Publishing your own book – experiences and opinions?

[Moony]

Hello my Dears!​

I have already told you about ma granddaughter, right? She's absolutely lovely, and I learn a lot from her ( and sometimes I can teach her some things too ). This weekend she surprised me and told me, that she is writing a book about us since already six months. Sure, you can imagine how touched I was.

She explained that she thinks my thoughts and life-experience is value and that she wants to keep our conversations in her memories. I have to admit I cried a little bit - anyway she told me that I am not allowed to read it by now and that she will finish it this year.

Later on she she talked about publishing the book - especially for other grandmothers-granddaughters. I told her that this would be great, and I wish to support her in every possible way - mentally and financially. But I have absolutely no ideas about publishing your own book. I have never thought about this process before. Maybe some of you did and can give me some advice.

Greetings to all of you and wish you a nice Sunday!

 

[packleader]

If you want to pay to have a book published to make your granddaughter happy, then look at

Vanity Publishing: The Authors Guide to Vanity Press Publishers
https://selfpublishing.com/vanity-publishing/​

 

[Moony]

Hey packleader- thanks for sharing this article and information. Do you have personal experiences with publishing your own book?
I thought it could be hard to find a traditional publisher - but maybe I am wrong with that.

 

[palides2021]

It is hard to find a traditional publisher, but you don't know until you try. I usually told my writers (I had a writing group) to send out queries and see what they got first. Besides writing the book, she needs to have other people (beta-readers) read it and give comments. The beta-reader reflects what the real reader will see, and they typically give helpful advice. Joining a critique group might be one way to do that.

During the revision stage, she needs to put the book down for a few weeks and then come back with fresh eyes. You'd be surprised how many errors we find doing that! Then she most likely will need to revise several times. Editing and revising takes the most time!

Once the book is published either in paperback or hard copy (I have used a print-on-demand publisher all these years for most of my books), then she will have to focus on marketing and promoting it. An ebook would also be good to consider because it gives your readers flexibility to read when a print book is not easy.

If she is serious about her book, it would be good to form a website that showcases her work. This is also important if a traditional publisher wants to see her writing and if she has followers.

These are a few things that came to mind. I have slowed down on publishing books as I have entered a new career in teaching, but I might make a video on this process for new writers.

 

[ohioboy]

Walt Whitman had his Leaves of Grass self published.

 

[Balzac]

Whatever you do, make sure you proofread it thoroughly. I knew a guy in England about twenty years ago who spent a fair amount having a fictional work published, and the finished product was rife with errors, even Greek characters in some of the text. Good luck with your own project

 

[palides2021]

Walt Whitman had his Leaves of Grass self published.

And he kept working on it and revising it a lot.

 

[ohioboy]

And he kept working on it and revising it a lot.

When I toured his home in Cambden, the guide said he was not sure how many copies still existed, but the home owned about 3 of them, if I remember right!

 

[Tomkin]

With this topic and target group, it won't be easy to find a traditional publisher. But I would definitely give it a try. You can take a closer look at the other options and decide what would be the best option. Self-publishing is one option, but you have to keep in mind that it takes a lot of time. You have to take care of everything yourself, and you also have to do the marketing. If you work, you don't have much time for that.

 

[Moony]

It is hard to find a traditional publisher, but you don't know until you try. I usually told my writers (I had a writing group) to send out queries and see what they got first. Besides writing the book, she needs to have other people (beta-readers) read it and give comments. The beta-reader reflects what the real reader will see, and they typically give helpful advice. Joining a critique group might be one way to do that.

That sounds interesting! Thank you for sharing! Do you also write by yourself? I will suggest her to find a writers group maybe to get some tips and also beta-readers!

During the revision stage, she needs to put the book down for a few weeks and then come back with fresh eyes. You'd be surprised how many errors we find doing that! Then she most likely will need to revise several times. Editing and revising takes the most time!

Also a very good tip! Thank you so much! Sure after a long time you maybe get blind to your own project and need to take some space to it, to discover errors and bad-written paragraphs....

Once the book is published either in paperback or hard copy (I have used a print-on-demand publisher all these years for most of my books), then she will have to focus on marketing and promoting it. An ebook would also be good to consider because it gives your readers flexibility to read when a print book is not easy.

Ah okay now I see- you do write by yourself! That's great! In which genre do you write? Print-on-demand means I can publish as many books as I want at any time- right? Do they also help with marketing, layout ... or do they just print the finished book?

If she is serious about her book, it would be good to form a website that showcases her work. This is also important if a traditional publisher wants to see her writing and if she has followers.

These are a few things that came to mind. I have slowed down on publishing books as I have entered a new career in teaching, but I might make a video on this process for new writers.

Oh yeah- I guess she is not that far in the process by now- but maybe it is an option for later. At the moment she is on holidays- so I can't speak with her about it. But I will collect everything and write it down to tell her, when she is back home.

