Synopses & Reviews
The Complete Self-Publishing Handbook is a step-by-step guide to the publishing process for those who want to produce their own books. Every aspect of the making of books is covered, from the initial conception of the idea for a book, through the writing and editing; the design, composition, and production; and, finally, the promotion, selling, and fulfillment. Case studies that show exactly what costs are incurred in making a book and practical appendices such as a table of copy-editing and proofreading marks make The Complete Self-Publishing Handbook an indispensable guide.
About the Author
David M. Brownstone and Irene M. Franck are a husband-and-wife team with extensive experience in publishing, who have written more than 75 books. They are based in Chappaqua, New York.
Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1: Why Self-Publishing?
The Situation of Authors Today
Production Economies
Distribution Changes
Publishing Difficulties
The Self-Publishing Alternative
Self-Publishing Is Not Vanity Publishing
Chapter 2: What You Need to Know About the Publishing Process
Writing and Editing
Composition and Production
Marketing and Business Handling
Chapter 3: From Idea to Finished Manuscript
The Conception
Outlines and Samples
Gauging Book Length
Seeking Outside Advice
Preparing the Manuscript
Usage Questions
Manuscript Security
Writing on Computer: Hazards and Opportunities
Working with Editors
Illustrations
Libel and Invasion of Privacy
Permissions and Copyrights
Indexing
The Elements of the Book
Copyright Registration and Related Matters
Chapter 4: Choices, Costs, and Prices
Going Commercial
Poetry, Plays, and Novels
Criteria for Self-Publishing
Hardcover or Paperback?
The Real Cost of Authoring
Opportunity Costs
Start-up and Overhead Costs
Editorial Costs
Picture Research and Other Illustration Costs
Prepublication Production Costs
Manufacturing Costs
Marketing Costs
Handling Costs
Pricing
Size of Printing
Chapter 5: Design, Composition, and Production
The Physical Book
Print on Paper
Selecting Type
From Manuscript to Book Production
Proofs
Paper Selection
Pricing and Printing
The Body of the Book
Jackets and Covers
Paperless Publishing
Chapter 6: Selling and Fulfillment
Selling Is Selling
Advance Copies and Prepublication Reviews
Getting Usable Recommendations
Early Promotion Efforts
Press Releases and Review Copies
Advertising Plans
Direct Mail Selling
Finding the Right Distributors
Personal Selling
Selling Through Local Bookstores
Getting Wider Bookstore Distribution
Selling on the Internet
Your Own Website
Other Selling Opportunities
After the Sale
Chapter 7: Making the Most of Your Self-Published Book
Pickup by a Commercial Publisher
Subsidiary Rights
Building Your Reputation
Chapter 8: Developing an Episode Premise
Advice from Our Producers
Dreaming Up Stories
Turning Ideas into Springboards
Appendix
1. Sources of Information
2. The Self-Publishing Process
3. Copyediting and Proofreading Marks
4. Type Specimen Sheet
5. Sample Press Release
Glossary
Index