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The Fine Print of Self Publishing: The Contracts & Services of 45 Self-Publishing Companies Analyzed Ranked & Exposed [Paperback]

Mark Levine
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (194 customer reviews)


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Book Description

September 1, 2008
Now it's in third edition, The Fine Print of Self-Publishing has earned a reputation as the Consumer Reports of the self-publishing industry. CEOs of the major self-publishing companies, industry watchdog groups, lawyers and the thousands of authors this book has helped have called The Fine Print, a must read for anyone considering self-publishing. This book analyzes, ranks and exposes the contracts, services and pitfalls of 45 major self-publishing companies. The book also explains the legalese of self-publishing agreements in a clear, easy-to-follow manner.


Editorial Reviews

Review

If you re considering paying a company to publish your book, don t do anything until you read The Fine Print and consider the alternatives. It will save you a lot of time, money, and heartache. --Dan Poynter, author of The Self-Publishing Manual<br /><br />It would take years for an author to compile all the research that Mark Levine has and, even then, most authors wouldn't be able to analyze the self-publishing companies and their contracts the way Levine does. The Fine Print of Self-Publishing will save time and money with your next self-publishing project. --Tim Bete, Director, Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop<br /><br />The Fine Print is a consumer-friendly guide to choosing your best self -publishing deal. Mark explains the industry's tricky contract language in such clear terms, that any non-lawyer can understand and follow. --Perry Binder, Associate Professor of Legal Studies, Georgia State University

The Fine Print is a consumer-friendly guide to choosing your best self -publishing deal. Mark explains the industry's tricky contract language in such clear terms, that any non-lawyer can understand and follow. --Perry Binder, Associate Professor of Legal Studies, Georgia State University

It would take years for an author to compile all the research that Mark Levine has and, even then, most authors wouldn't be able to analyze the self-publishing companies and their contracts the way Levine does. The Fine Print of Self-Publishing will save time and money with your next self-publishing project. --Tim Bete, Director, Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop

From the Author

Thank you everyone for the great reviews and comments about the 3rd Edition of The Fine Print.  The 4th Edition comes out April 2, 2011 and is already listed on Amazon.  Please buy the updated copy.  Thank you.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 315 pages
  • Publisher: Bascom Hill Publishing Group; 3rd Edition edition (September 1, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0980245575
  • ISBN-13: 978-0980245578
  • Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
  • Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (194 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #841,978 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mark Levine, Minnesota based author is the CEO of Hillcrest Media Group,Inc., a book publishing company based in Minneapolis, MN. For more information about Hillcrest, visit www.hillcrestmedia.com. Mark's blog is at www.publishingrevolution.com


Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
56 of 56 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Save yourself hundreds of hours January 17, 2009
Format:Paperback
The self-publishing industry is growing in leaps and bounds. As a book reviewer I've noticed a sharp increase in self-published, print-on-demand titles coming into the market. With major publishing houses reducing the number of contracts being signed due to recent economic difficulties, the allure of finally getting that novel in print is driving many to sign contracts to pay to have their books published. With the increase in consumer demand, new self-publishing companies are popping up all the time.

In The Fine Print of Self-Publishing, Mark Levine -- an experienced self-published author and owner/investor into various e-commerce businesses -- analyzes 45 self-publishing companies. In previous editions Levin reviewed publishing contracts, customer service and other factors to assign publishers with a numeric ranking. In the third edition he has moved to more generalized categories: Outstanding, Pretty Good, Just OK, and To Avoid. Sadly 21 of the 45 companies analyzed fall into the To Avoid category - self-publishing contracts are often author-unfriendly, revealing the clear need for this title.

After introducing readers to the benefits of choosing to print their book with a self-publishing company, Levine discloses that his companies have investments in a self-publishing firm. However, he does not compare or evaluate its services within the book, he just wants to be up-front with that fact, which is commendable. He then guides readers through the main components of having a book published, what needs to be provided, the details they should look for from a publisher, all of the major key points to be aware of.
... Read more ›
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56 of 64 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Background: I am interested in writing a book about technical toys such as mobile Internet devices and smartphones. I have a lot of articles, but I have never actually written a full blown book, my only experience is as a technical editor of programming books. So I was looking into self-publishing, and submitting my ideas to big publishers.

In general I did not enjoy this book, but it did have some good information, namely legal, which is hard to find anywhere else because most people are afraid to give legal advice (or what could be considered legal advice).
I gave two stars because I think I am a little bit smarter for reading the book. There are several good tidbits about contracts, and a couple good items on how self-publishing (and POD) companies operate. The companies listed are represented pretty fairly, but that's where the pros end for me. Most of the good tips I have already read about online for free, but I don't hold that against the author, nor does it play into the rating.