With this topic and target group, it won't be easy to find a traditional publisher. But I would definitely give it a try. You can take a closer look at the other options and decide what would be the best option. Self-publishing is one option, but you have to keep in mind that it takes a lot of time. You have to take care of everything yourself, and you also have to do the marketing. If you work, you don't have much time for that.

Hmm thank you. She is not working- but studying. So I guess there will be not that much time left, when university stars again in October. Maybe she knows some people, who can help her with these things like marketing and layout.... if not, I don't know how to do it. So I am not sure, if self-publishing is the best option. But on the other side like every young adult she is an expert in using social media- I guess that could help.

 

[palides2021]

That sounds interesting! Thank you for sharing! Do you also write by yourself? I will suggest her to find a writers group maybe to get some tips and also beta-readers!

Also a very good tip! Thank you so much! Sure after a long time you maybe get blind to your own project and need to take some space to it, to discover errors and bad-written paragraphs....

Ah okay now I see- you do write by yourself! That's great! In which genre do you write? Print-on-demand means I can publish as many books as I want at any time- right? Do they also help with marketing, layout ... or do they just print the finished book?

Oh yeah- I guess she is not that far in the process by now- but maybe it is an option for later. At the moment she is on holidays- so I can't speak with her about it. But I will collect everything and write it down to tell her, when she is back home.

Hmm thank you. She is not working- but studying. So I guess there will be not that much time left, when university stars again in October. Maybe she knows some people, who can help her with these things like marketing and layout.... if not, I don't know how to do it. So I am not sure, if self-publishing is the best option. But on the other side like every young adult she is an expert in using social media- I guess that could help.

I began writing around the year 2001, and my first book became published in 2004 with a small press. After that, I published with the print-on-demand publisher. I formed a writers' group in 2014 and we critiqued each other's works. I have written in the romance genre (sweet love stories) but have switched to historical for the last two books. But since 2019, I was too busy taking courses to do any writing except poetry! I have another book I've been working on but it's not finished.

 

[Tomkin]

Hmm thank you. She is not working- but studying. So I guess there will be not that much time left, when university stars again in October. Maybe she knows some people, who can help her with these things like marketing and layout.... if not, I don't know how to do it. So I am not sure, if self-publishing is the best option. But on the other side like every young adult she is an expert in using social media- I guess that could help.

If you don't have the time or don't want to bother, you could look at service publishers. These publishers offer some services (editing, graphics,...). If you use these services, you pay for them. So basically like self-publishing only everything under one roof and you don't have to take care of it yourself.
For me, I would now know some publishers that you could write to. In the English-speaking world, the only one I can think of now would be Novum Publishing. This publisher also publishes in English, Spanish,...
To be able to suggest some publishers, we would have to know where she lives and where she would like to publish the book. Then we could also search for it.

Social media will definitely help. But it is also a lot of work and costs time.

 

[palides2021]

Before going with any publisher, it is good to check sites like Writer Beware and Predators and Editors (I used to study this site a lot - comprehensive reviews of not only publishers but other publishing groups that either had poor contracts or schemes - they are rebuilding their site):

One Week, Two Fakes: American Booksellers Federation and The Acquisitions Guild - Writer Beware

Preditors and Editors


This is what I found on the Writer Beware website:

About Writer Beware​

Writer Beware® is sponsored by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association ( SFWA®).
Like many genre-focused writers’ groups, SFWA® is concerned not just with issues that affect professional authors, but with the problems and pitfalls that face aspiring writers. Writer Beware®, founded in 1998, addresses that concern through the Writer Beware® website, which provides warnings about literary schemes and scams, along with information on how writers can protect themselves; the Writer Beware® blog, which covers schemes and scams in real time along with publishing industry news and advice for writers; and the Writer Beware® Facebook page, which links to writing-related articles, blog posts, and news items and provides a forum for discussion; and the Twitter feed of WB co-founder Victoria Strauss.

Although we’re sponsored by a US-based organization of professional writers of speculative fiction, our efforts aren’t limited by country, market, genre, or publication history. We’ve designed the Writer Beware® website to be used by any writer, new or established, regardless of subject, style, specialty, or nationality.

 

[Moony]

I began writing around the year 2001, and my first book became published in 2004 with a small press. After that, I published with the print-on-demand publisher. I formed a writers' group in 2014 and we critiqued each other's works. I have written in the romance genre (sweet love stories) but have switched to historical for the last two books. But since 2019, I was too busy taking courses to do any writing except poetry! I have another book I've been working on but it's not finished.

That sounds so interesting- thanks for sharing! How many books have you already written and published? I told my granddaughter and she told me that she was thinking to take part in a writers group at university- think that would be a good idea! You do also write poems? I really love poetry!

