Customer Reviews

Become a Real Self-Publisher: Don't be a Victim of a Vanity Press. Learn All About Self-Publishing. Publish a Better Book, Publish it Faster, Make More Money, Have More Fun

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First, the good news. The book delivers and meets expectations regarding the subject matter -- this really is a book for SELF publishers, people who decide to form a publishing business and publish their books through their own business, fully mindful of the risks and extra work and pressure and worries and money involved. Most self-publishing books don't cover this ground at all, and are basically worthless. So it is a delight to find a book that actually does what it says it's gonna do.

At the end of the day, I found the book to be worth its price. Learning about Lightning Source alone was worth it.

Now, some complaints. Each one is relatively minor, mere annoyances really, but in aggregate they're enough to cost one star out of a five-star rating.

1. The author proudly explains how he used Microsoft Word to create the book. Well, it shows. The book design comes across as very "self-publisher" like. The fonts are HUGE, my goodness, I haven't seen fonts this big since elementary school!

2. The embedded images all over the book have very little -- far too little -- whitespace around them. I mean, it's incredible how tight the author has put the text right up against the images. Worst are the images with rough edges where the text wraps around the edges of the image. Sure, Microsoft Word offers this capability but it looks so cheesy and amateur not to mention claustrophobic! A well-designed page has lots of whitespace -- the text and images have room to BREATHE. For $20 I would have liked to have gotten a professionally designed book. All due respect to the author, but this is not professionally designed.

3. From the author's blog it is clear that he loves attacking the vanity publishing companies, and calling out some of the major names who market to would-be self-publishers as actual vanity presses. This is all well and good, but I noticed numerous repetitious passages in the book where the same argument is made multiple times about Lulu or Amazon or this or that. Seems to me that it was unnecessary to repeat material twice or even three times. I got the point the first time, thanks.

So, the bottom line is, if you are thinking of setting up an actual company to publish one or more books, and want to get some good advice on ways to save money doing so, avoid getting burned, and maybe be successful, this book is worth it. I just wish that it was more professionally put together, in terms of editing and internal design. If you can tolerate those shortcomings, the content is worth it.

This amazing book -- both informative and entertaining -- covers EVERYTHING you need to know to self-publish your writing, starting with the very basics (including the history of writing, from cave walls to eBooks). The author goes into great (but hilariously funny) detail on how to do it RIGHT by avoiding the pitfalls of vanity presses and, instead, establishing your OWN self-publishing business.
This encyclopedic book is vital for anyone with aspirations of becoming a published author! It has detailed analyses of many companies that masquerade as self-publishing companies, and valuable tips for every writer, even those who use a traditional publisher.
In addition, the author provides precise details on how to use MS Word and Adobe Acrobat to write and lay out your book, where to obtain high-quality/low-priced photographs, recommendations about which printer to use and which vanity presses to avoid), and how to publish without having to go through overpriced middlemen who add cost but don't provide any useful services.
Marcus does an excellent job of revealing the dishonesty that's common in publishing today, like "free publishing" and "free books" that cost the aspiring author hundreds or thousands of dollars, and he explains that the "bestseller" claim may mean absolutely nothing. The author tells about one publishing company that charges its authors $2 for each promotional postcard -- something that's readily available for a dime. Another company charges $249 for a copyright registration that's available for $35. Others actually charge a fee for registration with the Library of Congress -- which is available for FREE.)
There are extensive sections on selecting a topic, fiction vs. nonfiction; marketing; publicity; pricing; copyrights; proofreading; forming a business; getting advice; Library of Congress registration; title selection; cover design; reviews and blurbs; hiring and paying editors, photographers and artists; developing and using a website, and more.
The glossary and spelling tip sections are both instructive and funny. There are even grammar tips scattered through the book to avoid wasting the space that was not needed for the main text. Because the author is well aware of other books in the field, his book includes reviews of about a dozen books that he "likes, loves, and loves to hate."
I've read many books on "getting published" but THIS one is¯bar none¯the DEFINITIVE work on the subject. Other people have written books about self-publishing, but the errors in some of them make it obvious that the authors have never actually done what they've written about. This author has done it, and readers will learn from his experience and expertise -- and they'll even get to chuckle at the revelations about his home life. (He doesn't want his wife to read what he writes.)
It's a big and comprehensive book, with 432 pages and many detailed screenshots and examples of the types of text he describes. There are even photos and visual humor to liven up the instruction. It's easy to read, packed with valuable information, and an excellent value at $19.95. No writer should be without it!

