Overview
Benefits
Eye-popping colors
Crisp and even ink coverage
Quality paper stocks
Sturdy, tight book binding
What is self-publishing?
What is the difference between self-publishing and subsidy publishing?
The term self-publishing is often mistakenly used by subsidy providers. Both involve paying to have your book produced; however there are some significant differences in the rights, control, and profit structure. “Subsidy publishing” is a form of publication in which the author pays another publisher to produce a book, including manufacture and marketing costs. “Self-publishing” is a form of publication in which the author becomes the publisher of the book, and maintains control of production and marketing, including how long to keep the book in print. A subsidy publisher can take your title out of print if it is not profitable for them. As a self-publisher, you own the rights to your book, have control of design and production, and retain all revenues earned from the sale of your book.
What books are most successful for self-publishing?
Self-publishers can publish the entire topical range of books that includes: Novels, biographies, autobiographies, history, genealogies, inspirational books, cookbooks, how-to books, etc. There is no limit on what a self-publisher can publish and have some success. Each author needs to define what they consider success. For some it may be to just recover their expenses. For some it may be to give the books away to a specific group of people. For others it may be to sell thousands of books and make some money. The most successful self-publishers will take the following steps: First, an author should publish in an area where they have some recognized expertise. Second, write and publish on a subject area where there is some demand. Third, determine a way to market to the people interested in the subject matter of the book. Fourth, implement the marketing plan.
Why would I choose to Self-Publish my Book?
What do I need to know to be successful?
What are the costs to print and bind my book?
It is important to have an expense and income plan prior to ordering your book. We advise that you get a quotation in a range of quantities, and consider what the retail price might be. Our book-publishing consultants are happy to help you with these proposals. Mennonite Press offers an offset line of printing for book publications of 500 or more, and a digital line for authors that are considering a limited number of printed books. There are numerous variables that impact the cost of publication—read Self-Publishing: Planning for a Better Book, by Roger Lloyd Williams for more details.
What is an ISBN and do I need one?
How do I get an ISBN for my book?
What is the Library of Congress Control (LOC) Number?
Will I need to have my book copyrighted?
Copyright protection is for “original works of authorship”. Your manuscript is already copyrighted with or without registration in that it is your unique creative piece and your claim is printed in your book. However, copyright registration with the US Copyright Office provides additional legal clout if there is ever the need to go to court over the ownership of the work. The current length of a registered copyright is 70 years past the death of the author. Hence, one’s family or estate can continue to reap the benefits of the creativity of an author well into the future and before it goes into public domain. Mennonite Press provides assistance in getting manuscripts copyrighted, although the author may do this by themselves by contacting the US Copyright Office. There is a fee for copyright registration. Copyrights can be complicated legal issues and an author should check with the U.S. Copyright Office with more than rudimentary questions.
How do I submit my book for printing?
How do I layout my book?
What fonts do I use in my book?
What page size should I choose?
The choice of page size has no magic formula. It is a decision based on how your material will fit best into the “package” and what your audience is accustomed to. For instance, most historical and educational books are 6 x 9; many youth topics as well as many inspirational and how-to books are sized 5 ½ x 8 ½; workbooks and coffee table books are often 8 ½ x 11 or 9 x 12. If you have a large manuscript, you may opt to choose a larger format so that it will not be too bulky. The sizes listed above are standard sizes that make the most economical use of standard printing paper sizes for portrait orientation. Landscape-formatted books may need to be undersized depending on the binding style. You may choose a non-standard proportion or a square format, but the cost will be higher than a standard-sized book because of the inefficiencies in buying paper and printing.
What margins should I use?
How do I save photos and graphics so that they will print clearly?
How do I present the cover for my book?
How do I start to market my book?
Marketing is like hunting. First, you identify the type of animal you are hunting (those who might be interested in your book). Second, you identify the habits of your game (what those interested in your subject do—read, purchase, etc.) Third, you identify where they are most likely to be found. Then you target your promotions to your identified potential customers according to their habits and habitat. For example, if you are writing a genealogy then you first identify all the family members and others who might be interested. Second, you determine what they do that might lend itself to easy contact, such as doing genealogical research themselves. And third, you determine where they might be found, such as attending an annual family reunion. By following this process you target your market and keep advertising costs to a minimum.