If you don't have the time or don't want to bother, you could look at service publishers. These publishers offer some services (editing, graphics,...). If you use these services, you pay for them. So basically like self-publishing only everything under one roof and you don't have to take care of it yourself.
For me, I would now know some publishers that you could write to. In the English-speaking world, the only one I can think of now would be Novum Publishing. This publisher also publishes in English, Spanish,...
To be able to suggest some publishers, we would have to know where she lives and where she would like to publish the book. Then we could also search for it.

Social media will definitely help. But it is also a lot of work and costs time.

Thanks for your efforts to help us! I informed myself about the Novum publishing. I found some interesting services, like a writer's training and some courses to learn how to write a proper book- maybe some of that would be a good idea for a Birthday present! At the moment, I can't say if she wants to publish with it- guess we have to collect more information at this point. We are living in Austria, and she writes in both Languages- English and German (I was allowed to read some pages by now )

Before going with any publisher, it is good to check sites like Writer Beware and Predators and Editors (I used to study this site a lot - comprehensive reviews of not only publishers but other publishing groups that either had poor contracts or schemes - they are rebuilding their site):

About Writer Beware​

Writer Beware® is sponsored by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association ( SFWA®).

Thank you so much for your support! I have to take my time and look through all of the information. You know my granddaughter is great and wonderful- but sometimes she needs more patience!

 

[palides2021]

That sounds so interesting- thanks for sharing! How many books have you already written and published? I told my granddaughter and she told me that she was thinking to take part in a writers group at university- think that would be a good idea! You do also write poems? I really love poetry!

Thanks for your efforts to help us! I informed myself about the Novum publishing. I found some interesting services, like a writer's training and some courses to learn how to write a proper book- maybe some of that would be a good idea for a Birthday present! At the moment, I can't say if she wants to publish with it- guess we have to collect more information at this point. We are living in Austria, and she writes in both Languages- English and German (I was allowed to read some pages by now )

Thank you so much for your support! I have to take my time and look through all of the information. You know my granddaughter is great and wonderful- but sometimes she needs more patience!

I have 4 novels, a poetry book, and edited/contributed to a bilingual poetry anthology. Here is a thread where I post my poems and information: Reflective thoughts and poems

Your granddaughter is lucky that you are supporting her in her writing endeavors!

 

[Tomkin]

Thanks for your efforts to help us! I informed myself about the Novum publishing. I found some interesting services, like a writer's training and some courses to learn how to write a proper book- maybe some of that would be a good idea for a Birthday present! At the moment, I can't say if she wants to publish with it- guess we have to collect more information at this point. We are living in Austria, and she writes in both Languages- English and German (I was allowed to read some pages by now )

There would also be courses at universities or in continuing education institutions. If one registers, one can also attend these courses. I think it's also hard to predict whether you'll end up satisfied with a book and want to take the next step. If you're a professional author and you have a deadline, it's probably different. As long as you see it as a hobby, you won't have any pressure to finish anything quickly. I wouldn't put myself under pressure either. You should not lose the fun.

 

[Moony]

I have 4 novels, a poetry book, and edited/contributed to a bilingual poetry anthology. Here is a thread where I post my poems and information: Reflective thoughts and poems

Your granddaughter is lucky that you are supporting her in her writing endeavors!

Thank you for sharing! Your poems are wonderful! I will take some time to read through them!
And I am lucky to get advise from experts here!

There would also be courses at universities or in continuing education institutions. If one registers, one can also attend these courses. I think it's also hard to predict whether you'll end up satisfied with a book and want to take the next step. If you're a professional author and you have a deadline, it's probably different. As long as you see it as a hobby, you won't have any pressure to finish anything quickly. I wouldn't put myself under pressure either. You should not lose the fun.

Yeah you are right- here course is going to start next week. Maybe it is easier for us to say we don't need to be under pressure. For sure it is nothing good- but she is young and sometimes a bit stubborn and full of energy- so taking things slowly can be hard ;P

 

[Davey Do]

Here's a relatively nonconventional and probably not popular perspective: We read, write, and illustrate books primarily for us. Publishing a book is so others will reinforce our work and worth and maybe make some money from it.

Back in the mid 90's to early 'aughts, when I was doing my freelance thing, I was published in several local rags and national zines. It felt good, I got some notoriety, and made a little money. However, after several years, I felt that I had lost the reason why I pursued my craft, which was self-satisfaction, and my art became a job. I already made good money as a nurse, so I hung up my freelance art guns, and have since joyously pursued art for my own satisfaction.

I have, in my library, about 200 journals, comic books, etc. which I have authored and illustrated which I share with others in printed copies and the internet. I do this for my own satisfaction and entertainment and it's been a worthy endeavor.

 

[palides2021]

Here's a relatively nonconventional and probably not popular perspective: We read, write, and illustrate books primarily for us. Publishing a book is so others will reinforce our work and worth and maybe make some money from it.

