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Book Ideas: Self-publishing  |
highlandviewpantry
True Blue Farmgirl
   
214 Posts
WV
USA
214 Posts |
Posted - Apr 21 2011 : 7:07:01 PM
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Does anyone have any experience self-publishing? Has anyone used Amazon to self-publish? I am wondering about Amazon form a cost and profit stand point.
www.thehighlandviewpantry.blogspot.com |
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embchicken
True Blue Farmgirl
    
1487 Posts
Elaine
Ocean
NJ
USA
1487 Posts |
Posted - Apr 22 2011 : 3:17:45 PM
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Hi~ My daugher has self published through blurb.com. She really liked it because they had free software at the time. I just asked her and she also recommennds lulu.com. Hope this helps.
~ Elaine "Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Gandhi
Farmgirl sister #2822 http://embchicken.blogspot.com
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highlandviewpantry
True Blue Farmgirl
   
214 Posts
WV
USA
214 Posts |
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Lorraine Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
  
158 Posts
lorraine
salt point
ny
USA
158 Posts |
Posted - May 20 2011 : 08:23:22 AM
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how long did it take from when she published it till she recieved the real coppies? LorraineMichelle #3007
Chickens are like potato chips... You can't have just one! |
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ChickieMama
True Blue Farmgirl
   
303 Posts
Angela
Banks
Oregon
USA
303 Posts |
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kathleenshoop
True Blue Farmgirl
  
102 Posts
kathleen
oakmont
pa
USA
102 Posts |
Posted - May 21 2011 : 05:46:26 AM
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Yes, I have experience with self-publishing and I did it through Amazon's Createspace. Everything I have to say is positive. The team that worked with me (there are all levels of cost and support--I've had the lowest cost package and a middlish one) was unbelievably good. They walked me through everything, always happy to take my calls and answer my endless questions. For specifics on the matter, just email or ask me here. I also included a link to my book that you can see to determine if the quality works for her. I recommend them highly.
The Last Letter http://tinyurl.com/3tedamb
quote: Originally posted by highlandviewpantry
Does anyone have any experience self-publishing? Has anyone used Amazon to self-publish? I am wondering about Amazon form a cost and profit stand point.
www.thehighlandviewpantry.blogspot.com
Author, The Last Letter, The novel for every daughter who thinks she knows her mother's story... |
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kathleenshoop
True Blue Farmgirl
  
102 Posts
kathleen
oakmont
pa
USA
102 Posts |
Posted - May 21 2011 : 05:48:19 AM
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I mean if "the quality works for YOU," not her! Too early for me to be clear, I guess!
quote: Originally posted by kathleenshoop
Yes, I have experience with self-publishing and I did it through Amazon's Createspace. Everything I have to say is positive. The team that worked with me (there are all levels of cost and support--I've had the lowest cost package and a middlish one) was unbelievably good. They walked me through everything, always happy to take my calls and answer my endless questions. For specifics on the matter, just email or ask me here. I also included a link to my book that you can see to determine if the quality works for her. I recommend them highly.
The Last Letter http://tinyurl.com/3tedamb
quote: Originally posted by highlandviewpantry
Does anyone have any experience self-publishing? Has anyone used Amazon to self-publish? I am wondering about Amazon form a cost and profit stand point.
www.thehighlandviewpantry.blogspot.com
Author, The Last Letter, The novel for every daughter who thinks she knows her mother's story...
Author, The Last Letter, The novel for every daughter who thinks she knows her mother's story... |
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Lady Woodworker
True Blue Farmgirl
   
259 Posts
Karen
Chamberlain
Maine
USA
259 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2011 : 3:47:41 PM
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This is very interesting to me too... great thread!
Kathleen, would you mind telling me how distribution works when self-publishing with Amazon? If I may ask, how many books have you sold so far and where? Do you do book signings? Do you take yourself out on tour? I'm not meaning to pry or sound disrespectful--I'm just totally new to this idea.
I work for a magazine now and I have some understanding of how magazines are distributed but this sounds like a wonderful and low-stress way to publish a book! Maybe even a magazine!
Many thanks,
Karen
Farmgirl Sister # 2419 |
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kathleenshoop
True Blue Farmgirl
  
