anyone read "Atlanta Nights" (the 'sting' manuscript from a couple years ago)?
Kath Abela Wilsonfrom after the dance 290 posts	on May 12 2007 I have not self-published. The reason is mainly 1. time and 2. I am fussy (I do think there is a tradition of poets publishing their own work and some now very valuable rare books are those self-published by poets, given as gifts to friends, done in limited editions). I want special paper, beautiful printing... an art object. Thus...it has not gotten done. Ask Michael Dunn he's done it. Also Don Campbell. His "self-published chapbooks" are part of his artistic process. He also gets lots published in regular journals, on-line and print, and as you know --he knows lots about that too. His self published chapbooks are not "art objects" --they get the job done -as he sees it. He puts his poems on poetry sites, takes them down, puts them in chapbooks which he sells for a low cost, and then sends off to publishers too, I admire this...although I am a bit too "picky" for this process so far... However he does it...and I just think about it. But I like you, have benefited from his "prodding" and published thanks to him, both in his own San Gabriel Valley Quarterly and elsewhere.
Norm milliken 373 posts	on June 6 2007 I have a few friends who have self-published with lulu.com, and the work is high quality. They offer several formats. The books I have seen are in the QPB category, although lulu offers hard back if the content size dictates it. I have an account there, and I'll probably eventually take my poetic treatment of Cinderella and Snow White to lulu. There is no cost unless you want them to assign an ISBN number, and that is minimal- something like $35- and then your book can be ordered through Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, etc. It might at least be worth a look. Good luck with whatever direction you take.
Ashley Nicole	on June 7 2007 I've done a bit of research, and have heard a lot of good things about lulu.com I think when I finish my editing on Finding Alaska, I might get a couple copies done. I want to have a hard copy, but rather than print 250 Word pages, I'd rather pay the extra money and have some nice looking copies.
Stephan Ansteyfrom Lowell, MA Associate, 6232 posts	inspired from Ashley Nicole on June 7 2007 That seems almost a different motive though than 'self-publishing' that's more.. keeping nice copies. ----- stephan
Poetrydog 15 posts	on Jul. 3 2007 lulu.com is the way forward. published my kids book "Hippy Bob & the Piano of Doom" with them and it achieved what i wanted it to. ie, a book i can read to my kids - you can also purchase an ISBN, do calendars, paperbacks of all sizes, hardbacks - it's just a great and easy tool. The only things is to remember to double triple quadruple proof read everything because the only way to tell if its printed correctly is to order a book. you can also set your own pricing etc and it can give you some promotional tools like a "Buy it now" button for websites or banners etc. you can also purchase a distribution package which i have yet to do cos i'm skint but they say that most of their stuff ends up on amazon.barnes & noble etc in about 6 weeks. chris ----- yes, we have no bananas. yes, we have no bananas.
Paradiso, Tracey Associate, 1902 posts	on Jul. 6 2007 It sounds like it's worth looking into lulu.com. What does it mean to have an "account" there?
Poetrydog 15 posts	on Jul. 6 2007 nothing. you pay as you publish via paypal and revenue is payed back to you that way as well - it's free to sign up though so worth having a look around. ----- yes, we have no bananas. yes, we have no bananas.