Product Description

This new, updated edition of the industry standard shows writers how to get full control over their careers by self-publishing. Writers will see how the publishing industry works and learn how to make it work for them. Packed with maximum profit/minimal risk ideas, The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing, 4th Edition provides readers with: * Step-by-step guidance on every aspect of publishing and marketing a book * Appendices that list marketing contacts, government help and vendors, including names and addresses * Updated advice on e-publishing and electronic rights--everything the writer needs to know to tackle this dynamic new medium * Production tips that can cut design and printing costs * Proven sales letter formats, cover designs and catalog sheets * Dynamic marketing strategies for publicity, advertising and sales--specifically, what works and what doesn't

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #58455 in Books
• Published on: 2002-01-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 521 pages

Amazon.com Review
"Self-publishing," say authors Tom and Marilyn Ross, "is a perfect example of the American dream." The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing, then, is an aspiring self-publisher's dream. "This isn't a book of fancy theory," as the authors put it; "it's a practical handbook of state-of-the-art specifics." In 521 pages, it lays out everything you need to know to publish your own books, from start-up considerations to the possibility of selling to a big publisher: how to choose a name for your press, how to get an ISBN, what cover designs cost, how to find a reliable printer, how to price your book, where to find lighter-weight shipping envelopes, how to generate working capital. The authors' encyclopedic grasp of the ins and outs of self-publishing is matched by their natural good sense about self-promotion. Turn your signings into events, they recommend; get your books into a variety of venues; use the books as fundraisers for organizations; get online and get reviewed online. The price of this book is negligible considering the cost of proper self-publishing (between $12,000 and $25,000), and, oh, the headaches it will spare you! --Jane Steinberg

Review
"The most readable guide to self-publishing … loaded with resources for e-publishing, on-demand publishing, ... What a great resource!” -- John Kremer, author, 1,001 Ways to Market Your Books

About the Author
Tom and Marilyn Ross – and their passion for self-publishing – have been featured in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Denver Post, Chicago Tribune, The Wall Street Journal, Success, Entrepreneur, U.S. News & World Report, and dozens of other national magazines and newspapers. After self-publishing six books, this husband and wife team began giving nationwide writing and publishing seminars to share what they had learned about the process. Numerous requests for individual guidance led to the creation of their consulting service, About Books, Inc. Since 1978, they have helped thousands of authors, entrepreneurs, professionals, corporations, and associations successfully self-publish.

Their companion book to the award-winning Complete Guide to Self-Publishing is Jump Start Your Book Sales, which continues to rack up rave reviews. Marilyn’s Shameless Marketing for Brazen Hussies is raising eyebrows – and ringing cash registers – from coast to coast.

These busy professionals have been on the faculty of Folio’s New York Face-to-Face conference, lectured at colleges and universities, and been invited to key-note and give seminars for regional writing, publishing, and speaking associations all across the United States and Canada.

Tom Ross has masterminded promotional campaigns that creative extensive print, radio, and TV coverage, and opened doors for national book distribution. Tom specializes in helping clients project analysis, editing, production, computerization, and developing nationwide book marketing campaigns.

Marilyn Ross is the award-winning author of twelve nonfiction books, hundreds of articles, and a monthly newsletter. She currently heads Communication Creativity – the Rosses’ publishing imprint that produces their other books.

This pair also serve as senior associates of the prestigious Center for the New West, “a think tank that casts its visionary net over the vast economic and cultural landscape …” according to The Christian Science Monitor. They are both listed in the twenty-fourth edition of Who’s Who in the West. Between them, this dynamic pair is also included in Who’s Who of American Women, The World Who’s Who of Women, International Businessmen’s Who’s Who, and Men and Women of Distinction.

Their writing careers are detailed in The Working Press of the Nation; Who’s Who in U.S. Writers, Editors & Poets; The International Authors and Writers Who’s Who; and Contemporary Authors. Both also belong to the Author’s Guild, the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA), and the National Speakers Association.

In 1996, they launched SPAN, a nonprofit trade association for authors, self-publishers, and independent presses. The Small Publishers Association of North America (SPAN) has become the second largest such organization in the world.

About Books, Inc. (ABI), the publishing and book marketing firm founded in 1979 by Marilyn and Tom, provides service to individuals and organizations that seek to successfully publish and promote their books. The Rosses handle all aspects of book editing, design, production, and marketing. Since ABI works strictly as a consultant, authors retain all rights to their work, own all copies of their books, and reap 100 percent of the profits. Marilyn and Tom have a proven track record of producing attractive books and result-getting promotion and publicity.

Customer Reviews

BEST SELF PUBLISHING BOOK I'VE READ
This is it folks. If you are trying to decide which books to buy for the independently publishing path, GET THIS ONE! It is a jewel, please ignore the haters saying its overrated (there are always haters). It's a great book!

Great book for beginners!
When I decided to start my own small press, I bought perhaps a dozen books about publishing. The Complete Guide to Self Publishing was the best of them all. It is somewhat outdated (2002 edition) but the information is very solid, practical and well-organized. I carried it around until it became stained and dog-eared.

A Useful Place to Start
I have always used mainstream publishers, so I cannot attest the the accuracy of the content. The book gave me ideas for marketing, however, and I appreciated some of the beginning, concrete information.

Seems logical and up-to-date, so I added it to my recommended books list for a graduate communication projects course.