Self Publishing.

I don't get the impression anybody wants to start a thread about Christianity in the US, just a few relevant comments by members
You haven't told us what your book is about, soontobe, is it non-fiction or a novel? or maybe autobiographical?

I wonder if the questionable editing and proofreading I sometimes encounter on Kindle books might be because they are self-published? It can really get inn the way of my enjoyment of a book.

No offence to self publishers who are scrupulous about this kind of thing - oops!

Go to killernashvillemagazine.com my husband writes a column about self publishing. Look under profiles at article being your own boss. Lots of great advice on the site.

Hear hear soontobe. You can self publish whatever you like. However, its quality if not externally edited/proof read etc may be questionable and a market for any book isn't guaranteed. Just write your book and see what you've got. Good luck!

I think it would be best if a different thread is started by someone if you want to talk about that, as that subject is not to do with marketing a self published book.

A lot of American Christian creationist and fundamentalists think the world was created about 4,600 yrs ago.

It always surprises me that such a religious and generally rich country has very harsh welfare conditions and inhumane prison systems. I always wonder if they have lost the Christian message of compassion somwhere along the way.

How you fit a book to suit the religious US right without looking at the realities of their deeply unequal society seems quite a challenge.

Only just over half the population over here admit to having any belief whatsoever, and most of those are not practising, let alone christian, whereas in the USA over 70% are Christians and quite a high proportion go to church regularly. It's bucking the trend for western countries, with religious belief growing rather than falling. I can see why it would be a better market for a book.

I meant about the publishing aspect of the American market Galen. I have already sussed that the book I am writing probably fits well with the American market. I wasnt very clear.
There is someone I know and can ask if it was self published, but not about American publishing houses.

As my rather old fashioned schoolteacher used to tell the class

'Empty kettles make the most sound'

I read somewhere that more that 50% of Anericans think Sherlock Holmes was a real person.

If you don't know about the American market, how do you know your book is more suited to it!

Get Googling soontobe!

I am half way through writing a book, yes.
A christian one - no surprise there.
But, I am not so sure about the self publishing route in my particular case. But, as others have said, the other route is tricky to say the least. My book may well be better suited to the American market, but I wouldnt have a clue about that either.
One the other hand, it may never get further than my desk.

Presumably!

It sounds as if you might be an aspiring author soontobe - is there a book gestating?

Which websites are good ones to read up about it all, self publishing and how publishing houses work?
I presume your collective couldnt do marketing for abroad?
I presume there are very few small groups like yours?
Presumably they keep to one genre? They wouldnt deal with say, text books?

On looking at various websites it seems that self or independent publishing is the way ahead. I don't know how to do links but one that I found mentioned that 6 out of the top 10 books are independently published. There is a big difference between independent publishing and vanity publishing. Its a huge subject and well worth researching online. My book is being published by a small independent publisher who is part of a writers collective. They make no charge at all and have spent hundreds of hours helping me with all sorts of aspects of a book from copy editing, proof reading and cover design etc. I'm happy to help out the others in whatever way I can. A key aspect is that they are very choosy about the books they take on. This was reassuring to me. They reject more than they accept as they are investing such a lot of energy in it all. They are real enthusiasts and I've learned such a lot from them and there's so much more to learn. Writing the book is the easy part!

I am surorised that you have not had more replies to your op, Mimosa. That gransnetters or lurkers dont appear to have done the self publishing and marketing route.

Can I ask NanKate, am I right in thinking that self publishing doesnt generate many sales. And mainly because people have to self market? Or are both points utterly wrong?

Both Soontobe. Creative writing classes have lots of ideas on how and where to get published. I am talking about short stories and articles for magazines not novels which are notoriously hard to get a publishing deal for. Your library might host this type of class or a adult education class or your local U3A.

At these classes they would have advice on self publishing too. Or you could just look on line for companies who offer self publishing deals and compare them for price and what they offer.

Also there are magazines for aspiring authors with advice. Go and have a look round W H Smith.

Hope that helps. If you have more queries just ask.

NanKate, when you say a short course on how to publish, are you meaning self publishing? Or a publishing house as well?

Soontobe if you sign up to the Hay Festival online at the beginning of next year they will let you know which authors are appearing and when. It is advisable to book your place at their shows as some authors sell out.

If you want to stay for a night or two you need to book a B and B early on in the year to secure a place.

My DS says only the very top authors get paid. His travel and accommodation and food were paid by his publishers but that is it.

Ethel if I may give some advice, you need to join a creative writing group or go on a short course on how to publish your books. It is really crucial to follow all the rules so that you give yourself the best chance to get your books promoted.

However if you just want a copy for yourself and a few friends you can shop around on the internet to find companies who will self publish for you - at a cost.

In the last 8 years since my DS became a full time author I have learned a lot about the publishing business and am happy to give advice if asked. I am not the Oracle on publishing but feel I have got a pretty broad knowledge now.

Good luck Mimosa, I have several stories on a stick and have not got a clue as to how to publish so I have read with interest all these posts and you never know I may publish mine in the future.

I am thinking to go to Hay next year NanKate. From the 2016 dates, it appears to go on for 10 days.
Which are the best dates to go, or doesnt it matter?

I presume they get away with not giving authors anything, because there are authors who would do it for nothing.Not very nice though.

I meant to say DS not DH.

Well done Mimosa and best of luck with your book.

Mimosa there was a very interesting programme on radio 4 tonight at 7.15 broadcast from The Hay Literary Festival all about authors, getting books published and self publishing.

Do you ever use the Listen Again facility on your computer for radio 4 ? It would be worth you listening to the programme to pick up some tips.

I have to say the Hay Festival organisers are cheapskates in my opinion. My DH appeared there this week for the fourth year and all they give the authors are a few bottles of wine, no payment at all, even though the children and their families pay to see the authors.