Self-publishing needn't be a domain exclusive for people lusting after vanity. Many useful and interesting books have been published by self-publishers when traditional publishers haven't understood the viability of their big ideas.

Self-publishing demands your undying conviction and unlimited patince from you. Here are the main points from a good guide on self-publishing.

1. Self-publishing is easy. Ideal for the DIY crowd.
If you like fiddling with book design, page layouts and such, you will like self-publishing more.

2. Print should only be your second focus.

3. Print of Demand's Quality is good.

4. Since self-publishing's so easy, everybody's doing it.
So, you face competition from a lot of not-good titles as well as from some good ones. Quality will out.

5. Good self-published books are few and far between.
But, that is the truth of all creative businesses.

6. The odds are against you.
Don't presume you can make a living off self-publishing. Yet.

7. Creating a "professional" book is really hard.
At least put aside some money for marketing the book.

8. Have a clear goal for your book.
Is it to build a reputation or to make money?

9. Quality isn't a guarantee of success.
Hang on to your job.

10. Niche books tend to do best.
In fiction, romance/erotica sell well.

11. Buy your own ISBN--and create your own publishing house.
A single ISBN costs around $100, and gives you publisher cred.

12. Create a unique Google-freindly title.
But not something that sounds spammy.

13. Self-publishing is a contact sport.
Focus on promotion, but do over-do on self-promotion. the internet is full of shameless, useless noise makers.

14. Getting your book in bookstores sounds good, but that shouldn't be a real concern.
Focus on getting bigger distribution deals.

15. Self-published books rarely get reviewed - for free anyway.

16. Design your book cover to look good small.

17. If you're selling online, make the most out of your Amazon page.

18. Pricing is a serious challenge.
The $8.99 - $9.99 range is ideal for 250 pages books.

19. Self-publishing is a fluid business.
Newer platforms (e.g. Kindle, iPad), modified royalties...things are changing all the time.

Dealing with Self-publishing companies

20. Turn-key solutions cost a lot of money.
From a couple of thousands to 25,000 dollars.

21. Self-publishing companies don't care if your book is successful.
Make them care.

22. Buy as little as possible from the publishing company that is 'self-publishing' your book.

23. If you're serious about your book, hire a book doctor and get it copy edited.
A professional appearance counts.

24. When dealing 'self-publishing companies', negotiate everything.

25. Ask a lot of questions and don't be afraid to complain.
Pay exra, if you have to, to be able to talk directly to a live person on the phone for customer support.


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