The Basics Of Self Publishing With Guest Author Bob Turek
July 22, 2008 by Yvonne Russell
It’s Writing & Publishing Month here at Home Biz Notes.
We’re talking self publishing and print on demand with guest author, Bob Turek, who published his book, Working The Plan on Lulu.com.
By Bob Turek
While I have some experience publishing on-line (article and books on Working The Plan and a blog at Project Management 411), I would not suggest it unless you are willing to spend a lot of time writing your content (article, book, pamphlet, or whatever). That’s the key- good content- the rest is just an ability to follow an on-line site’s directions.
Lulu.com was suggested to me about 5 years ago. It’s great because there is absolutely no cost to you. The books are printed on demand- you just have to decide if you want to get a royalty or not. I think it’s an amazing way to get your book out there and use it to enhance your career.
I’ve used the books in job interviews and to gain consulting assignments. Note that I was NOT focusing on book sales.
Don’t expect your book to sell on it’s own. I have done very little marketing and my book sales show it- only about 70 books (downloaded and printed) over 5 years. So–your next task – if you want to sell books – is to market.
Lulu has some pretty good suggestions on approaches to a marketing campaign; it’s a lot of work so figure out why you are publishing. Is it to sell books? or is it to promote yourself. Either can be done.
Next post is on why I wrote the books I wrote.
Bob Turek works in the software industries specializing in technology enabling business processes in the manufacturing companies. He has published books and articles on manufacturing strategies and projects, including Working The Plan available from Lulu.com. His blog, Project Management 411, focuses on innovation and executing strategies through effective project management.
Working The Plan Cover Image courtesy Bob Turek
Guest Post Graphic courtesy Yvonne Russell at Grow Your Writing Business
I remember, when I belonged to a writers’ workshop, how people would sneer at the idea of self-publishing, but in today’s competitive world, I’d rather build my own fan base, self-publish a novel, and *then* approach an agent (once you’ve proven you can move books off the shelves!). You’ve got a lot more bargaining power than if you just send in query letters to agent after agent, hoping someone will want to look at your work based on a two paragraph synopsis… Agents will take notice if you sold a few thousand copies on your own.
These days, even authors who do get published by regular houses are usually on their own for marketing anyway, so we writers shall just have to get used to the idea of pushing our wares ourselves.
Hi Lindsay
The whole face of publishing has certainly changed with self publishing.
As you say, mainstream publishers certainly do expect authors to do a lot of the marketing – not something all authors are comfortable with.