Self-Publishing a Book

[bookman51]

I did a search and found few threads on self-publishing a book, but what I found are several years old and probably dated. I have written a bookl length manuscript on a local ballroom that existed near me between 1925 to 1964. Luminaries such as Harry James, Louis Armstrong, and Lawrence Welk played there, as well as dozens of territory and local orchestras/bands. The site is now a feed yard for cattle.

The manuscript is about 600 pages long, single spaced. I have no illusions about it being a best seller or even commercially viable. Nevertheless, I would like to learn more about inexpensive ways to reproduce it so I can give copies to the local library and historical society and to the folks who helped me write it.

I am a retired academic librarian and have published books during my career with commercial publishers. Not much money it considering the time involved but I hope the books contributed to the profession. This book is a way getting back in my retirement to my first love of researching and writing local history.

Does anyone have recommendations/experiences (good and bad) and have ideas as to costs?

 

[disneysteve]

My daughter published a novel with BookBaby a number of years ago. They were pretty easy to work with. We were pleased with the quality of the physical books and they handled getting it on all of the online sites (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.).

 

[bookman51]

I took a quick look at their site. Thanks

 

[MichaelB]

The daughter of a close friend self-published a book directly on Amazon.

 

[SnowballCamper]

I self published several years ago on the site that amazon took over, now kindle direct publishing. It looks like paperback and hardcover are still options. It wasn't bad at all, but I do my writing in LaTeX. You could get author copies for the cost of printing.

 

[Koolau]

Does anyone know how TromboneAl published?

 

[jollystomper]

DW has self-published several books. I do not keep track of the specifics, but a resource she uses heavily, and finds worth paying the annual membership fee for (think around $150), is the Authors Guild https://authorsguild.org/ . Not only to they provide a guide for self publishing, but they also provide other resources such as legal services for things like contract reviews and copyright issues, guidance about promoting what you publish, and hosting services to build and manage your website to promote your publications.

 

[bookman51]

DW has self-published several books. I do not keep track of the specifics, but a resource she uses heavily, and finds worth paying the annual membership fee for (think around $150), is the Authors Guild https://authorsguild.org/ . Not only to they provide a guide for self publishing, but they also provide other resources such as legal services for things like contract reviews and copyright issues, guidance about promoting what you publish, and hosting services to build and manage your website to promote your publications.

Good to know, Thanks

 

[bookman51]

I self published several years ago on the site that amazon took over, now kindle direct publishing. It looks like paperback and hardcover are still options. It wasn't bad at all, but I do my writing in LaTeX. You could get author copies for the cost of printing.

Thanks very much.

 

[Fermion]

Does anyone know how TromboneAl published?

Did something happen to TromboneAl?

 

[pacergal]

Does anyone know how TromboneAl published?

Did something happen to TromboneAl?

I miss him and his contributions!

 

[aja8888]

Did something happen to TromboneAl?

Like some others here, he vanished into thin air. I miss his posts.

 

[REWahoo]

Did something happen to TromboneAl?

I miss him and his contributions!

Like some others here, he vanished into thin air. I miss his posts.

Looks like T-Al published his most recent book in 2021. He did log on for a peek at the forum in November of 2023.

 

[Koolau]

Like some others here, he vanished into thin air. I miss his posts.

Yeah, he vanished but I assume he is still around. I too miss him.