The Greater Des Moines Professional Chapter recently heard from Dr. Jean Wolf who has self-published a series of historical novels. Jean recommended the publishing platform lulu.com and the service Draft2Digital for publishing your own work. This presentation led to our thinking about other resources that are now available to help you get your book published. Our own self-published author Cecelia Munzenmaier came up with this list resources for publishing your own tome – fact or fiction!
Self-publishing is developing at a fast pace with many resources available now that make the process of getting your book published easier. The actual writing of your book is only half the battle. You still need to find editors, deal with cover and interior art, choose among publishing services, and do your marketing! You are starting your own small business. It’s important to do your homework before you take the plunge. A good place to start is Amy Collins’ article 5 Truths About Starting Your Own Self-Publishing Imprint. Once you have an overview, you can find trustworthy advice on virtually every aspect of the self-publishing industry.
For Guidance from Experts
- Joel Friedlander bookdesigner.com Download his 10 Things You Need to Know about Self-Publishing. Follow his Carnival of the Indies blog for guest posts that keep you up to date on podcasts, marketing campaigns, and publishing platforms.
- Mick Rooney The Independent Publishing Magazine In addition to helpful resources, Rooney maintains a publishing services index that reviews self-publishing services.
- Jane Friedman See her article “The Self-Publishing Path: It’s Often Anything But ’Self’”. Follow her blog, for advice about the industry, including writing tips. Subscribe to her Electric Speed newsletter to keep up with electronic tools for authors at her site.
Associations
- Alliance for Independent Authors (ALLi) is a global non-profit association for independent authors. ALLi sponsors a free Self-Publishing Advice Center. In addition, paid members have access to free guidebooks, downloads and resources, a contract review service, and a wide variety of discounts and deals.
- The National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) provides resources and marketing support, including a free author website.
If you’re interested in a specific type of writing, check out organizations in your preferred genre:
- Nonfiction Authors Association
- Society of Childrens’ Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI )
- Romance Writers of America
Library Resources
Don’t forget your local library for resources! Here are two useful guides to the publishing industry that you can find in most libraries:
- Writer’s Digest has a Publishing Insights column and webinars and courses such as “How to Attract an Agent” and “Today’s Key Book Publishing Paths: What’s New, What’s Old, and What’s Right for You.”
- Literary Marketplace offers a directory of publishers, agents, and industry services.
Other Authors
Another good source of information that is often overlooked is your fellow authors. They can often help you connect to local author fairs and critique groups. They might have recommendations for editors, proofreaders, or places to hold book signings. Their hard-won experience might also suggest questions that didn’t occur to you, such as “Is it worth paying royalties to avoid the hassle of handling inventory and distribution myself?”
Remember, other authors are not your competitors. People who like to read want to read more!
Good luck on your journey to self-publishing!
About the Author
Cecelia Munzenmaier is a retired English teacher and now full-time freelancer who develops materials for textbook publishers and coaches business writers. Her books include Write More, Stress Less and Write Better eMails. She is a past president of the AWC Greater Des Moines Professional Chapter and winner of the 2019 AWC Chapter Star Award.
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