102 Posts
kathleen
oakmont
pa
USA
102 Posts |
Posted - May 25 2011 : 08:55:40 AM
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Hi Karen, any questions are more than welcome. I've so much support in publishing that I am more than happy to give back. I self-published with createspace (amazon's sister company) and chose the pro-plan that allows me (for $59 dollars I think) distribution through expanded channels (those beyond amazon and createspace and my own venues). So, Ingram stocks my books and that's where BArnes and Noble and Independent book stores get their books. It's not perfect, but it works for me.
Since May 1, I've sold about 1500 books (and I've won five book awards, too!) Many through ebook sales, though. My first book signing, I had over 100 people attend and I sold about 240 books. I've sold many since then through word of mouth, and also with Amazon mostly. My local independent bookstore is stocking it so that's helping, too. I'm really happy with how things have been going...if you have any more questions, let me know.
You don't really need to print 1000's of books and sell them out of your car like people used to if they self-published. With the internet and old fashioned-word of mouth (that "used to" is still key) the world is your marketplace.
So far so good.
Kathie
Kathleen, would you mind telling me how distribution works when self-publishing with Amazon? If I may ask, how many books have you sold so far and where? Do you do book signings? Do you take yourself out on tour? I'm not meaning to pry or sound disrespectful--I'm just totally new to this idea.
I work for a magazine now and I have some understanding of how magazines are distributed but this sounds like a wonderful and low-stress way to publish a book! Maybe even a magazine!
Many thanks,
Karen
Farmgirl Sister # 2419 [/quote]
Author, The Last Letter, The novel for every daughter who thinks she knows her mother's story... |
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rebekahj
True Blue Farmgirl
  
128 Posts
Rebekah
Santa Cruz
CA
USA
128 Posts |
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kathleenshoop
True Blue Farmgirl
  
102 Posts
kathleen
oakmont
pa
USA
102 Posts |
Posted - May 25 2011 : 10:33:49 AM
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You're welcome Rebekah!
quote: Originally posted by rebekahj
This is wonderful information! Thank you!
Urban-Farmgirl Sister #2173 http://chicken-merry.blogspot.com/
Author, The Last Letter, The novel for every daughter who thinks she knows her mother's story... |
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Lorraine Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
  
158 Posts
lorraine
salt point
ny
USA
158 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2011 : 10:05:59 PM
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thank you for the help...
LorraineMichelle Farmgirl #3007
Chickens are like potato chips... You can't have just one! |
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Lady Woodworker
True Blue Farmgirl
   
259 Posts
Karen
Chamberlain
Maine
USA
259 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2011 : 6:25:46 PM
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Thank you so much Kathleen!
I sure appreciate this.
And congratulations on your awards!
Karen
Farmgirl Sister # 2419 |
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country lawyer
True Blue Farmgirl
    
1022 Posts

1022 Posts |
Posted - May 31 2011 : 05:11:25 AM
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Katleen, Your book looks wonderful! Congratulations! I'm about to order a copy right now! |
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kathleenshoop
True Blue Farmgirl
  
102 Posts
kathleen
oakmont
pa
USA
102 Posts |
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Penny Wise
True Blue Farmgirl
    
1903 Posts
Margo
Elyria
OH
USA
1903 Posts |
Posted - Jun 03 2011 : 03:30:54 AM
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im going to jump in here to say that i have a copy of kathleens book-havent dared to open it to read due to school finals- but it is beautiful!!!!!! wonderful quality!
as to the book content-i am waiting til i can dig in-hopefully in a week or so between classes!!!!! i want to be able to get enrossed in it as i am sure i will!!!!
HTH
Farmgirl # 2139 ~*~ counting my pennies and biding my time; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
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walkinwalkoutcattle
True Blue Farmgirl
    
1675 Posts
Megan
Paint Lick
KY
USA
1675 Posts |
Posted - Jun 06 2011 : 05:05:06 AM
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Wow! I just saw that book on Amazon.com-I love the cover illustration. Very nice!
Farmgirl #2879 :) Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world. www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
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kathleenshoop
True Blue Farmgirl
  
102 Posts
kathleen
oakmont
pa
USA
102 Posts |
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CMac
True Blue Farmgirl
    