Cons (and it really seems I am in the minority here looking at other reviews):

- My main problem with this book is the underlining concept of hiring a self-publishing company - to the tune of anywhere from $1000 to $5000 (in general). This sounds unwise and somewhat un-american. I think an aspiring author should really do it themselves. What I mean by this is format the document yourself, prepare it, and send it off to the printer yourself. It sounds ludicrous in this day and age to rely on a company to do this for you. The author does mention "do-it-yourselfers" a couple times in passing, but the book is not directed to them. IMO if a person really wants to write their own book, they should learn how the technical stuff works, it's not that hard.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Self-publishing must October 3, 2010
By Kate
Format:Paperback
Nothing reinforced the accuracy and credibility of the findings in this book quite like what Mark wrote about iUniverse. Because everything he said mirrored to the letter and spirit the experience I had with this publishing company over the past five years. He is right! Where they were once outstanding, their services and customer care have become so sloppy that they really should be avoided.

This is a critical guide for anyone planning to self-publish! I could not recommend it more highly.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Following is the message I sent to Mark upon reading his book, "The FINE PRINT of Self-publishing."

"You and your staff have done a masterful job of amassing the data contained in FINE PRINT. I am impressed. Your book is not only unique, but you have provided an invaluable service to all aspiring self-publishers. I also greatly appreciate your dedication, imagination, focus, organized M.O., and fine writing style. Amazon does what you said it would do: it led me to you.

"This is the way I approached reading your book: carefully, i.e., I read everything through "Outstanding Publishing Companies" (Chap. 6). Then, I briefly perused "Some Pretty Good Self-publishing Companies" (Chap. 7). I did not consider reading "Publishers Who Are Just OK" (Chap. 8) or "Publishers to Avoid" (Chap. 9), as I aim for perfection in my endeavors. Finally, I read the Conclusion."

Mark has not only written the definitive handbook for the self-publishing neophyte, but his impact extends beyond the written word. He is accessible and sensitive to his readers. Within less than an hour, he responded with a message of appreciation--phone number included, should I desire publishing advice. Again, Bravo, Mark!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenally helpful information
Mark Levine tells it how it is with respect to the pitfalls that the unwary can fall into in the world of self publishing. Read more
Published 5 days ago by Robert Renwick
5.0 out of 5 stars A high quality copy
But I am buried in tasks and haven't touched the book since I received it. Getting too many things I want to read. So at worst I am building too much personal library!
Published 8 days ago by Donn G. Ziebell
5.0 out of 5 stars The fine print of self-publishing
A very helpful book on self-publishing and publishing in general. Mr Levine comes through as totally knowledgable and trustworthy, with writers' interests at heart. Read more
Published 10 days ago by JA
5.0 out of 5 stars Very detailed research
The amount of information by publisher and the detail that Levine brings to the table is amazing. Read the whole way to the conclusion. There's surprise in there. Read more
Published 11 days ago by Marjorie Thelen
5.0 out of 5 stars Great info
Once I started reading this book, it was a surprise to me how far I went before putting it down. It's an easy read and full of excellent info for anyone like me, who knows nothing... Read more
Published 25 days ago by Gillian Romain
5.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful!
This book covers all the aspects needed to study in order to make solid decisions on self-publishing. Very easy to understand and helpful
Published 28 days ago by Anne Samson
5.0 out of 5 stars Good Buy
This is the best book on this subject! I highly recommend it for those thinking about self publishing their novels.
Published 1 month ago by William Bahlke
5.0 out of 5 stars A Primer for the potential self-publishing author
Mark Levine takes the mystery out of the burgeoning self-publishing industry and lists the caveats the newly hatched author needs to consider. Read more
Published 1 month ago by J.L. Seagull
5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of good information
If you are thinking about self-publishing this is a good place to start. Gives you basic knowledge, what it all entails and then rates different publishers.
Published 1 month ago by Cindalarae
5.0 out of 5 stars Mark Levine delivers
This is the book I was looking for. A no-nonsense guide to self-publishing companies. He doesn't mince words, and gives you a list of who to do business with, and who to avoid --... Read more
Published 1 month ago by D. P. Rigley
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Comparing books published by traditional publishers and self-published...
Hi, I think traditional publishers is a better way to publish your books why, well there's no up front money involved. Not everyone can afford the self publishing program it can be very exspensive, this is the reason why I'm looking for an traditional publisher at the moment. I've gone through... Read more
May 3, 2009 by Dorothy Lee |  See all 10 posts
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