Just when life was rolling along, I ran into an obstacle, one of my own making, of course: I'm not literate enough in the ways of self-publishing. I really, really need your in-put.
I wrote a Christmas story, "Remy Broussard's Christmas."that I want to self-pub on Amazon before the end of the month. I called Amazon for the particulars. By the time the conversation ended, my head was spinning so much I laced up my Nike's, put in a quick mile, returned and ate a bowl of clam chowder (but passed on the Saltines, thankfully), and plopped on the sofa.
What to do? What to do? What to do?
The answer is, I don't know. So I thought I'd turn to you for in-put, what do you suggest? Keep in mind, I'm a Big Girl (even bigger after that bowl of chowder, groan) and will make up my own mind. (I'm famous for that, seriously!) It's just that I've never self-pubbed before and lack the lessons learned experience provides.
Amazon said they offer three types of publishing:
l. Create Space (Print on Demand)
2. Advantage Program
3. Kindle Direct Program
What is my goal? you ask. Well, I'm in the habit of going to my Kindle, typing in a book from my TBR list, and reading a sample. (I usually buy.) But, now that I have to think about it, I don't know if that book resulted from Kindle Direct or one of the other programs Amazon offers.
This is my quandary. I'd really, really appreciate your in-put. And I really, really thank you for taking the time to help out!!
My Vermont photos should be up this week. Hub's safely landed on the other side of the world (his business trip). Yep, I'm gonna stay away from that chowder!
A big Welcome to new followers. And a big Thank You to Alex and Matthew for introducing me to such nice bloggers. As soon as I get Remy settled (hey, he's only eight years old!) I'll be around more often. Oh, where does the time go???
I wrote a Christmas story, "Remy Broussard's Christmas."that I want to self-pub on Amazon before the end of the month. I called Amazon for the particulars. By the time the conversation ended, my head was spinning so much I laced up my Nike's, put in a quick mile, returned and ate a bowl of clam chowder (but passed on the Saltines, thankfully), and plopped on the sofa.
What to do? What to do? What to do?
The answer is, I don't know. So I thought I'd turn to you for in-put, what do you suggest? Keep in mind, I'm a Big Girl (even bigger after that bowl of chowder, groan) and will make up my own mind. (I'm famous for that, seriously!) It's just that I've never self-pubbed before and lack the lessons learned experience provides.
Amazon said they offer three types of publishing:
l. Create Space (Print on Demand)
2. Advantage Program
3. Kindle Direct Program
What is my goal? you ask. Well, I'm in the habit of going to my Kindle, typing in a book from my TBR list, and reading a sample. (I usually buy.) But, now that I have to think about it, I don't know if that book resulted from Kindle Direct or one of the other programs Amazon offers.
This is my quandary. I'd really, really appreciate your in-put. And I really, really thank you for taking the time to help out!!
My Vermont photos should be up this week. Hub's safely landed on the other side of the world (his business trip). Yep, I'm gonna stay away from that chowder!
A big Welcome to new followers. And a big Thank You to Alex and Matthew for introducing me to such nice bloggers. As soon as I get Remy settled (hey, he's only eight years old!) I'll be around more often. Oh, where does the time go???
24 comments:
I'm not as familiar with the Advantage Program.
I believe CreateSpace is just for the print books, so if you want your book in print, they're the ones to contact.
I believe the Kindle Direct Program (KDP) is just for ebooks, so if you want just and ebook you have to go with them.
If you want print and ebook, I think you have to go to CreateSpace and KDP separately, but I'm not 100% positive about this.
You might want to ask this question on KindleBoards.com. There are a ton of much more knowledgeable people there that can help you out.
I've no idea, but am waiting to see the responses you get. This would be good stuff to know about.
Thanks, Cherie, for your in-put. You're an angel for helping out! I went to KindleBoards and learned a lot. Didn't know it existed so am feeling better as knowledge improves.
Amazon did say I could do a combo. Problem was, when I talked with them, the three areas I listed above are stove-piped.
Me, too, Rubye Jack. Thanks for stopping by on your angel wings.
But off to bed I go. I'm mentally exhausted but heartened by the fresh dawn that awaits. Nite, nite.
I don't know much about Amazon's publishing policies, but lulu.com (Google's publishing site), offers all of the above, with an easy process for self-publishing. Plus, you can still sell your book on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, etc., etc. You might want to check them out before you hit that publish button. Good luck, cher!
Kittie, when we move forward on any given path, things block our way: uncertainty, feeling ill-equipped for the task, heck just The Great Unknown is enough to put *most* people off.
