The Self-Publishing Manual: How to Write, Print, and Sell Your Own Book, 14th Edition

Rating:
Summary: Very good advice to all fledgling authors
Review: Dan Poynter is an entrepreneur who discovered publishing when he spent eight years writing a book about parachutes and realized he probably wouldn't find a publisher. He wrote a book in 1973 about hang gliding, which became a best seller, and he was hooked. To date he has published over 80 books and revisions which have been translated into many languages. He has written a book on what he calls "the new publishing model."

Anyone who is even remotely involved in the publishing world knows that new authors don't stand much of a chance with publishers. The lucky few who do succeed wait a long time for their books to be published and often lose control of any profits. Mr. Poynter correctly points to eight main reasons why someone would want to publish their own book:

1. To make more money,
2. Speed
3. To keep control of your book
4. No one will read your manuscript
5. Self-publishing is good business
6. Self-publishing will help you think like a publisher
7. You will gain self-confidence and self-esteem
8. Finally, you may have no other choice."

The Self-Publishing Manual (How to Write, Print and Sell Your Own Book) is a bible on how to write, start your own publishing company, produce your book, advertise your book, decide what to charge, promote your book, and how to find your audience and get it sold. Mr. Poynter is a very concise and efficient writer who knows how to get his point across with his audience's pocketbook in mind. He explains the pitfalls of the publishing business and how to get the most bang for your buck. He does a great job of explaining the distribution end of the business...something very few people other than librarians and book distributors understand.

In short, Mr. Poynter knows his stuff and can offer some very good advice to all the fledgling authors out in book land. He even thoughtfully includes a chapter entitled "Coping with Being Published," which will help the new author transition from private to public life and what that entails. He includes a book calendar to help the author stay focused and organized during the process, and ends with a very useful appendix and glossary of publishing terms. This is an invaluable book for anyone with enough courage to make the foray into publishing. Mr. Poynter deserves a hearty thank you and congratulations from his grateful disciples.

Shelley Glodowski
Reviewer

Rating:
Summary: very thorough manual by an industry leader
Review: Dan Poynter practises what he preaches; he runs his own publishing firm, writes his own books, handles his own promotion and apparently makes enough money doing so to keep several employees occupied. The Self Publishing Manual contains a tremendous amount of valuable material that no neophyte publisher - or writer - should be without. The text is very practical in nature, and the information is quite condensed; this is a book you can expect to be re-reading many times. Poynter also covers the topics of providing information in alternate forms, such as cassette tapes and downloadable e-book formats. This information is sparse, but there's enough there to give an individual a place to start. In short, this book qualifies as a "must have" text for anyone thinking of writing - or publishing - a book.

I have two complaints regarding the book. First, the book title suggests that it will show you how to self publish your book, but then suggests that you engage the services of a printer. To my mind, this is similar to a book that claims to show you how to build your own house, and then suggests you hire a carpenter. I had expected at least one section showing how computers and laser printers could be used to generate small press runs, and what equipment is available to allow the small time operator to do perfect (glued spine) binding. However, there is absolutely no information in this book regarding the actual physical production methods that a small, home based publisher might use to actually create books at home. While it might be argued that home printing is still too expensive for the small operator, Poynter does not make this claim, or even address the issue. For what it's worth, there is equipment on the market aimed at the economical production of small press runs; perfect bindery equipment and print trimmers will cost you about $6,000, plus the cost of your computer equipment. My very cursory check of production costs shows that for very small runs - 500 to 1000 books - printing and binding your own books is cost effective. When your book is established enough to justify print runs of 5,000 copies, conventional printers can do a much cheaper job. I wish Poynter had addressed this technological advance in his book, and I hope he does so in a future edition. I should also mention that in emails with Poynter (he does respond to emails) he mentions that he did, at one time, have a book which dealt with the mechanics of physically printing and assembling a book; but demand was sparse, and he feels that the economics do not justify the effort. If you follow Poynters recommendations, AND you have a well written book with a broad interest base, you should have no difficulty in achieving sufficient sales to make hiring a printer the most sensible choice, in any case.