Back in the mid 90's to early 'aughts, when I was doing my freelance thing, I was published in several local rags and national zines. It felt good, I got some notoriety, and made a little money. However, after several years, I felt that I had lost the reason why I pursued my craft, which was self-satisfaction, and my art became a job. I already made good money as a nurse, so I hung up my freelance art guns, and have since joyously pursued art for my own satisfaction.

I have, in my library, about 200 journals, comic books, etc. which I have authored and illustrated which I share with others in printed copies and the internet. I do this for my own satisfaction and entertainment and it's been a worthy endeavor.

That's awesome! What did you write about? Was there a topic that was your strong point?

 

[Davey Do]

That's awesome! What did you write about? Was there a topic that was your strong point?

Thank you for asking, palisides, for if there's one thing we all like to do is talk about ourselves.

All my work is autobiographical, from my career as a nurse, to all life's situations, most are humorous in nature. As I mentioned in another thread, I recently did an historical work on a rural one room schoolhouse, which once stood about a mile from where I grew up and now reside, which functioned from about 1866 to1953. A copy of it is now in the local genealogical-local history library.

I really am not a talented writer, although I've received recognition and awards for my professional charting, so my strong point is my ability to get the facts across. Getting the facts across is a basically systematic process utilizing a chain of events in chronological order, objective facts, and verbatim quotes.

Again, thanks for your interest!

​

 

[Tomkin]

I had lost the reason why I pursued my craft, which was self-satisfaction, and my art became a job.

I think that's pretty hard, too. At a certain point, it becomes work. If you write really professionally, at some point the publisher is there and wants to see the next book - even if you don't have a story at the moment. Then you have to come up with something even if you don't have a personal story to tell.
Do many authors make the move to becoming a professional author?

 

[Davey Do]

I think that's pretty hard, too. At a certain point, it becomes work. If you write really professionally, at some point the publisher is there and wants to see the next book - even if you don't have a story at the moment. Then you have to come up with something even if you don't have a personal story to tell.
Do many authors make the move to becoming a professional author?

Oscar Wilde said something along the lines of, "An artist stops being an artist when they begin creating their work for others".

Writing and all forms of creative expression are a totally self-involved experience. That doesn't mean that all artists are totally self-involved individuals, as in the case of my niece, Lynette Marie, who is a relatively successful romance author, and can act altruistically to a fault.

 

[palides2021]

I think that's pretty hard, too. At a certain point, it becomes work. If you write really professionally, at some point the publisher is there and wants to see the next book - even if you don't have a story at the moment. Then you have to come up with something even if you don't have a personal story to tell.
Do many authors make the move to becoming a professional author?

Many authors usually want to become professional authors (sell books) but there are different ways to go about this. The traditional route is a very narrow path, and many, many authors get rejected by publishers and agents. We're talking about 90% rejection rate! I have been there. The authors that are resilient and continue to write, will self-publish, and that market has grown considerably and probably has outpaced the traditional publishers.

I know an author who self-published her first book, and then was picked up by an agent and now publishes traditionally and regularly, and she's committed to it, like a job (as you stated). To me, that takes away from the creativity. I could not do that.

 

[Murrmurr]

Hello my Dears!​

I have already told you about ma granddaughter, right? She's absolutely lovely, and I learn a lot from her ( and sometimes I can teach her some things too ). This weekend she surprised me and told me, that she is writing a book about us since already six months. Sure, you can imagine how touched I was.

She explained that she thinks my thoughts and life-experience is value and that she wants to keep our conversations in her memories. I have to admit I cried a little bit - anyway she told me that I am not allowed to read it by now and that she will finish it this year.

Later on she she talked about publishing the book - especially for other grandmothers-granddaughters. I told her that this would be great, and I wish to support her in every possible way - mentally and financially. But I have absolutely no ideas about publishing your own book. I have never thought about this process before. Maybe some of you did and can give me some advice.

Greetings to all of you and wish you a nice Sunday!

I'm not positive, but I think Amazon Kindle still lets people publish online for free.

I'm pretty sure this is the website for that:

Self Publishing | Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing

For free and low-cost, she can find people online who will proof-read her manuscript, give their opinion about it, and point out misspellings, grammar errors, inconsistencies and plot holes. Google "beta-readers" to find them.

 

[Tomkin]

Oscar Wilde said something along the lines of, "An artist stops being an artist when they begin creating their work for others".

Good quote, that sums it up very well.

Many authors usually want to become professional authors (sell books) but there are different ways to go about this.

Aren't we then exactly at this quote? If I want to write a story from my soul, then I usually only have one. If I then want to write several stories, then they must be basically invented stories. Unless the life of a person is now so interesting
Professional authors invent their stories, they have to do it, because you can't write a new book from every life situation. The more books you write, the less likely a personal story is.