How to Find Internet Resources to Self-Publish a Book

You can print your own book.

You can lay out and order a self-published book completely online--even if you just want a copy or two of your life story for your family or a few copies of your favorite family recipes. There are a number of companies operating successfully on the Net that will help you prepare and publish your writing. Getting the book on paper and in an attractive cover doesn't mean it will sell--and this article won't tell you how to make it sell. But you will learn about some places on the Internet that can help you make the book a reality.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Blurb (see link in Resources below) gives you creative control over more than just the text of the book. Using Blurb's bookmaking software, you can control the layout, add the photos and more. You can order just one copy of your book or as many as you want.

2. Xlibris (see Resources) offers on-demand printing for your book, and also provide marketing help for an additional fee. This company is made up of authors helping authors and provides some guidance for writers who want more than just a printing service.

3. Lulu (see Resources) will help you publish books, photo books, calendars and all sort of other self-publishing on demand services. They also provide marketing help and tips for formatting, cover design and more.

4. Author House (see Resources) is another online company for those wanting to self-publish. This company helps you market the book and may keep a percentage of what you make. (It's hard to tell if you don't open an account first.)

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that you will retain all the copyrights to your publication.

• Make sure that you keep all the profits from your sales once you have paid the costs of self-publishing.

Resources

• Blurb
• Xlibris
• Lulu
• Author House