This new, updated edition of the industry standard shows writers how to get full control over their careers by self-publishing. Writers will see how the publishing industry works and learn how to make it work for them. Packed with maximum profit/minimal risk ideas. The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing, 4th Edition provides readers with: Step-by-step guidance on every aspect of publishing and marketing a book; Appendices that list marketing contacts, government help and vendors, including names and addresses; Updated advice on e-publishing and electronic rights - everything the writer needs to know to tackle this dynamic new medium; Production tips that can cut design and printing costs; Proven sales letter formats, cover designs and catalog sheets; Dynamic marketing strategies for publicity, advertising and sales - specifically, what works and what doesn't
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
"Self-publishing," say authors Tom and Marilyn Ross, "is a perfect example of the American dream." The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing, then, is an aspiring self-publisher's dream. "This isn't a book of fancy theory," as the authors put it; "it's a practical handbook of state-of-the-art specifics." In 521 pages, it lays out everything you need to know to publish your own books, from start-up considerations to the possibility of selling to a big publisher: how to choose a name for your press, how to get an ISBN, what cover designs cost, how to find a reliable printer, how to price your book, where to find lighter-weight shipping envelopes, how to generate working capital. The authors' encyclopedic grasp of the ins and outs of self-publishing is matched by their natural good sense about self-promotion. Turn your signings into events, they recommend; get your books into a variety of venues; use the books as fundraisers for organizations; get online and get reviewed online. The price of this book is negligible considering the cost of proper self-publishing (between $12,000 and $25,000), and, oh, the headaches it will spare you! --Jane Steinberg
Review
"The most readable guide to self-publishing … loaded with resources for e-publishing, on-demand publishing, ... What a great resource!” -- John Kremer, author, 1,001 Ways to Market Your Books
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
131 of 134 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
When I first saw the title of this book, I thought the subject matter had to do with publishing your book through a POD publisher or a vanity press. I couldn't have been more wrong. This is a basic instruction book on how to become your own publisher and the cost-effective means of publishing your book. (In fact, Tom & Marilyn Ross devote only a few pages to PODs and vanity presses, saying that if you are looking to sell your book to the general public, these options may not be the best choices.)
This book takes you from the beginning of setting up your own publishing business (which is needed even if you plan on publishing only you own works), the different requirements for publishing a book (like obtaining an ISBN and EAN as well as copyright and Library of Congress registration), finding and selecting a book printer, how to go about distributing you books (which you can do yourself or by going through traditional distributers), and even how to market your book.
While a good starter book that whets you appitite about the book publishing industry, it falls far short of providing you everything that you need to know in order to do this properly. The authors constantly make reference to the Literary Market Place; a book that, while it is available here on Amazon, comes with a hefty ($) price tag. And while they do provide some inforamative lists, they admit that the lists is not complete and refer you back to the LMP.
The book does discuss e-publishing, but only in a scratching-the-surface kind of way. I had to look at other areas to find the information about e-publishing only to discover that I may not want to bother with that at this time.
The most disappointing aspect of the book that I found was that most of it (about 70%) is dedicated to trade or self-help publishing. If the book you are planning to publish is a fictional novel, this is going to be of little help to you. When I realized that a topic being discussed was geared for trade publications, I just skipped the topic to save me time.
To summarize, this is a great book if you are a beginner and want to explore the publishing world. It's even a great book if you are planning to publish a trade publication. However, I would recommend that if you have any knowledge or if you are seriously pursuing self-publishing you may want to look at other books in this topic to supplement this one, especially if you are planing on publishing works of fictions.
As of January 29, 2004: I had previously rated this book at three stars. After reading a number of other books, I have since upgraded this to 4 stars. The reason for this is that this book has been more complete compared to the other books that I have read, plus Tom and Marilyn Ross continue to provide assistance to others online. I am still withholding a star because I think they should have addressed fictional works as much as they did trade books.
76 of 81 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Given the solid-five star rating in the Amazon reviews, I expected this book to be a real gem. Instead, while this book has some helpful tips, much of the book is composed of:
-common sense advice;
-self-promotion by the authors, including references to other books or organizations affiliated with the authors;
-no-brainers such as "use the internet for research", "try a search engine called 'Google'", etc.; and
-home-spun "witticisms" or "words of wisdom" in the form of quotes from various authors & publishers.
To wrap up, this book is decent, and probably worth the money and time to buy it and read it, but you need to wade through a bunch of verbiage to find the parts that are interesting and relevant to you.
