Customer Reviews

The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing

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Even in the present economic climate that has compelled the major publishing houses to cut back the numbers of titles they produce, it has never been easier to publish a book -- or sell one. In "The Economical Guide To Self-Publishing: How To Produce And Market Your Book On A Budget", Linda F. Radke draws upon her more than 24 years of experience and expertise as a publisher whose Five Star Publications has produced award-winning and commercially successful books that were traditionally published, self-published, and published through limited partnerships. The result is a compendium of solid, practical, step-by-step information that takes the aspiring author from manuscript to published book, and then on to the tasks of marketing, promotion, publicity, and sales. "The Economical Guide To Self-Publishing" covers such issues as transforming a manuscript into a typeset book; recruiting illustrators and editors; obtaining copyrights, ISBN numbers, and bar codes; getting printing bids; publishing as a home business; developing mailing lists; even handling interviews. Of special note is what "The Economical Guide To Self-Publishing" offers by way of strategies and tactics for effectively marketing a book on a limited budget. Enhanced with an appendix listing useful publications and associations for the self-published author, "The Economical Guide To Self-Publishing" is highly recommended reading and an invaluable resource and 'do-it-yourself' reference for anyone aspiring to publish their own work.

There were five books on self-publishing already on my shelf when Linda Radke's The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing arrived but it soon became apparent that her book is the best. If you plan to self-publish your own book you need Radke's book. Even if you do not self-publish, her Economical Guide contains a lot of good contact information and marketing advice on things like radio interviews and signing in bookstores.

The title of this book might have put you off. You might have said, "I'm not self-publishing." Whether you self-publish or use a traditional publisher, you can learn something from this book.

Here's one quick example from this book. It includes contributions from other writers and includes a brief article from John Kremer and Marie Kiefer called Seven-Soul Searching Commandments for Self-Publishers. I want to focus on their seventh commandment: Ten Minutes Per Day. They write, "Are you willing to spend at least ten minutes a day for the next three years marketing your book? This is a commitment that you must keep. If you are not willing to spend ten minutes each and every day marketing a book, let someone else do it--someone who believes in your book enough to spend a few minutes every day marketing it. In just ten minutes, you can make at least three contacts per day. Write influential buyers. Phone key media people. Network with contacts that can lead to other buyers, media, and associations. Three contacts per day comes out to about 1,000 contacts each year. If you make 1,000 appropriate contacts, you can't not sell books. I know that's a double negative, so I'll rephrase it. If you make 1,000 contacts per year, you will sell books. In fact, you can't miss." (page 136)

This book is packed with golden nuggets and every author can apply the information to their own book. I recommend it.

"THE ECONOMICAL GUIDE TO SELF-PUBLISHING" is an essential tool needed for

successful Self-Publication, which offers great support to be in today's

very competitive market. This unique book introduces an incredibly powerful concept of Self-Publishing, and how it works. This simple, easy-to-read guide explains how to get started, while clearly describing what

the author needs to know. This complete guide to Self-Publishing offers a

professional, author-friendly book publishing environment, directing the

reader to the best possible opportunities to achieve success with their

book. I recommend this book to all writers, authors, and Self-Publishers.

Linda F. Radke presents facts of interest as she walks you through the

Self-Publishing process, outlining steps of how to stay in control, without facing authorship in total darkness. Most important, she demonstrates how the Self-Publishing experience can be a success, while

saving money. This informative, skillfully written guide is a useful

resource for the presentation of your first book, covering the journey

from your manuscript to promotions. "THE ECONOMICAL GUIDE TO SELF-PUBLISHING" is as interesting as THE SECRETS OF SELF-PUBLISHING, and as

practical as THE COMPLETE SELF-PUBLISHING HANDBOOK. In today's evolving

book publishing industry, authors are taking control of their writing,

and book publishing options. Linda F. Radke will lead the way, and open

the golden door to opportunity, and success.