This book is full of practical information for any other who is looking to self-publish. Even if you are trying to publish with a traditional publisher, the advice in this book is very important. The author, Michael Marcus, doesn't pull any punches and reveals the nasty side of the publishing industry.

This book will help you avoid the worst abusers out there-- the vanity publishers, bogus literary agents, unethical book promoters, you name it! Michael exposes them all, and yes... he names NAMES! He's not afraid to say WHO is swindling naive authors out of their hard-earned dollars.

This book will tell you which companies to avoid, and which ones aren't out to rip you off. The author also suggests other good books for authors who are looking to self-publish.

In addition to all of this, the author goes over the best genres to publish, how to market your book using internet resources, and how find a good editor. I could go on and on. This is a great book for newbie authors and established self-published authors who want to know more about the business.

I read it in three days-- I thought it was very useful.

Many first-time authors are confused and mislead by the term "self-publishing". Vanity presses and subsidy publishers market their services as "self-publishing" and mainstream media even refers to these companies as "self-publishers". But the truth is - if you're not the publisher (with your own publishing company), than you are NOT a self-publisher - you are an unfortunate victim of a vanity press or subsidy publisher (that has tricked you into believing you're self-published) and your chances for having a successful book and writing career are greatly diminished.

Become a Real Self-Publisher reveals why you should avoid vanity presses and subsidy publishers and shows you how you can easily become a real self-publisher. The author covers everything from setting up a business, obtaining an ISBN and bar code, and copyright and Library of Congress registration, to cover design, hiring and working with an editor and typesetter, developing a website, and marketing and promoting your book.

Before you spend a lot of money on vanity publishers, you must read this book. Marcus takes us deep into the ramifications of print on demand technology, Lightning Source, and self-publishing. This book was an immense help to me as I pondered the offers from iUniverse, Author House, Outskirts and others. I spent considerable time in researching the options for self-publishing. Marcus fills a void. I am so glad I came across this book when I did. I chose to self-publish--that is, create my own publishing company. Even if you are preferring to go a different route, you need to seriously weigh Marcus' arguments before deciding. His book is that good.

A lot has happened in publishing since I wrote this book, and it's being replaced by a revised, updated, enlarged and better-looking book. The new book is Independent Self-Publishing: The Complete Guide. It has 88 more pages than this book, but has the same cover price. It includes recent developments which affect authors, such as the iPad, Microsoft Word 2010, Espresso Book Machine, Nook, Pubit!, AuthorHive, Google eBookstore, etc. There is an extensive section on eBooks and eBook readers. It should be available about 2/10/2011. I've also published a new book for writers who use self-publishing companies: Get the Most Out of a Self-Publishing Company: Make a Better Deal, Make a Better Book.

I suppose some might call me a "victim" of vanity press having used one to publish three books. I'm seriously considering going totally indie as a self-publisher under my own company name. However, since I've let my chosen press do all the work for me, I thought I would purchase this book to take the next step. Some of the items I know already; finding the courage to do it myself is another matter. Though I've been in business before in another area for seven years, it should be a piece of cake opening this one. Right?

I'm going to give it four stars for a few reasons. One, because vanity press does get a bad rap sometimes, however, some of the comments printed in this book are not fact - at least not in my experience. For example, the time to get published taking so long. Frankly, what's stated is not true with my experience. If you submit a decent error-free manuscript (like you would to Lightening Source), one read through the galley and if all is okay, you sign off and the next day you're for sale.