-common sense advice;
-self-promotion by the authors, including references to other books or organizations affiliated with the authors;
-no-brainers such as "use the internet for research", "try a search engine called 'Google'", etc.; and
-home-spun "witticisms" or "words of wisdom" in the form of quotes from various authors & publishers.
To wrap up, this book is decent, and probably worth the money and time to buy it and read it, but you need to wade through a bunch of verbiage to find the parts that are interesting and relevant to you.
42 of 43 people found the following review helpful
By SBrav
Format:Paperback
Tom & Marilyn Ross are experts at promoting themselves, and it shows throughout their book. They take every opportunity to hawk other books published under their label, and their consulting services, etc. There is some useful information in this book, but you have to wade through a lot of silliness to find it. Here's a ridiculous tip from the Ross's: "While at the airport, request that an announcement be made for [your name], author of [your book title], call..." I'm sure that's how Tom Clancy got started <sarcasm>.
This book is primarily targeted to writers of non-fiction. Logical, since non-fiction fares much better in self-publishing endeavors. About their biggest advice for novelists is to read Lawrence Block's "Writing the Novel." Along with such brilliant insights as "Good description elevates a book from the pack." Duh.
The authors are also nauseating in their praise of Amazon, no wonder Amazon gave them a favorable review. A friend of mine self-recorded (i.e. "self-published") a CD and listed it on Amazon. It was a good, professional product, but she found Amazon's service to be almost non-existent.
Dan Poynter's book on self-publishing might be a better buy. The truth is, POD technology is changing this field so quickly, it's hard for anyone to stay up to date. If you must read the Ross's book, get it from your local library. Save your money for a writing class, or perhaps a marketing class at your local SBA office or community college.
This book is primarily targeted to writers of non-fiction. Logical, since non-fiction fares much better in self-publishing endeavors. About their biggest advice for novelists is to read Lawrence Block's "Writing the Novel." Along with such brilliant insights as "Good description elevates a book from the pack." Duh.
The authors are also nauseating in their praise of Amazon, no wonder Amazon gave them a favorable review. A friend of mine self-recorded (i.e. "self-published") a CD and listed it on Amazon. It was a good, professional product, but she found Amazon's service to be almost non-existent.
Dan Poynter's book on self-publishing might be a better buy. The truth is, POD technology is changing this field so quickly, it's hard for anyone to stay up to date. If you must read the Ross's book, get it from your local library. Save your money for a writing class, or perhaps a marketing class at your local SBA office or community college.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent book!!!
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SELF-PUBLISHING is an indispensable book for self-publishers. I don't know how I'd be able to navigate my way through this industry without it. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Aaron Charpentier
3.0 out of 5 stars
No real info!
This book is like most other (how to) books it does not tell you anything that can really help you. I have a feeling that most of the things that someone would need to know about... Read more
Published on February 2, 2011 by BookGirl
5.0 out of 5 stars
WOW! Great Service
I placed my order August 9,2010. The transaction cleared my account on August 10,2010. The order was at my doorstep on August 12, 2010. Read more
Published on August 24, 2010 by Twanfran Shanita Jackson
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Read
I really enjoyed this book. It is a great read for anyone who is just starting out as a writer or self published author.
Published on August 9, 2010 by Arnita L. Fields
2.0 out of 5 stars
What I didn't learn from the book
Since I have never self-published a book befoe I did not know what to expect. What I wanted was a book that would present information in an easy to read format I did not get this. Read more
Published on August 6, 2010 by Marsha Randolph
4.0 out of 5 stars
Learning the Basis of Self Publishing
When I received this book It was a monster book. I didn't think I could even get to the middle of it, but when I started reading I keep reading It gave me so much information for... Read more
Published on April 26, 2010 by Skohope05
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book For The Future Self-Published Author
This book gets a 5-star rating from someone who has published over 30 books because it is extremely well put together. Read more
Published on March 6, 2010 by Todd Hagopian
2.0 out of 5 stars
a bit outdated
Luckily I bought this book along with two others. Had I not had the others at hand to fill in the many gaps and bring me up to date on current information I might have thought that... Read more
Published on February 21, 2010 by Michael Kessler
5.0 out of 5 stars
Totally awesome!
This book helped me so much in writing and publishing my own first book. It is full of helpful information and tips; beyond what I expected. Just what I needed! Read more
Published on February 16, 2010 by Susan Kelley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Received in like new condition
Even though it was used --- could not tell it wasn't new. Contents of book was blown up and filled with fluf. Not worth the time to read it.
Published on January 30, 2010 by Richard A. Herman
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