How to Get a Book Published Without a Publisher

Writing a book can be challenging. Getting it published can be almost impossible unless you decide to publish it yourself. There are a few different ways to accomplish this.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer

1. Send your book to multiple readers for editing. Make sure your book is perfect before you start the self-editing process. Grammar should be proper, story line good and flows well, and characters should be well developed for fiction authors. There are many people who, for a small fee, will be happy to read your book and provide you with editing suggestions as well as helpful critiques. Aboutfreelancewriting.com, a website open to all freelance writers, will help you get in touch with these editors.

2. Find an online self publisher. The most popular way to publish books today is by e-book. This allows a formatted, locked copy of your story to be purchased from a publisher through an e-book site. The books must be set up and formated properly according to the guidelines set up by the publisher. Sites like LuLu Publishing have specific directions for setting up your book. Choices can be made regarding soft or hard covers, e-book publishing, and other things that you control.

3. Purchase an ISBN number. This is a 10 to 13-digit number that identifies a book and publisher around the world. R.R. BOWKER handles most of the ISBN business in the United States. These numbers can be purchased in blocks of 10 (which would infer that you are a publisher) or singly. Prices vary along with additional services. Lulu Publishing also offers you the ability to purchase ISBN numbers through it for additional charges.

4. Publish and market your book. Now that your book is formatted properly, you have set your price (don't be greedy, first-time authors) and have decided whether you are going "e" to save some trees or soft/hard cover, it is time to market your book. Again, most online publishers will help you do this; Lulu offers assistance to its authors. If you are going "e," work on contacting those online companies that offer e-books for sale. Send in a brief summary of your book, along with the publishing information given to you by your self-publishing company, and generate interest in your book. If you are able to, set up your own website that will enable you to sell your book directly, cutting out the middleman.

Resources

• Lulu Publishing