My second complaint has to do with the economics of self publishing. No where in the book does Poynter give the beginning writer / publisher any idea as to what sales levels might be associated with specific incomes. There are nuggets of financial information scattered through the text - for example, Poynter suggests you allocate 20 to 30% of your revenue to promotion, and he does discuss a couple methods by which you can determine the 'right' price to sell your book at - but there's no one area where he gives a solid example of the finances of a 'typical' book. As Poynter has published a number of books on varying topics, he no doubt has this information; however, he chooses not to share it. This makes it very difficult for a newcomer to determine the financial viability of the industry. While no one can guarantee that a book will be successful, it would be nice to see some specific examples of financial successes, with all costs identified and the net income shown. I'd love to see a table showing, for example, the costs of production for a 'typical' 144 page, 5.5 X 8.5 inch book; so much for printing, so much for cover design, so much for typesetting, and so on. With this information, it would be possible to calculate a break even analysis - how many copies you must sell at a given price, in order to break even. When the entire area of financial viability is skirted so carefully and completely, it makes me question whether there really are any worthwhile, financially successful examples of self published books.

However, even when these matters are taken into consideration, this is still a 'must have' book. Anyone considering self publishing cannot possibly be successful without the information contained within this book; and anyone writing a book needs to understand why so many first time authors are self publishing. There's a tremendous amount of extremely valuable information here, enough so as to make this a strong contender for the title "bible of the industry".

I recommend it highly.

Rating:
Summary: This is the place to start
Review: Dan Poynters "Self Publishing Manual" is the place to start for anyone thinking about entering the world of independent publishing. Though there are now a number of great books out there for the beginner, Dan's been doing it, successfully, for longer than just about anybody else. Some of his marketing ideas are a bit brazen for me, but it's obviously worked well for him. He knows what he's talking about. After reading his book, be sure to check out all the great free information on his website, and if you get the chance to meet him, go out of your way to do so. He's an interesting guy, and very helpful and generous with his knowledge.

Rating:
Summary: Dan Poynter does it again
Review: For several decades, Dan Poynter has been the grand master of self-publishing. One thing that sets Dan apart is his tenacity. Unlike many other authors on self-publishing, Dan stays on top of the field. His books come out whenever he feels there is enough new material to warrant a new edition. Each new edition has built upon the previous and added much to the discussion.
This 13th edition is no exception. It features all the nuts and bolts that have made Dan's books stand out in the past. It also features sections on electronic books and "Print Quantity Needed," two new phenomena that are redefining publishing. The section on resources has been updated. And the entire book has been redesigned. I don't know how many copies of Dan's earlier editions I have. I still look forward to each new edition, because I know that it will contain information that I haven't seen before. I do know Dan personally. Every time I run into him, I am amazed at how new everything he says is. I am equally amazed every time I see a new edition of his book.
Buy this book if you are at all considering publishing your own books. It touches on just about everything you'll need to know to do it successfully. Buy the next edition, too. You could do a lot worse than choosing Dan Poynter as your guide.

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Summary: Read the bookl that has the power to change your life!
Review: I can't say enough about this book! I read the book. I followed the easy to understand directions. The book walks you step by step through every process of book writing, selling and marketing. Dan knows the publishing game very well. He also gives you alot of helpful resources in the back of the book. I also love the website. www.parapublishing.com I would strongly advise you to get added on his newsletter emailing list for free tips. I have since self published my own book. The whole experience has been extremely positive and life changing. I am so thrilled from the outcome. I have Dan Poynter to thank a million times over! www.hostagegirl.com

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Summary: Don't jump into self-publishing without this manual!
Review: If you have ever felt that self-publishing is similar to jumping out of a plane without a parachute, have no fear! "The Self-Publishing Manual" is your parachute! On your way to "landing" your first published book, you will learn everything you need to know.

I think of Dan Poynter as the ultimate "how-to self-publish" expert! He will teach you all the tricks of the publishing trade. As an author of more than 80 books, he also has a proven track record of success. He will convince you that you too can succeed.

The strength of this encyclopedic reference is the author's experience in publishing. Dan Poynter is also on the leading edge of technology. He welcomes the new era of book publishing and prepares writers by giving a "New Book Publishing Model."

If you are looking for a complete reference on writing, printing, publishing, promoting, marketing and distributing your new book, look no further. Whether you just have the concept for your new book or have already advanced to the promotion stage, the information you will need to make your efforts more successful is here!

The "Your Book's Calendar" section is like a true gift for the busy author. This section is vital to keeping your goals and progress in check. It will allow you to digest volumes of information in small sections. You can start with what you have started to accomplish, check the suggested readings and then check off your goals as you reach them.

I especially enjoyed reading the section on professional reviewers. The glossary of publishing terms was so revealing. The "resources for publishers" section was detailed and informative.