There have been no other issues with my vanity house, except a lack of trust on my part regarding accurate recording of sales. I've had some eBook sales that were never posted. As far as ease, pricing (I always buy the 2 books for 1 sales at $599), and getting out there, it's worked for me to take the burden off the rest of the stuff. I'd rather write frankly. However, like any indie author I have my reasons for wanting total control, and at this moment I still don't have that completely. Also, $2 a book/$5 eBook royalty sucks. I sell books every month, but at this rate, I'm not making enough to make it worth while.

I'll follow the advice printed in here, take a few other steps in investing in decent software for design, and hope for the best. Frankly, what I have paid out of pocket to print with all of my vanity, I could have easily started my own indie. I'll update this review on the tactics and advice after I put it to the test.

I have purchased five books on self-publishing and I wish I had gotten this one first. It has all the information I've been looking for. The author uses a self-deprecating style that doesn't overwhelm the would-be author-publisher.

Anyone who wants to publish his or her work by any method should read "Become a Real Self-Publisher" first. Marcus draws on his extensive experience as a self-publisher to offer chapters that include: title selection, book layout, cover art, working with printers, pricing, marketing, and more.

In addition, Marcus gives the reader an overview and critique of other publishing methods from traditional to POD. In the process, he brings material from numerous sources under one roof. While this may seem repetitious to those who have read that material elsewhere, the author's comments are well worth any duplication.

The author's writing style is readable and easy to follow, with a touch of humor thrown in. At the same time, he's not afraid to skewer inaccuracies wherever he finds them.

An added bonus is a chapter that reviews a dozen books on publishing and promotion. This section alone makes "Become a Real Self-Publisher" a bargain.

At 411 pages and 56 Chapters, this book this book is a goldmine of information, and well worth the price.

Lawrence Rotch, author of "Gravely Dead"

In the fast changing world of publishing most books become outdated in a few months. That's why this book is THE book to buy on the topic as it's been updated for 2011. It now includes the latest info on Kindle, iPad, Microsoft Word 2010, Espresso Book Machine, Nook, Pubit!, AuthorHive, Google eBookstore. There's also an extensive section on eBooks and eBook readers.

If you want the roadmap on how to become a successful author and publisher then "Become a Real Self-Publisher" by Michael N. Marcus is the book for you. In a pull-no-punches style Marcus cuts to the chase in the often confusing and treacherous book publishing and book marketing game.

As a writer and successful publisher of books for more than 30 years Marcus speaks from personal experience. He implores authors to become real publishers and not customers of vanity presses or companies that publish on demand which Marcus says does not exist. Why? Nobody publishes on demand; they "print" on demand, he says.

Marcus compares and contrasts publishing options including: LULU, Outskirts Press, Infinity Publishing, Amazon, Author House, Book Surge, Xlibris, Lightening Source and traditional publishing in a "no-holds- barred" approach. I find his approach refreshing because so many authors I speak to as a book publicist really need someone like Marcus, who has no hidden agenda, to tell it like it is.

Besides discussing the benefits and pitfalls about every type of publishing option in the marketplace, Marcus also offers tips on what to do if you get a bad review. Says Marcus, "Don't let a bad review ruin your day or your life. Some reviewers have hidden agendas like working on a competing book." Marcus points out that it is rare that 100% of a review is bad and that there are usually a few sentences that can be pulled for the purpose of helping you sell more books.

"Become a Real Self-Publisher" also includes a list of publishing terms authors need to know about such as: ARC (advance reader copy) and POD (print on demand ) ...as well as places authors don't want to see like the Slush Pile which is that place where unsolicited manuscripts end up awaiting an evaluation by a publisher or agent.

"Become a Real Self-Publisher" by Michael N. Marcus is a must read for all authors whether they are first time authors or on the New York Times bestseller list. It's written in a serious but entertaining style with a little humor tossed in. This is THE book I tell my clients to read. I highly recommend it.