How to write & publish a book may be a good idea, if you have a wonderful book but fail to find a publisher. Don’t spend a lot of money on doing this, as most people lose their life savings, most books don’t sell well. But there is good advice around for aspiring writers.
- How to Be Published is a lovely guide to publish your book, which covers all the basics. Published (nicely done) by an indie publisher in England, it gives an unbiased guide to the pros and cons of self-publishing (versus traditional publishing) along with other options.
- Lynn’s other book How to Market Your Book is also helpful. These days, most writers are expected to help promote their book, which can fill some introvert scribblers with dread. This book has interviews with writers who give advice how to market without gimmicks, and also includes an overview of book marketing tips.
- Restored 316 eBook Template uses free Canva software. It takes a couple of hours to learn, but then for around £30, you create a gorgeous e-book without need for Photoshop or designers. Swap out colours to suit your brand and use simple drag-and-drop to add images. Includes 4 cover variations and 20 unique pages (including author, table of contents, chapters headings & copyright).
- If you have a great book but no money, you could try Unbound. This is a crowdfunding platform where if your idea is good enough, others fund publication and receive something in return (a first edition, dinner with the author etc). Paul Kingsnorth did this for his book The Wake, and was nominated for The Booker Prize.
- It’s best to avoid self-publishing unless you have lots of money to lose, as most books don’t sell. But if you are confident that you are going to self-publish, YPS Publishing (Yorkshire) is one of the best. You have to pay to have them print in short runs, but then you keep all the profits, and they can sell items in their own bookstore or arrange wholesale distribution.
