Yikes. I am now contaminated by having looked at a self-pub site.
Self-publishing does not count as real publishing, and PoD and self-publishing are not the same thing. PoD is a technology. Self-publishing long pre-dates that technology and can be done by PoD or traditional printing.
Edit: If someone really did want to go the self-pub route, I've read that lulu.com is the best choice. But my knowledge of that process is pretty limited.
[This message has been edited by JeanneT (edited November 30, 2007).]
Posted by Greenscreen (Member # 6896) on :
How does one self publish?
Posted by JBaird (Member # 7280) on :
I can think of at least two instances where self publishing is a valid way to break into writing.
One is the comic book industry. Most new writers and artists start with a low print run self published book that they can shop around to people in the industry at conventions.
The second is the roleplaying industry where there is similar shopping around at conventions.
Otherwise I would steer clear of self publishing myself.
Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
How you self-publish - there are companies who you pay to print the book for you. Marketing the book is your problem.
People who do seminars sometimes self-publish to sell their books "at the back of the room." This is a valid use for it. Poets self-publish out of necessity since getting poetry published in book form is almost impossible these days. People self-publish books that are of interest in a very limited area such as family or church histories. Writers who consider themselves hobbyists sometimes self-publish just for the satisfaction of seeing their work in print.
Otherwise, I honestly can't see any reason for doing it.
Posted by skadder (Member # 6757) on :
I have no desire to self publish--I just liked the idea of someone making books in their bedroom.
I can understand it with regard graphic novels--I studied at the London Cartoon School in my youth, and many comic shops will stock stuff that is well presented, self published or not.
Posted by Pyre Dynasty (Member # 1947) on :
Hey if you could combine this concept with the book vending machines, download the books from the internet and print them in your room, that would be cool. But if that sophomore marketing spiel is any indication of the text of his book I'd have to throw it through my computer monitor.
Posted by Zero (Member # 3619) on :
I would be surprised if they didn't already have book vending machines in Japan. Hell, they probably have giant vending machines that distribute vending machines there.
