Self - PublishingTips & Resources

November 8, 2013

Arti Sharma, M.Ed.

Educational Technologist

IS & T

artis@bu.edu

617-353-6349

Who is here?

1. Name

2. Department / Organization

3. What are you hoping to get from this

session?

4. Prior experience with self-publishing?

Today:

1. Brief introduction to self-publishing

2. Should you self-publish?

3. Overview of digital readers and

self-publishing platforms

4. Interactive eBooks

5. Tips & resources

6. Final thoughts

What is self – publishing?

Wikipedia Definition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-publishing

The publication of any book or other media by the author of the work, without the involvement of an established third-party publisher.

The author is responsible and in control of the entire process including design (cover/interior), formats, price, distribution, marketing & PR.

Idea Audience Content Design Promotion

A little humor

Is self-publishing for you?

Yes, if:1. You have something important or

inspiring to say.2. You have credibility on your subject.

3. Have a clearly identified target

market.4. You are brave, hardworking and

resilient.

Why not to self-publish.

NO, if:

1. You are in it for the money

2. You are not self-disciplined

3. You aren’t good at everything

4. You do not enjoy multitasking

5. Shameless self-promotion is not

your thing

How popular are eBooks?

How popular are eBooks?

How popular are printed books?

What about interactive eBooks?

Would you consider them books?

• Audio• Videos• Photos• Maps• Infographics• Music

The next generation of eBooks?

http://pushpoppress.com/ourchoice/

What do people read eBooks on?

Source: Forbeshttp://www.forbes.com/sites/jeremygreenfield/2013/10/30/kindle-most-popular-device-for-ebooks-beating-out-ipad-tablets-on-the-rise/

From content to bookQuestions to consider:

1. What device or devices will your book be

accessed from?

2. How much of the work would you like to

do yourself?

3. Do you need printed copies of your book?

4. What is your budget?

5. What is your plan for marketing and

promoting your work?

eBook authoring options Option 1: Go with a self-publishing service

Publish digitally or by print

Cross platform compatibility

Ways to connect with readers – newsletter

Option 2: Choose an eBook publishing platform Digital only (primarily)

Cross platform compatibility not guaranteed

Self-publishing services

Freedom | professionalism | fast delivery

MagCloud – http://http://www.magcloud.com/

Lulu – http://http://www.lulu.com/

CreateSpace – https://www.createspace.com/

eBook authoring platforms

iBooks Author http://www.apple.com/ibooks-author/

Inkling Habitathttps://www.inkling.com/habitat/

Atavisthttps://www.atavist.com/

Final Thoughts

1. Don’t be discouraged

2. Follow ups are welcome

3. Group for self-publishing enthusiasts

Additional Reading1. The rise of e-reading

http://libraries.pewinternet.org/2012/04/04/the-rise-of-e-reading/

2. Thinking of self-publishing your book in 2013http

://www.forbes.com/sites/nickmorgan/2013/01/08/thinking-of-self-publishing-your-book-in-2013-heres-what-y

ou-need-to-know

/

3. Should you self-publish ?http://janefriedman.com/2013/05/17/should-you-self-publish/

4. Answers to 18 self-publishing questionshttp

://www.thebookdesigner.com/2013/05/wednesday-mailbag-answers-to-your-self-publishing-quest

ions/#more-

27775

5. Training courses

http://www.thebookdesigner.com/training/

6. Don’t burn your books – print is here to stay

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887323874204578219563353697002

Thank You!