Self-Publish A Book

 

A wide variety of self-publishing options are now available for motivated authors. A basic question when it comes to self-publishing is, do these services essentially represent "vanity publishers" or do they offer viable options for serious authors?

 

Self-Publishing Options include:

1. Lulu
2. Author Solutions
   1. iUniverse (relatively expensive) 
   2. Wordclay
   3. Vanity publishers
      1. Xlibris
      2. Trafford
3. CafePress
4. Self-Publishing Options with Amazon.com 
   1. Create Space
   2. Digital Text Platform (Kindle - pays standard 35% royalty per the terms of agreement)
   3. Booksurge
   4. Lightning Source

 

Traditional Publishing Options

There are lots of these, however some traditional publishers cater more to unknown authors than others.

• Vantage Press 

 

ISBN Numbers

It can be advantageous to purchase your own ISBN number, so as an author you can change publishers if desired. Options for purchase include:

• www.isbn.org (for United States)
• www.isbn-international.org

 

Legal Considerations and Guides

• iUniverse offers "The Basics of Publishing Law: How to Protect Yourself and Your Book" 

 

News Articles and Other Resources

• WikiPedia article: Self-Publishing
• eHow: How to Self-Publish a Book
• "More authors turn to Web and print-on-demand publishing" - CNN, 6 April 2009
• Warnings and Cautions for Writers: Print on Demand (Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc.)