Like many authors seeking publication, I have d first sent my manuscripts to the major publishing houses. After several disappointments, I found a more accessible way to publish my book:self-publishing.
The publication of a book is a real obstacle course:sending, letter of refusal, phone calls, email, refusal...
The Classic Process
After a few attempts with known publishers (no need to quote them, everyone knows who I'm talking about!), and refusals many months later with a polite but unexplained letter, I persevere. Alas, same results with smaller publishing houses .
Post to author account ? Too expensive. And then when you're convinced you have a tiny bit of talent, you don't want to pay to be published! Fortunately, today there are at least 2 ways to publish, and that without paying a penny.
Self-Publishing
1) Lulu.com
I first discovered Lulu.com. This is a site of American origin, and which allows the free publication of any work , from one to X copies, with print on demand.
In a few clicks, you create your book , you print it, you distribute it, you sell it. I obviously tried immediately:I chose my format, the cover, the back, the nature of the paper, then I followed the different steps to transform my starting file into a model ready for printing (not always obviously, I spent several hours there!).
I then set the selling price . And I ordered a copy to make sure everything suited me... I received it 3 weeks later (a bit long, it seems that it has improved since then) and there was only to check that everything was as I had wished, and to order other volumes to organize a signing session...
2) TBE (TheBookEdition)
And then I found TheBookEdition:French equivalent of Lulu, this site seemed much more easy to use . At first glance, it is also more sober and easier to access.
It is also full of advice for selling your books , to advertise, to embark on the world of publishing which, for many, is another planet. So I tested it with another novel, and using it to download the starting file seemed easier .
Ditto for the choice of cover. On the other hand, there are fewer format possibilities. But the delivery times are faster, and the help on the site more reactive. In the end, I recommend it without hesitation to those who want to self-publish their work!
There is also no amount to advance . One sets the price of one's book according to the profit one wants to make on sale. For example if printing costs €4.5 and you want to make €3 profit per copy, we set the price at €7.5.
The Negative Points
There must be. Publish your book is good, but it remains to ensure that it sells. With this formula, the entire promotion is the responsibility of the author . While in the classic course, the editor takes care of it.
It must be admitted, however, that the site provides authors with lots of sound advice for advertising and setting up sales channels. It's hard work, but it can work if you put in the energy and perseverance. ..
And you, have you tested another trick or another intermediary to get yourself published? Give us your tips quickly and do not hesitate to make your comments on these proposals!
