Thanks to the internet, more writers are using the self-publishing route instead of going with the traditional publishing houses. It should not take a degree to self-publish your book, but there are some ‘how to’ books that are extremely detailed, therefore may scare off potential authors. Master Self-Publishing is ‘The Little Red Book’, which is just over 100 pages. The author lays out the simple rules that you should follow by, from determining what size book to go with to where to get your novel edited. There is a reasonable publishing timeline, giving an estimate from when you start writing the book until the publication. You will learn about obtaining an ISBN Code, obtaining a copyright, obtaining a Library of Congress Control Number, and obtaining a cataloging publication program. There are three print on demand companies listed, Createspace, Lula, and Lighting Source. 

Reviewed on 08/05/2011 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Billy Burgess

As a writer, who is hoping to one day write something worth publishing, this book will be an invaluable tool in assisting me to reach that goal.  This comprehensive guide to self-publishing, which any budding author should own, charts the process in plain English and easy to follow chapters.  The logical sequence of the information simplifies the task of the reader, and helps to clear up any questions or doubts that they may have about whether or not to self-publish.

After a brief summary of the subject, we get down to the nitty-gritty of what is involved.  Fact or fiction, size, colour or black & white;  these are just a few of the questions you will need to ask yourself.  Then you will need a timeline from writing your book to publishing it, which could run to a year, which may be off-putting for many authors.  Then you will need to obtain an ISBN number, which any book must have if you want to sell it through bookstores or online sites.  Copyrighting is another item on the list to be considered.

The decision about how to print your book is next, and there are a surprising amount of options to choose from.  They range from cheap and cheerful single book prints to complete packages costing thousands of dollars.  This is another point at which second thoughts may emerge, but don't be put off by the figures as there are so many possibilities that there will be an affordable choice out there for you.    Another option could be to publish e-books, an idea which is becoming more popular by the day.  Book reviewing, distribution, libraries, bookstores, advertising, etc. all need to be examined and investigated.  The appendix section of the book collates further helpful information to complement the chapters, and an index draws the book to a close.

This book is packed full of useful and helpful facts, and I will be keeping my copy close at hand.  The subtitle of 'The Little Red Book' will have Chairman Mao turning in his grave.  I am sure his communist doctrine would have thought publishing your own book was a form of self-exaltation to be frowned upon!

Reviewed on 06/19/2011 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Suzy Watts