Recommendations for Self-Publishing firm?

[Tiki Tom]

I come humbly seeking advice. I've got one project where I think it would be appropriate to go the self-publishing route. This is completely new territory for me. Anyway, my first instinct was to look at Amazon's "CreateSpace" publishing tool. Some people seem to love it; others hate it. I just wonder if anyone here has self-published and, if so, what tool/company did you use and how was your experience? Thank you for any input, comments, or suggestions that you may have!

 

[Edward]

Amazon seems a logical option in relation to audience reach, but I'd make sure you red the fine print in relation to your inteelectual property, rate of payment, and such. Also remember that if you're also trying to have it published with a traditional publisher, self-publishing first could compromise that; you'd at least want to be sure you retained control over the option to pull it from Amazon if needsbe.

 

[AmateisGal]

It depends on what you want out of your book. Do you want any editing done? Do you want a professional copywriter to write the back cover copy? Or do you simply want to self-publish it as is?

I used to work for a major self-publishing company, so please feel free to DM me with any questions.

 

[Bigger Don]

@AmateisGal ...
Excellent reply...the kind of stuff that makes me proud of my membership in FL!

Just getting over the emotional hump of putting work out for others to read can be daunting.

 

[Tiki Tom]

Just getting over the emotional hump of putting work out for others to read can be daunting.

Very true. Thank you for your comments. My kids essentially grew up as "expat brats" in Vienna. Now they are heading off to universities in the USA. I've written a book about the magic of Vienna (history, culture, etc.) with some small bits about our family history. I have no care for sales or reviews, etc. For me, it is just a way to document things for my children. Thirty years from now, I'm imaging it as a book they would grab to remember their childhoods and perhaps show to their kids (should I be so lucky.). I want it to look semi "professional" for them, and I'm not adverse to paying a bit for a little extra "polish". It is not about money, one way or the other. The book is a unique perspective on Vienna that would be of interest to the casual reader/traveler, loaded with odd bits of travel trivia, but that is not really why I wrote it. I admit that it is purely a "vanity" project, but there you have it. Hence, my interest in self publishing. Great insights, so far. Thank you. Truly. I always view the fedora lounge as a great resource and a step above other avenues.

 

[AmateisGal]

Very true. Thank you for your comments. My kids essentially grew up as "expat brats" in Vienna. Now they are heading off to universities in the USA. I've written a book about the magic of Vienna (history, culture, etc.) with some small bits about our family history. I have no care for sales or reviews, etc. For me, it is just a way to document things for my children. Thirty years from now, I'm imaging it as a book they would grab to remember their childhoods and perhaps show to their kids (should I be so lucky.). I want it to look semi "professional" for them, and I'm not adverse to paying a bit for a little extra "polish". It is not about money, one way or the other. The book is a unique perspective on Vienna that would be of interest to the casual reader/traveler, loaded with odd bits of travel trivia, but that is not really why I wrote it. I admit that it is purely a "vanity" project, but there you have it. Hence, my interest in self publishing. Great insights, so far. Thank you. Truly. I always view the fedora lounge as a great resource and a step above other avenues.

Then going with a basic package - that makes it look professional and nice - is exactly what you want.

I suggest going with Lulu or Createspace.
You can pay for extras if you'd like - a cover, marketing copy, copyediting, etc. - but it doesn't sound like you really need that.

The company to really avoid: AuthorSolutions and all companies under their umbrella including iUniverse, Author House, and Xlibris.

 

[Tiki Tom]

Thank you, Amateisgal. Very helpful. I will certainly look into Lulu, which I never heard of before.
I'll keep you posted as this little project progresses. Right now I'm in the middle of editing the document (second time).

 

[AmateisGal]

Thank you, Amateisgal. Very helpful. I will certainly look into Lulu, which I never heard of before.
I'll keep you posted as this little project progresses. Right now I'm in the middle of editing the document (second time).

You're very welcome! Best wishes!