Publishing Question

[Vickie M. Oliver-Lawson]

Who, in this community, has self-published their own book from beginning to end, including the cover design?

[G. Andi Rhos]

I did back in 2003/2004. It was an urban fiction parody that I sold direct. I moved closed to 400 books selling them on the streets and at salons and poetry slams here in NYC for 10 bucks a pop. Most people thought it was funny and they agreed with the point I was making; some thought I was "wrong fo' dat" because I intentionally wrote the book poorly - filled with typos, homonym confusion ('there' when it should be 'their' or 'they're'), improper grammar, out of sequence, rants - y'know, pretty much the way far too much published street lit really is. I did it to point out how insulting it is to me, as an urban fiction reader, to have to be subjected to such crap! But I digress...

I then focused on having my REAL urban fiction novel, And It Goes Like This..., published, which was picked up by Belletristic Press in 2006 and released Oct '07. Now I'm enjoying that ride more than I enjoyed self-pubbing. It was quite an experience and I learned A LOT. But you have to be writer, editor, copy editor, proofreader, publisher, publicist, designer, distributor, bookstore, accountant and salesperson. If you're not up to do all of that, you can outsource some things, but that can get real expensive real fast. I used Lulu initially then I used a local printer that gave me a better digital shortrun quote. Plus I could pick up my books myself and save on shipping charges. Self-pubbing is A LOT of work. It's a constant hustle that not everyone is cut-out for.

[Vickie M. Oliver-Lawson]

Thanks for your input. Do you have a literary agent? I am trying to find someone so that my books will be picked up by a larger publishing company. (Is that a good idea?) I'm pretty new to this.

[Stafford Battle]

I self published back in 1994; the book was called The African American Resource Guide to the Internet and Online Services. I co-wrote the book and used Kinko's copy services to produce 5 to 10 books at a time. We got better and improved printing and distribution to keep costs down. We sold the books on the streets, libraries, clothing stores, churches, and other places. In 1996, the Washington Post did a big story on the book and our efforts to promote computer technology in the Black community. Thirty days later, we got a contract with McGraw-Hill. We had also been featured on the Discovery Channel and in small black newspapers and radio stations around the country as a result of our hard work to get the word out. Having gone through that experience, I got a sense of publishing from both sides of the fence.

Personally, I had more fun self-publishing.

Now, I prefer to start my books as a self-publisher, then later, submit each project to the major commericial corporations. I will be able to present a viable sales record, as well as have in place a large promotional base (email addresses, media contacts, newspaper clippings, video, and fans.) I will have more control and hopefully get a larger advance.

[Vickie M. Oliver-Lawson]

I love to self-publish too, but I am also looking for a literary agent so that I can be picked up by a larger scale publisher. I did the Kinko's thing too, initially, but later decided to do a book with perfect binding for more sales appeal. I'm now on books # 3 and 4...

[susan]

My friend self-published. http://www.agnesjune.com

You'll see the finished product on her website.

[Enoch Mubarak]

I would strongly recommend self-publishing because you retain 110% control. No one can market your book in the manner and with the love that you can because no one cares more about your book than you. My book was published in 2006 but because I self-published I have the unbridled control to keep the book fresh, viable and upfront. Your book sales through self publishing is only limited by your marketing abilities and imagination.

The truly best, best, best, best part of self-publishing is print on demand. Print on demand prevents your book from ever becoming over exposed, over printed, outdated and superior to all, print on demand keeps your beloved book out of dollar stores and 2nd hand thrift shops.

With self publishing and print on demand your book when received by the buyer is always newly printed, fresh looking, dust and wrinkle free. With self publishing and print on demand you have no unsold books laying around, no re-stocking fees and because it is print on demand it is never to late to redesign your book cover, correct errors you later find or move, add and delete entire paragraphs if need be.

Self publishing with print on demand gives you the flexibility to keep your book current to changing moods ,conditions, environments, times and readers demands. Once you turn over control to major publishing companies or outlets your book and your fate is sealed.

[susan]

Afrika, when you see the rejection letters from publishing companies and lit agents, then you self-publish. YOu have confidence in your work, you know that you are telling a good story, that your manuscript is well edited, so you publish on your own. John Grisham's first book was rejected by lit agents and publishers. Now look at him today.

[Enoch Mubarak]

Ms. Oliver-Lawson and all others
If the only reluctance you have for not self-publishing is the anxiety brought upon by the notion of having total control over marketing your own product then forget about it. You can overcome that fear and appprehension with courage and confidence in your abilities.

Trust Enoch Mubarak when I tell you that you are never better off with someone else controlling your mind and thoughts. Your book and manuscript represents your mind and thoughts and you should if at all possible retain total and absolute control over the distribution of your work.

Marketing your book for maxiumm exposure is not a daunting task in as much as it is a rewarding challenge to your will, determination and imagination.

Publishing companies are in the business to make assembly line money, they don't particularly care about you nor your work. Don't even set yourself up for rejection especially rejection from a editor or company that knows little or nothing about the experiences you are writing about. forget about it.

Marketing your book for maximum exposure is happening right now because evidenced by the responses to you in this discussion is proof positive evidence that Black Author Showcase members stand willing and ready to provide you advice and maximum exposure for your work.

When you have your self published book in your hands simply start a discussion asking if anyone has ideas for marketing your new book and watch what happens. I will bet dollars to donuts that the sisters here in Black Authors Showcase will blow this discussion board up with ideas for you to pursue.

Forget about all the research, research, research because everyone of the authors right here in Black Authors showcase had their books published by someone, merely start a discussion asking for leads and recommendations.

Publishing companies and money driven editors or consultants can't or won't take the time to answer or explore your many options as the sister members here on Black Authors Showcase.

Self-publishing is freedom the whole family can enjoy. Watch your family as they bond and grow mentally positive and creative when you include them in helping you with your marketing ideas, promotions and book distribution.

Nothing bonds a family like a rewarding challenge and a family project. Watching your family take pride in helping mom can only improve your writing, fulfill your heart and give you the peace of mind that only comes from family bonding and total control.

Nothing gives you total and absolute freedom like having absolute and total control.

With self publishing you tell them, they don't tell you. Take and keep control of your writings, manuscripts, books, distribution and passion. To start you off may I once again suggest Authorhouse.com out of Indiana for your self publishing needs and for their print on demand technology.

Enoch Mubarak
www.mubarakinter-prizes.com

[Willie B White]

Enoch Mubarak

I have published my first book titled, "The Lord Is My Shepherd", through PublishAmerica who I am not totally happy with to the point I will not publish my secon book with them. I am currently looking for a reputable self-publishing company. Thus far lulu and Outskirt Press come to mind. What is your opinion on those two. I want a company where I can sell my books on line and in book stores from the shelf. Second, what is your opinion/ advice on starting my own publishing company?
Please reply to my email at [e-mail] and in subject line put self-publishing from Black Authors.

Thanks,

Willie White

[Christina McGriff]

I personally like lulu. My first novel came through them. The link is www.lulu.com. I've been nothing but happy so far.
~Christina McGriff

[Willie B White]

Christina,

Thanks for your reply. I am torn between them and Outskirt Press out of Charoletteville VA.

Willie White

[904Diva]

What were the upfront costs for Lulu? Did they do everything from review to book cover? I've been looking at them and wanted to talk with someone who dealt with them before.