You are not most people. You will wade through the options and you will know, at the end of the wading, which is the option you wish to try first. You might make a mistake, you might nail it on the first try-- but nothing is going to stop you on your chosen path. Remy's gotta get out there, and I've full faith you'll know how.
Love,
-Suze
Hi Kittie, I am not knowledgeable enough to help but wanted to tell you I am sending you positive vibes to figure it all out. Happy your hub's is safe & looking forward to your pictures.
P.S. Nothing wrong with a bowl of clam chowder to soothe the soul! :-)
I know nothing about self publishing, don't even know how to use a kindle, but the chowder sound like just the ticket to help, just enjoy it guilt free.
Mmmm, chowder. I'm sorry to say I'm not as knowledgeable as I should be on Amazon's various options - I just let my publisher handle it and ask no questions. But Anne Gallagher over at the Piedmont Writer blog just self published two books through Amazon - a short story and a novel - and I know she learned a ton, so she could be a great resource for you.
Here's a few thoughts: You can epublish direct on the Kindle. It's very easy once you get your work properly formatted. To get it available on the Nook, you format a little differently. Formatting is the issue that bothers many, I personally don't know how to do it and glad I haven't had to learn. CreateSpace and lulu are both good for print. Amazon Advantage program isn't anything I'd worry about now. Get your book epublished and then maybe you can worry about the print part of it later?
I think your best bet is Kindle Direct. I'd LOVE to help you out but I'm hopeless with formatting for the Kindle. If you chose to go CreateSpace, I'd be able to help you. I used that for my poetry book :o)
Hello Kitty
I attended Poetry in Paradise in the week-end at the library and was talking with Joan Small
who assists people with self publishing. Even though based in Australia there may be some helpful assistance from her links:
http://joansmallpoetryandbooks.com/
Good luck with your self publishing venture and I also look forward to seeing the photos of Vermont, which must be very beautiful at this time of year. Thank you also for your post of yesterday which I have been having difficulty responding to at the moment. My best wishes to you and every success for the future. Sandra
Tough business. I wondered with Kindle how one sorts what they want to read. I have a lot out in cyberspace and never hear much.I will watch for more.
This sounds so complicated, Kittie. I hope you're not getting a headache! I wish I could help you too.
Good luck!
Grethe `)
I wish I had some wisdom for you in this area, but book publishing is not in my realm of expertise. I do, however, use my Kindle for book reading exclusively now, if that helps.
Wishing you much luck and success in your endeavor!!
Book publishing is changing so fast, who can keep up with it? However, "A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit." Hang in there and keep at it!
Kittie: You only have to concern yourself with Kindle Direct and CreateSpace. If your goal is to have both an e-book and a print book, you will need both these sources.
Both are fairly easy to sign up for but they will each require different format submissions.
They are two separate entities and they both have different paying schedules.
Hope that helps.
Heya! Perhaps I am missing something, but from the formatting guidelines I've read (and I've only read the Smashwords and KDP ones, I don't know how complex B&N etc can be) they don't seem to be too difficult to follow...
Writing you an email now!
Kindle Direct is for ebooks, Create Space is for paper books (and you have to pay for the publication which may not be smart for a short story).
I began by publishing via Smashwords (they offer many different formats), and they have a super guide which teaches you how to do. After that, KDP was fairly simple.
Good luck!
sorry Kitty I'm not knowledgeable enough either. but I'm watching you... and you're inspiring me!
Thank you, thank you for the great info and for your encouragement. Also a big thank you for the many e-mails I received. I'm greatly uplifted! No clam chowder today, but did have a great workout with my fast-walking, breaking up much computer/research time. I haven't reached a decision, except to rule out Amazon's Create Space.
I really want to thank each of you for your in-put and will be dropping by. You're all amazing!!!
HEY THERE,
JUST TO LET YOU KNOW I HAVE GIVEN YOU AN AWARD. IF YOU WANT TO STOP BY AND GET IT WHEN YOU HAVE TIME.
HUGS EVE.X
Kittie, good luck. I have no personal experience with this, so I'm no help. I've heard rumors that Amazon is power hungry, so I'd look into other options. Someone mentioned Google. You are great at doing your homework, so I hope you make the right contact. Best wishes to you as you venture out into the brave world of self-publishing!
Sorry I can't help, Kittie. I know next to nothing about Amazon. I'm up here dazed and confused in Canada. You're talking epub, eh? Because Lulu publishes a nice looking book if you're looking for a hard copy.
Looks like you got some great advice here. Hope it turns out successful for you.
It appears you're getting good advice here, Kittie.
Post a Comment