Customer Reviews

U-Publish.com: How 'U' Can Compete with the Giants of Publishing

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I started reading this, it was exceedingly helpful. It gave a nice overview of various pieces of the book publishing industry, and some lower cost alternatives to traditional book publishing.

By the second half, however, it became increasingly clear that the bulk of this book was just a sales pitch for their (difficult to navigate) web site, and all their other "books of lists". It seemed that every 2 or 3 pages, it would introduce a new concept, and then say "for more info", or "for a list of providers" buy book X, Y or Z for $19.95. For someone trying to push how low-cost self publishing has the option to be, it seemed odd to be encouraging potential authors or publishers to spend hundreds of dollars on other books. Especially when you get the nagging feeling that they're just going to ask you to buy even more books.

There's better options than this book out there, Snow and Poynter don't need any more cash for low quality infomercials like this book.

Although informative and full of useful advice in the promotion section, in this fast-growing POD business, there is no way a book published in April 2000 can cover the latest technological developments in the field. And when it comes to lists of related services, many of these companies are no longer around, while others have acquired a good or bad reputation. An update of those is in order.

In this digital age, there are many more options for publication available to authors and because of it many are choosing to go independent with their work. However, as great as this is, sadly they are not learning the business before they do and instead only struggle and fail because they weren't prepared enough to succeed.

This book can remedy that.

A brief but to the point work, Dan and Danny help walk the novice publisher/author through many of the necessary steps as they instruct them on how to write, produce, and economically present a marketable work to the public-moreover they also go into some of the options and give suggestions on where and how to sell it.

If an author truly wants to pursue this method of publication then it is imperative that they obtain the necessary tools and information to do it correctly-and adding this book to their library should be considered one of those necessities!

Well done, gentlemen!

Reviewed by Dehanna Bailee, author of "The ABC's of POD: A Beginner's Guide to Fee-Based Print-on-Demand Publishing"

U-Publish is a must-have for any current or wannabe publisher or author. Focusing on inexpensive methods of book promotion, marketing and distribution, the book also offers an especially informative look at the new print technologies. Together, Poynter and Snow take the mystery out of "print on demand" and suggest a new publishing model that will conserve cash by offering an alternative to producing huge quantities of books before you know they will sell. Excellent, well-written guide.

I gave this book a four, and not a five, only because it covered a lot of info of which I was already aware. However, I heartily recommend this book if you are at all interested in publishing a manuscript you have written. If you want your book published quickly, professionally, and with little hassle and headache... stop your searching, buy this book, and go with Unlimited Publishing---the same publisher responsible for U-Publish. ... Don't waste time trying to find an agent, and trying to get a huge house to publish you. Go with UP and have your book in all the major markets within four months, and let the book's performance decide the value of the work. I did, and I am continually simply thrilled with my decision. You will not be disappointed in the least. Buy U-Publish... then go with UP!

Now in a substantially revised and updated third edition, U-Publish.com: How 'U' Can Compete With The Giants Of Publishing is superbly presented core guide to independent book publishing (which is also known as self-publishing or alternative publishing) as written by Dan Poynter (a nationally recognized self-publishing guru and author of more than 100 books), and Danny O. Snow (a full-time book publisher whose insights and expertise into the new publishing technologies for broadcast and print media have been cited and quoted in "Publishers Weekly", "The Los Angeles Times", and "The Wall Street Journal"). Individual chapters clearly and methodically explain the all of the basic mechanics of self-publishing specifically for non-specialist general readers aspiring to publish their own work. Walking the reader through all of the steps from manuscript, to galley, to finished book, these two self-publishing experts provide a wealth of tips, tricks, and techniques for taking advantage of new technologies to self-publish at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods, as well as how to sell books in markets that are more profitable than bookstores and libraries, what common pitfalls to avoid, and so much more. The impetus for the revisions, corrections, updates, and new ideas for U-Publish.com have been channeled directly from needs of the readers and past features of U-Publish.com on the nationally syndicated "Ask Heloise" radio program. An absolute "must-have" for anyone with a book inside just waiting to get out, U-Publish.com is an enthusiastically recommended addition to the aspiring professionals' Writing/Publishing instructional reference shelf.

"U-Publish.com" presents the reader with a clear and concise guide to the new frontier of independent book publishing. A must-read for every book industry professional or novice, the book provides valuable tips for producing AND promoting the printed and electronic word. With more than 40 years combined experience in the book business, Poynter and Snow know what they're talking about. Listen to them.

In my world of promote yourself I teach that e-books are the best thing since sliced bread. And since the world of e-books is new and therefore filled with uncharted waters, I send everyone to U-Publish.com. Poynter and Snow's book is the compass you need to navigate through these new waters. These two wonderful people have years of publishing and marketing experience for you to learn from.You can't help but win big with your e-book with the advice they give you between the pages. Raleigh Pinskey

U-Publish.com is an up-to-date thorough guide to modern publishing, "a living book" that will remain current years after the first edition, thanks to its companion Web site and monthly email bulletin. A small book, it is easily portable with extensive online resources for independent or traditional publishers. It teaches you how to self-publish a quality book with a definite audience at a fraction of traditional costs and how to sell books in markets that are easier to get into and much more profitable than bookstores.

The authors explain how to use new technologies that make it simpler, faster and more economical to publish and promote books. Co-author Dan Poynter, one of the world's most prominent experts on self-publishing, reminds us: "it does not matter if you sell your manuscript to a publisher or publish it yourself, the author must do the promotion." Then he proceeds to tell us exactly how to do this.

Co-author Danny O. Snow, a recognized expert on High Tech publishing says, "Major publishers will increasingly adopt new methods for reaching readers, more directly in the years ahead. Meanwhile, independent authors and publishers are leading the way." He assures us: "Nearly any good book with a clearly identifiable audience can be successfully published by the author, using new technologies to lower costs and reach readers more directly."

I can't think of any would-be writer, professional writer, publisher or promoter who could not profit from this exciting little book.

This is an excellent book. It's very informative and easy to read. They get down to all the nitty gritty without a lot of excess, unneeded information.