The world of self-publishing can often be a scary, lonely, highly frustrating place. Over the years, hundreds of self-published authors have related countless horror stories of their experiences in the publishing industry, including everything from getting shut out of major bookstores to getting taken in by fraudulent literary "agents" to getting scammed out of their hard-earned money. With so many potential traps and pratfalls to avoid, what kind of help can self-published authors rely on to navigate their way through the literary quagmire...?

Exactly the kind of help featured in The Economical Guide To Self-Publishing. In her standout new offering, author and publishing industry expert Linda Radke provides authors with a complete, comprehensive guide to understanding the ins and outs of the publishing industry. Covering everything from printing to distribution to publicity & promotion, The Economical Guide To Self-Publishing is a one-size-fits-all volume of essential facts and information. As an added bonus, Radke's informative tome includes first-hand testimonials from published authors regarding their experiences throughout the industry, as well as an indexed A-to-Z guide covering all the basic essentials for success in publishing your book.

Clear, well-researched, and highly informative, The Economical Guide To Self-Publishing belongs in the personal libraries of every aspiring author and publisher who hopes to make their literary dreams a reality. A much needed, highly recommended read.

Kenya Dow

Apex Reviews

* I received a free book for review purposes *

The author is someone who speaks from experience. She understands the technical aspects of writing and publishing and what's necessary to promote your book so that people will purchase and read it.

The book is organized well and easy to follow. I was surprised at how much information she was able to pack into 170 pages. She covers obvious topics that you may already know are important to learn. And she covers many necessary topics I never would have thought of.

Good planning is a key to success. This book will help get you on your way.

Linda F. Radke, owner of Five Star Publishing, has written a book that will enlighten and assist authors on a journey down the road to publication with ease and understanding. I was so surprised to open this book and find so many secrets revealed. Not only will readers get helpful tips on formatting, typesetting, grammar and working with an independent contractor but they will also get examples and first hand experiences laid out to help the reader better understand the process. With the help of other writers Radke provides detailed insight on the parts of the book, which if you are planning to do any sort of Print On Demand the order of these pages are key.

Not only does Radke give a step-by-step instruction on the process of self-publication you get insight on what it means to be short run, typesetting, scanning and formatting. She lists examples of all the publishing options such as standard, self and partnership publication opportunities. She even talks about how you can start your own self-publishing company like she did. You will learn about which pieces of office equipment will be needed and why it is important in regards to starting a business. She also offers help with filing, shipping and freight information. These are also very important factors in getting your book to the public and being easily accessible by interested parties.

Every aspect of the publishing process is in this book. Readers learn how to market and promote as well as how to utilize media kits. The thing that impressed me the most is the information here can be used for writers who aren't considering self-publication. Radke gives tips on how to get your book on the radio, and television. Anywhere else this information would be sold. Each bit of information Each bit of information offered in this book is priceless.

Radke has everything you need to get your book published and out to the buyer in one easy to read place. You will not want to put this book down. Think of this book as a reference guide. In the back of the book Radke provides an A-Z glossary of words to help you better understand meanings of commonly used words in reference to self-publishing. You will use it often and it will be of great help to you. Thank you Linda for opening this door to self-publication. Any fears I had about this process have vanished.

A new trend seems to be developing in the world of publishing and now more than ever before, authors are looking at self publishing. Why? The reasons are many. The advancement of publishing technology makes self-publishing much easier than ever before.

For me it was maintaining complete control of my book and the potential for making a profit was much greater. My own book is now in its third printing and about to go to a fourth. If I had it to do all over again, I would definitely self-publish, but the first thing I would do is buy a copy of "The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing." Following the examples outlined in Linda F. Radke's book takes the guess work out of doing it yourself. She covers every aspect of publishing yourself, from the very basic to the more advanced. There is no doubt this book will serve as your step-by-step guide to success in your own publishing quest.

Cliff Johnson

Author; Wrong Side of the River

Misty Peak Publishing