I’m busy at work today getting ready for the launch that starts next week of A Self-Publisher’s Companion. Even though I’ve planned this as a “soft launch,” I’m still writing a slew of articles (check on Monday for an invitation I’m extending to all readers), getting ready for a few interviews, putting the finishing touches on press releases. Oh, and I’ve got a few book projects I’m working on for clients, too.
If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend Jane Friedman’s roundup of the 4 Key Categories of Self-Publishing. This is a terrific overview of what’s available to authors in self-publishing options as of today, right now.
Jane really excels at taking a step back and putting things into context. And because she works in traditional publishing, she has a unique take on the situation. As she says in the article, “The self-publishing landscape is changing rapidly.” Give it a look, and I’ll see you tomorrow.
Dear Joel:
Thank you for highlighting Jane Friedman’s 4 Key Categories of Self-Publishing, and best wishes on your book launch tomorrow.
By the way, I frequently recommend your Ebook Conversions Directory, http://www.ebookconversiondirectory.com/ which is a great resource.
Roger
Roger, thanks so much for your referrals. As you know, I set up the Directory out of frustration with trying to find this information. We are continuing to tweak the interface to make it more useful.
By the way, I’m doing a “soft launch” that is not oriented to a one day blowout, Amazon-bestseller type of event. The “launch” will be going on for about three weeks, so stay tuned.
Correction: “ArborHouse” should be “Arbor Books.”
Jane Friedman’s categorization of self-publishing paths based on service vendors rather than on self-publishing authors’ business models can be misleading.
I classify myself as an “independent” self-publisher. I formed my own publishing company, I own ISBNs, hire designers and editors, get LCCNs and copyrights, conduct promotion, etc.
I also choose printers. Most of the time I use Lightning Source, but sometimes I use CreateSpace (for less-important books that use modifications of their free cover templates instead of paying an artist for an original design). Sometimes I use Lulu (better photographic reproduction than LS or CS can achieve, and for PDF eBooks). I also use eBookit.com for multiple-format eBooks going to multiple booksellers.
The variety of vendors of author services is large and growing. Some self-publishing companies are now offering a la carte services in addition to full-service packages. For example, I could use ArborHouse for ghostwriting, Outskirts Press for eBook production, and AuthorHouse’s AuthorHive for marketing.
Michael N. Marcus
— http://www.BookMakingBlog.blogspot.com
— http://www.Self-Pub.info
— Create Better Books, with the Silver Sands Publishing Series: http://www.silversandsbooks.com/booksaboutpublishing.html
— “Stories I’d Tell My Children (but maybe not until they’re adults),” http://www.amazon.com/dp/0981661750
Michael N. Marcus