Publishing Question

[Vickie M. Oliver-Lawson]

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

[B. Sharise Moore]

I am on the cusp of releasing my first novel and I took the pure self-publishing route. I did everything on my own from start to finish, including employing editors, illustrators, photographers, website designers, and registering my small press as a sole proprietorship with the federal government. (When you truly self publish... you are now a publisher.) Though it has been alot of work, I found it to be a very rewarding endeavor. I did alot of research and attended a fair share of workshops on marketing. While at these workshops I found that the authors who were published by major houses still had to do the same marketing leg work as those who were self published. The decision was simple to me after speaking with several authors and looking at the average royalty rates (8-12% for first time authors). There is no way in the world I can handle a return of only $1.20 on a retail priced $15.00 book that I've written. However, all of us have different preferences and it is ultimately a very personal decision. Though, my self publishing experience hasn't been totally smooth; I am looking forward to enjoying the ride.

I also wanted to point out that many of these proclaimed 'self publishing companies' that are being mentioned are none of the sort. If you are receiving royalties from another company, you have no idea who your printer is, and/or the ISBN number isn't under your name... you haven't truly self published.

If you do plan on self publishing, I recommend reading "The Complete Guide to Self Publishing" by Tom and Marilyn Ross. I found it to be a wonderful resource.

[Vickie M. Oliver-Lawson]

Great! Thanks for your insight. I just recently spoke with my illustrator and we're going to collaborate on my next project...sans publisher. I'm learning and growing as I go.

[Vickie M. Oliver-Lawson]

Thank you, Ms. Abney. You are right. I was trying to stay local. I have met a lot of publishers on BAS. I'm also looking for a literary agent to cut a deal for me with HBO or Starz or Nick.

[Willie B White]

Ms. Oliver-Lawson,

How can I get my book and me as an author posted on Authorsden?

[Vickie M. Oliver-Lawson]

Hi. I did it the easy way...lol
I hired the services of Afrika Midnight Asha Abney. She did the rest.

[jawar]

Greetings Vickie,

I've self-published several books which may be seen through my main site at GOJAWAR.COM Additionally, How to Self Publish for Profit was published to help other writers who were interested in taking the path of self-publishing.

Thus far the ride as been extremely rewarding. Prior to 2004 I'd never thought about publishing a book. Now I'd only wished I'd been inspired many moons sooner.

[Christina McGriff]

Hello-
I see you posted this months ago. But I have self published.