Whether your dream is to record memories, recount adventures, impart knowledge or share humor, self publishing makes it possible for everyone. In the past unless you had a literary agent or the knowledge to pursue publishers, a book of your own was a far off possibility. Now with the technology that has been developed for instant publishing, and with a few investment dollars, everyone has the potential to become a published author.
According to Wikipedia, “In 2008, for the first time in history, more books were self-published than those published traditionally. In 2009, 76% of all books released were self-published, while publishing houses reduced the number of books they produced.”
The first step is to find a self publishing company. Most publishing houses have package deals that you can tailor to your needs. The number of books published, the amount of editing help you choose, the format of the book, and the amount of graphic help you want determine the cost. Prices generally start in the $300 range and go up from there. For instance, if you want to get Grandma’s memories into a book and provide them to all the children and grandchildren, need minimal editing and layout assistance, and will want 50 books, the cost could easily be less than $800 for the entire project.
Packages will get the services of an editor and promotion for the book on such outlets as Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and other international book outlets. They even provide e-book capabilities.
Some older people do not necessarily have the dexterity or the desire to learn to deal with word processing or writing, but nearly all of them are willing to tape record their stories and someone else can get them into a written format. If you know someone who can share memories of past times and adventures, it is a satisfying project to help them get it into a format for both family members and the public to share. If you do not have writing skills, there are plenty of companies who will help with the editing at a nominal fee.
Whether you want to share memories, adventures or how-to-do it information, you can see it become a reality with some effort, some help and some monetary investment.
Please subscribe to be notified of new articles. Email lindalumc@att.net, and add your comments!
Comments