This source book also has a companion web site. You can find information kits, great book promotion mailing lists, links to useful Web sites and hundreds of downloadable documents.

If you are still searching for an agent, sending out manuscripts to publishers, or writing those endless query letters, it may be time to take off that seat belt which is trapping you in that airplane seat! Then, read this book and jump! There are people who want your book. There are people who need your book. Believe it! Then, free fall to success!

Rating:
Summary: An indispensable guide and reference.
Review: On the Cutting Edge of Publishing As traditional publishers get larger and even less friendly toward unknown writers, The Self-Publishing Manual is the finest guide for not only publishing your book but selling it as well. Dan Poynter takes you through every step of the process, from writing a good book that people will buy, through design and printing, to marketing and distribution. The well known "bible" of book information is now even better. Now available in its twelfth edition, over 30% of the book was changed. The Self-Publishing Manual really hits its stride as it details a time-tested system for following through after the book is done-to let potential readers know the book exists. Dan also tells you exactly how to set up your business, what tools you will need and where to find them. His straight-forward style pulls no punches about how much work it takes, but Dan also makes you believe you really can do it! Of the myriad books now available about self-publishing, The Self-Publishing Manual has, by far, the best combination of practical advise and comprehensive coverage of the industry. No other author has kept their finger on the pulse of the whole publishing industry-from production to promotion-like Dan Pointer. Dan has successfully predicted trends for many years. Now he is among the first to tout the "New Book Publishing Model" which uses electronic production and promotion to write, produce, sell and promote books faster, easier and cheaper. The new edition includes a fully updated and expanded chapter on electronic book publishing and promotion. Writers will discover how to build a book rather than just write it. Dan also tell you how to sell your book in download, CD and ebook versions. Dan shows  you how to promote your books with email, book reviews, autographings, feature articles and radio/TV interviews. This is one book you will read many times, as you return to it again and again for practical instruction and sage advice.

Rating:
Summary: How to be rich and famous. Or at least rich. Maybe.
Review: Poynter is the guru of a certain type of self-publishing author: The writer/hustler who is interested, first and foremost, in making money -- lots and lots of money -- not merely in making information available and earning enough back to make the effort worthwhile. I've done a certain amount of self-publishing over the past couple of decades (mostly genealogical research materials and local history), and while I'm always interested in what he has to say, I've frankly never found a lot of useful material here. All the way through, especially in the early chapters where he's trying to hook you (and remember that his background is in marketing), he insists this writing-publishing thing is easy. All you do is get an idea, read everything about it, put it all in a notebook (rather quirkily for a technophile, he seems to believe in first-draft writing on paper), edit it into a new shape, and Presto! You have a new book, and it's gonna make you rich! Or something. Among other problems, he seems to have only a hazy idea of how the acquisitions process generally works in a large library system. Not to mention comments like "library loans may hurt sales of fiction," and "libraries tend to do most of their ordering around the beginning or end of their fiscal year." Puh-leez. Then there's this, regarding the Copyright Term Extension Act of 1998: "Now, anything printed prior to 1922 is safe." Say what? (Even Cotton Mather?) He also seems to think book-indexing need involve only the "indexing" feature in Microsoft Word. Finally, on the very last page (before the omnipresent order form, that is), he says it doesn't matter who the publisher is: "Who is the author? Is she a credible person? No one ever asks, 'Who is the publisher'?" Au contraire, Dan, the credibility of the *publisher* can be *very* important, especially in technical books. Would you rather buy, unseen, a computer book from O'Reilly & Associates, or from Joe Blow Kitchen Table Press? However, even very narrowly market-specific titles (like genealogy) require some advertising and notification of potential purchasers, so his chapters on publicity and marketing are worth reading, as is the material on cutting-edge electronic publishing, both via CD and online.

Rating:
Summary: Self-publishing's Master Manual
Review: With Dan Poynter's 13th edition about to come out, it behooves every writer interested in self-publishing and the marketing techniques associated with that increasingly popular method of publishing to purchase this invaluable guide and/or its latest edition. Using "Poynter's pointers," I self-published my book, The Perils of Imprudent Writing-How to Watch What You Write and Stay Out of Court, now in its second edition, and have sold over 3000 copies to date. I first read The Self-Publishing Manual cover to cover (I now have three editions and will buy the next; his numerous references are updated annually), then outlined it to create a chronological strategy in my successful self-publishing effort. Poynter leaves no stone unturned in providing information to writers. Also, his company, ParaPublishing, is always available to provide additional information and assistance.