Help Needed!

[ailsa_chan]

Joe found me an article on self publishing e-books on Amazon, and I'd like to give this a go with The Ballard of Zephyr Stormchaser. I'm not expecting much, but it would be nice to give it a go and see what happens. In order to do this, I'm going to need to edit it and get it ready. And I'm going to need the help of my lovely friends out there

Comments

[helbling]

this place is generally a good discussion of all types of publishing; it's mostly non-vanity, and spends quite a lot of time finding out which supposed 'independant' publishers are in fact self-publishers in disguise trying to rip off authors, but it's got tonnes of handy info. Other than that, I got...nothing. You could ask Judith, I know she had her animal-walker series self-published?

[ailsa_chan]

Cool, I'll take a look.

[luki_dimension]

Before you go into self-publishing, have you posted it on 'Authonomy' yet? Its a very good way to get your work out there, and probably a lot of advice on how to e-publish.

I do know someone who self published a book - but I'm not so sure on how e-books work I'm afraid.

[ailsa_chan]

I remember you mentioning this site, I'll take a look into it.

[ext_670431]

Just as a precaution that I tell everyone I know who says anything about publishing. Once you've got your fully edited manuscript that you'd like to put to print, print out a hard copy, put this in a brown envelope and trundle down to the post office. Get it registerred for recorded delivery and keep the proof of postage, send it to yourself. Now the important part, DO NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE when you recieve it. Put it somewhere safe with the proof of postage etc. What this means is that if anyone tried to make off with your work in any shape or form you have proof, registerred by a third party (the postal system) that it was in your posession and is yours. That way no one can claim to have had it before you because you can prove in black and white it's yours then and there.

On a slightly less ominous note I'd be happy to help with artwork if I can.

[ailsa_chan]

That's a clever idea, I hadn't thought of that! Thought most of the unedited version is actually on my lj so i should be safe. Still better safe than sorry.

Thanks for offer of artwork help!

[purplegirl23]

I would love to offer to edit, and you know I have in the past, but right now I am so swamped with editing my novel for an agent and writing a new novel that I just wouldn't have the time or energy. And if I did try it wouldn't be very good, which wouldn't be fair to you! Sorry! :(

TBH I don't know much about self-publishing - it wasn't really discussed on the course. I imagine you've already googled a lot of different self-publishing companies but be extra careful with the fine print. We talked on the course about so many people getting caught out by companies charging you for lots of books. I don't know of any reputable ones - have you got a Writer's and Artists handbook? They list a fair few! :)

As for money, maybe poll it here or on Facebook? I can imagine you could get away with £2 maybe £3 since it's a reasonably long story and that's pretty good for a book price. :)

[ailsa_chan]

I'm sure your editing would be fine, but yes, your stuff must take priority. Hope it's all going well, I can't wait to see you in print.

As far as I understand it, it's pretty much a case of Amazon gives you a bit of server space and handles the transaction in return for a percentage of the sale - bit like ebay for digital books. In which case it's a really good idea for amateur writers like me, because there's much less risk involved than with proper paper books.

Facebook poll, good idea!

[purplegirl23]

It could be going better to be honest but I'll get there, thanks! :)

Sorry I appear to have not fully read and understood your post. I didn't realise that it was through Amazon you would get published. In that case it's probably trustworthy...

Glad you like the idea! :)

[chibiforlife]

I wouldn't mind helping you edit stuffs!

[ailsa_chan]

Awesome. Do you want to message me with an email address, or would you prefer a hard copy?