1074 Posts
Connie
Ashland City
TN
USA
1074 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2011 : 11:33:03 AM
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I just finished Kathleen's book and I loved it! It has been a while since I found a book that I stayed up late reading and thought about during the day. The characters became real to me. The story is the point and I loved it but I also really enjoyed an un romanticized view of what the early settlers in the prairie lives were like. Kathleen your insight into addiction and it's effects on family were right on. It is rare to see that so well portrayed in fiction. Family secrets travel through the generations even after the secret has been long lost. I can't help but wonder how these secrets will affect this family 2 generations removed... Bravo! Well done! Hugs and thanks for such a great read, Connie
"I have three chairs in my house: one for solitude, two for friendship, three for company." Author: Henry David Thoreau |
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houligan19
Farmgirl in Training
 
39 Posts

sarah
groton
CT
39 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2012 : 8:29:21 PM
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I'm so glad I found this thread! I have been thinking about maybe writing some children's books but had no idea that you could do it this way. Thanks so much for all the good information. Now I have somewhere to start. |
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jodischmitz
Farmgirl at Heart
1 Posts
Jodi
Maple Grove
MN
USA
1 Posts |
Posted - Feb 28 2012 : 07:09:04 AM
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Hi, I am thinking of making my own cookbook. Has anyone done this before. I sent for a free kit through MorrisPress Cookbooks. I only want to make around 30 copies. |
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frannie
True Blue Farmgirl
    
2246 Posts
fran
bonham
texas
USA
2246 Posts |
Posted - Feb 28 2012 : 12:21:41 PM
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thanks so much for this thread, and kathleen thanks so much for all the great information. i have been writing "stories" for a long time now about my bunnies and i would love to have a book, but i have never known what to do. the bunnies cannot wait to find out about publishing their story!
love frannie in texas farmgirl sister#807 home of "green"crafts, where no scrap is left behind (http://abunnystale.wordpress.com/)

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Bella
True Blue Farmgirl
   
274 Posts
Karen
USA
274 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2012 : 12:53:40 PM
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Hello Kathleen,
I have seen your book advertised and it looks lovely and intriguing. Now that I know you are a farm sister, I will definitely be ordering a copy. I am a published author of two books and have another that will be released in a few months. I have never gone the self-publishing route, but lately I have been looking into CreateSpace. Can you tell me if CreateSpace books are returnable? The Barnes & Noble in my area, and other bookstores as well, will not stock books unless they can be returned. Also, I notice that the traditional publishers are going the e-book route first, then publishing in hardback and/or paperback. Did you get to make that choice yourself? Sounds like you are having great success. The biggest sale I had was at my first signing when I sold around 100 copies, so you are doing far better than I.
"Just living is not enough, said the butterfly. One must have freedom, sunshine and a little flower." -Hans Christian Anderson |
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countrymommy85
True Blue Farmgirl
    
898 Posts
Krystle
MT
USA
898 Posts |
Posted - May 04 2012 : 07:53:52 AM
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Love this thread, I have been working on some books that I have been wondering what to do with once I finish them and now I know it's possible to self publish. Thanks so much for sharing all the tips, LOVED reading about it and it was very encouraging to me :)
Mothers are those wonderful people who can get up in the morning before the smell of coffee. ~Author Unknown
http://countryrenaissance.blogspot.com http://www.etsy.com/shop/SunflowersAndHoney |
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Primitive DIVA
Farmgirl in Training
 
36 Posts
Melissa
Montgomery
Texas
USA
36 Posts |
Posted - May 07 2012 : 1:07:41 PM
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Thanks for the thread.....I have become discouraged with most of the conventional publishing and the only exploration I have done is with Balboa Press (a division of Hay House) they wanted $8-10,000 for publishing, design, edit, marketing. I will visit Amazon and look into the pricing structure. I have almost completed my book (health/wellness/nutrition). Would love to slef publish....IF I could afford to ;-)
New Sister #4088 Montgomery, Texas Chapter Leader I threw off my high heels to move to our dream 10acre Texas homestead. Goats, Chickens, Garden and Orchard and more!I am also a Weston Price Chapter Leader advocating Traditional Foods www.healthylivingwithmelissa.blogspot.com
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Lorie.Vance
True Blue Farmgirl
   
200 Posts
Lorie
Tampa
FL
200 Posts |
Posted - Jul 18 2012 : 07:02:10 AM
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Kathleen - I just ordered your book because of this blog, it looks beautiful! I'm taking the advice of my sisters on this site and have decided to write my post "Nightingale" from my blog into a short children's book. I'm even thinking of illustrating myself in watercolor's. This publishing topic has been so useful. Thank you to everyone for your input!!
The Vintage Garden Girl @blogspot.com |
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Book Ideas: Self-publishing  |
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