Self-Publishing: The Technological Answer To Creating Tangible Products
Ever Consider Self Publishing?
Even in an increasingly digital age, most of us recognize the value of having some things in print. Books, for example, are more convenient when bound, and photos are more appealing when arranged into a photo album. The ease of digitally producing, filing and sharing these items electronically has not overcome the preference for having hard copies available for perusal. How can you use that fact to your advantage?
Have You Ever Wanted To Be A Published Author?
If you are an amateur author with a fantastic manuscript, but don't have any contacts into the publishing world - how do you go about getting it published? If you have hundreds (or thousands) of digital photos and want to put them into an album, but don't have the time to get them printed and then place them into a regular album - how do you create a masterpiece worthy of the living room coffee table?
If you need to have just about any kind of document, manuscript, photos, artwork or media file professionally published, then a self-publishing service can provide the answer to your problem.
Do Your Research
Before you delve into the self-publishing process, make sure you know what you want to have done. Make sure your book is edited and finalized, collect your photos for your album, or gather and finalize the digital files pertaining to whatever you are seeking to have printed and published.
Once you've completed those things, visit several self-publishing sites to figure out which one offers the services that you want within a budget you can afford. Some sites only offer book publishing; others provide a wider array of options, including photo albums, calendars, and video or audio media.
If you are looking for services above and beyond simple publishing, such as assistance with editing, formatting, etc., make sure you review the options available for those features as well.
Some self-publishing sites can walk you through the process from edited final copy to completion of the printing, sales and promotions; others will only provide you with a finished copy and you will need to do the rest of the legwork yourself.
Just make sure you avoid vanity publishers. These publishing companies charge a LOT of money ($20 per book printed or more -- and that's for a paperback!) and don't do a thing for you.
Lulu.com is one site that is affordable and offers a wide range of self-publishing options. It's definitely a valuable resource.
That's YOUR Photo On The Back Cover Of That Book!
In the end, the goal is to create a professionally published piece, and self-publishing services can help you reach that goal. After all, everyone wants to be able to say they wrote a novel - now you can actually do it!