References for Self-Publishers

After I wrote Jenny Spaghetti I blindly wandered the maze of self-publishing. Most of the emails I now receive are from other potential self-publishers asking for advice. It is not possible to summarise the three year journey I took, but I will list here some of the more helpful books and web sites I uncovered along the way. Thankfully I have emerged on the other side relatively unscathed, but only due to research, research and more research. Try some of these...

Books

Baulch, Libby & Blain, Georgia, Copyright for Book Publishers (1997), Australian Copyright Council
Not a book really, but helps with that tricky copyright terminology on the imprint page. Gives examples you can copy.

Clark, Sherryl, Successful Self-Publishing, Making and Selling Your Own Book (1997), Hale & Iremonger
Easy to follow, though not too in-depth. Includes “How not to look like an amateur”, “The importance of a great cover”, “What new printing technology has to offer”, “Why doing it yourself pays off”.

Day, Marele, The Art of Self-Promotion, Successful Promotion by Writers (1995), Allen & Unwin
For self-publishers needing publicity guidance, or those want to supplement their publisher’s efforts. Basic information only.

Gleeson, Libby, Making Picture Books (2003), Scholastic Press
Not really specific to self-publishing, but shows many picture book authors and illustrators behind the scenes in various stages from concept to publication. Very interesting!

Henderson, Robyn and McAlister, Marg, Be Seen, Get Known, Move Ahead, A Beginner’s Guide to Self Promotion (1998), Networking to Win & Word Dynamics
Helpful info on how to create an image and promote yourself after your book comes out.

Mitchell, Euan, Self-Publishing Made Simple, The Ultimate Australian Guide (2000), Hardie Grant Books
An Australian step-by-step guide to getting your book printed. Includes all the easy-to-forget stages such as organising a bar code, listing your book with the bureaucracy and setting your retail price. A bit too brief in some areas, but has a great reference section for further enquiries.

Kremer, John, 1001 Ways to Market Your Books (1998), Open Horizons
Great for self-publishers, though equally as important for those contracted to a publisher. Probably the most in-depth marketing publication for authors around. Unfortunately a US publication, but not as much of a problem as with other books.

Poynter, Dan, The Self-Publishing Manual, How to Write, Print and Sell Your Own Book (2000), Para Publishing
One of the best guides to seIf-publishing I’ve come across - it’s actually self-published(!) and in its 12th reprinting. The downside is that it’s an American production, so all of the handy addresses and pricing guides are irrelevant. Still well worth the investment, and don’t let the dodgy cover design put you off.

Rintoul, Susan & Phippard, Bill, Book Launching for Authors, Making the Most of Your Sales (2001), Seaview Press
A step-by-step guide to organising a book launch.

Shepard, Aaron, The Business of Writing for Children (2000), Shepard Publications
Not specifically about self-publishing, but contains loads of relevent advice about promoting your book. Also contains samples of media releases, author biographies etc that he’s produced and you can follow. Can also download samples from his website at www.aaronshep.com

Web Sites

http://www.thorpe.com.au/isbn/isbn_self.htm
This has a short downloadable guide to the steps involved in self-publishing, and provides all the contact details you will need.