how to self-publish a book with $0 setup
Print-on-demand technology has made it possible to have a real published book for much lower cost than traditional publishing houses or vanity presses. By “real”, I mean it’s bound like a book. Note that print-on-demand (POD) is high-quality laser printing, whereas traditional printing is offset printing. The difference is negligible for the average Joe reader. For the book connoisseur, only offset printing will do; and hard cover, not paperback.
There are 3 leading web-based print-on-demand publishers with $0 setup cost: Lulu.com, CreateSpace.com, and CafePress. (others probably exist, but I’ve found more buzz about these 3)
I haven’t used all 3 to compare them in detail. Here’s what I found that does some helpful comparisons and gives good tips:
- I described my self-publishing experience using Lulu.com at my first time: self-publishing via print-on-demand, mentioning why I chose Lulu over CafePress
- Jeff Burton has this nice comparison chart for CreateSpace vs. Lulu.
- Gregory Solis posted these videos for Porting a Lulu book cover to Createspace and Some hints on moving your Lulu.com text to CreateSpace.
- Mike Reeves-McMillan (in New Zealand) compared these 3 print-on-demand suppliers: Lulu, CreateSpace, Zenith — read/download the PDF. The website for Zenith Publishing in New Zealand is zenithpublishing.co.nz
- This 2005 article, How to Choose a Print on Demand Publisher, suggests that “you need to consider seven crucial factors: set-up costs, cover price, royalty payments, control, distribution, author’s discounts, and the publisher’s reputation.”
- Look at this web page for a big list of print-on-demand printers and publishers. Setup fee may be acceptable if the terms fit you better.
- A link to CafePress Self Publishing is not easy to find from the home page, so here it is. “Create and sell your own books using true print-on-demand technology” with “No setup fees or minimum quantities.”
- Self Publishing blog by Foner Books - the most verbose blog I’ve found on this topic
And, it’s not so much about the setup cost. It’s about sharing your ideas and stories. I think the greatest value with print-on-demand is to get your content published as a book without concerns over the size of the audience. You can make your book available to the masses, the public; publishers and audience sizes won’t get in the way.
Before you dive in and self-publish, be sure you read the fine print about the terms and policies. If your book has any potential in being published by a traditional press, make sure self-publishing does not jeopardize your opportunity with a traditional publisher. Invite honest feedback from a handful of people and have them read your manuscript before you go print-on-demand. For example, THE SHACK has 4 million copies in print and was first self-published via their own company, Windblown Media. (cf. USA Today, Christianity Today)
Think you got a book in you? Maybe someone you know? If you’ve self-published, share your experience in the comments.
Add New Comment
Viewing 9 Comments
Thanks. Your comment is awaiting approval by a moderator.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Add New Comment
Trackbacks
(Trackback URL)
December 3, 2008 at 6:36 pm
[...] start-up costs, and no printing or shipping costs or effort upfront. Here is an excellent round-up of the free ...