Do you have an idea for a book? Have you been turned down or disappointed by traditional publishers? Have you finished a novel and are uncertain what the next steps are in getting it into the hands of a reader? Or are you an instructor or specialist and have been asked about further reading? Alex Blackwell has worked his way through all of these scenarios. He has also been a book printer and has self-published several of his own fiction and non-fiction books.
Finding a publisher who will even look at a manuscript is usually a frustrating and time-consuming undertaking. Their attention is highly targeted. Traditional publishers print and distribute thousands of copies of each title in their list – much more for the elusive block buster.
Book publishing has changed radically in the past decade. Self-publishing, the alternative to the traditional route, was previously an expensive option. Short-run book printers required a minimum of 50 copies at significant cost per book or even much higher quantities which then created a storage dilemma. In either case, these books had to be sold or sent out one copy at a time, a process involving considerable time and expense on the author’s part.
With print-on-demand technology and online digital marketing, the up-front costs are no longer prohibitive. Getting a book published is now something everyone can achieve. Today one can upload digital files of a finished and formatted book at little or no cost. It is then listed on the likes of Amazon who sell one copy at a time without ever having to intervene. An e-store can also be posted where the author may sell the book directly. Review or gift copies of the title can be ordered from the supplier at very low costs.
Alex has many years of experience in printing, having developed short-run book printing at the marketing and printing operation in which he was a partner in the United States. When print-on-demand was introduced, he embarked on a journey of writing, editing, designing and producing books that he and his wife co-wrote. Having published nine titles now in three genres and in both POD and eBook formats, he has distilled his knowledge into this instructional and highly useful manual for aspiring authors who wish to self-publish.
Based on his own personal experience, Alex introduces authors to some of the options available in today’s publishing world, giving a taste of what may or may not work for an author. He also gives pointers on what it takes to successfully self-publish a book.
“Essential reading for all self-publishers. This easy to read and very up to date manual effectively demystifies the whole self-publishing business in one concise volume. If you're exploring the self-publishing jungle and need a road map - start here!”
- John Joyce
Author of the Virtually Maria Trilogy
and the Captain Cockle series of children’s books
Self-Publishing for Success is essential reading for:
Anyone who has an idea for a book, fiction or non-fiction, a poetry collection, a family history, a biography, or a short story collection.
Anyone who has finished a novel and is uncertain what the next steps are in getting it into the hands of a reader.
Anyone who is an instructor or specialist and has been asked about further reading
Anyone who has been turned down or disappointed by traditional publishers or literary agencies.
Yes, your work deserves to be published and is worthy of being read. Yes, you can find an audience. And yes, you do have options to successfully create your masterpiece.
Please contact us for updates on the book and its publication also if you need help with your own book