I started this book writing process out of a need to fill my time and a desire to get a creative story out of my innermost being so it seemed. I can't tell how many movies or televisions shows I watched and thought "I could do better than that." I finally decided to put my money were my computer keys were. As I wrote my book, I tried to paint the scenes as though they were from the big screen. I had to visualize it because I wanted my readers to be able to visualize it, as well.
Once the writing process was completed, I began searching these so-called self-publishers. I compared and contrasted their "packages" and what they had to offer people. I looked carefully at them over the course of weeks. I'd almost decided on one, and then something stopped me. I had asked my brother, who is an award-winning graphic artist, if he would design my cover. He said he would because he didn't want his sister to have a crappy cover. When I asked him about the program this company wanted their authors to use to submit their graphics, he responded it was the free version of the program and not the professional one he had. That was my tipping point.
I kept doing Google searches. After all, I had an editor, a real live professional who has written books of his own and retired from the newspaper business after 40ish years. Out of the blue, he offered to proof and edit it for the simple cost of an autographed copy. His name will be on the book somewhere as the editor as well as my brother's.
And instead of pulling a stock photo for a cover, I had a professional doing my cover, an uber-talented professional at that!
Then these companies promise "marketing" services such as a press release. I minored in communications, and I took marking and PR classes. I have worked in newspapers for 24 years. I could write a good press release in my sleep. I know a little about marketing. I have a radio host who has promised to interview me; I have a book signing tentatively arranged, and I have another library willing to do a book signing or promotion.
The thought came - do I really need these "publishers?"
More research, and I came upon some amazing news articles, blogs and websites. I used the right key words - self-publishing reviews. In fact, that is the name of one website that is an amazing resource.
These "self-publishers" aren't truly self-publishers at all. They are subsidy presses.
And my game plan now is the following.
Obtain an ISBN (or 10) from Bowker. You need more than one if you have a hard-back or paperback book. One costs $125 while 10 costs $250. Hmm. I think I'll get 10 because I plan to write more books.
Once you own the ISBN, you are the publisher. Otherwise, it's those big box publishers who own your title. No one is owning the total rights to my book but me.
Secondly, get your own barcode. I've heard that is easy too and not expensive.
Other items on my list while I'm waiting for editing to take place. I need to get a good headshot and a website.
Once the digital copy of the book is available, then I set up an account with lightning source, a book distributor, part of Ingram. They will make it available for sale and print copies only when ordered.
I have a few other details to work out. This isn't an exhaustive checklist by any means. I'm leaving a few things out. Oh yeah - I have to come up with a name for my "publishing house."
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