Rating: 
Summary: Great self-publishing manual
Review: "The Complete Guide to Self Publishing" is by no doubt valuable source of information to any self-publisher. It embraces the whole area of modern self-publishing: the today's publishing scene, start-up considerations to get you off on the right foot, creating a quality product that attracts buyers, PR issues, selling books the usual and unusual ways, nontraditional venues for generating more sales.The book gives example of properly-fillied copyright registration, ISBN application, and other essential forms, gives the self-publishing "project plan", gives the list of most valuable organizations and information sources for self-publishers in the U.S.A. and Canada. It also lists selected book manufacturers, marketing contacts and other helpful information, including structured bibliography/recommended reading and glossary and definitions of widespread publishing acronyms. When I first filled my copyright registration form, I made lot of mistakes, and the processing of this form has been delayed half a year due to these errors. I could have avoided this if I've followed the precepts given in this book. The only thing that the 4th edition of this book misses is a reference to Internet-based discussion lists, which is also a valuable resource for self-publishers. Please note that the book is big. Nevertheless, the price is surprisingly low, comparing to other self-publishing manuals. I would however recommend "How To Start And Run A Small Book Publishing Company: A Small Business Guide To Self-Publishing And Independent Publishing by" Peter I. Hupalo prior to reading "The Complete Guide to Self Publishing".
Rating: 
Summary: A "MUST HAVE" for every would-be publisher
Review: After working with a traditional publisher for nearly a year, they "pulled" the project. Another few months heading down that path again, and I decided to take the project into my own hands -- I wasn't going to have another year go by and still be at the beginning.
I knew nothing about publishing, much less self-publishing -- my background is sales and marketing! Fortunately I found the Ross's book. I literally followed it step-by-step and was fortunate to find a great team to help me -- an exquisite graphic artist for design, a genius with pre-pub, and a wonderful editor.
The Ross's tell you everything you need to do, provide very helpful checklists, a thorough index for when you forget where you read something, and an easily understandable style for the novice. By book is nearly in tatters! But the good news is, 7 months after our initial print run of 3,000, we are now getting ready for our second printing -- I'd better open my "bible" again and see what they have to say about that step!
Two other things you must do -- join the Yahoo self-pub group and join the Small Publishers Association of North America (SPAN) -- the help in both places has also been invaluable.
Thanks Tom and Marilyn - I could never have done it without you!
Carol White
Live Your Road Trip Dream
Rating:
Summary: These authors know the territory!
Review: First, they answered questions I didn't even know I had. Then, they gave me helpful lists so I'd know what to do at each stage of publishing and promoting my first book. Because of the "Complete Guide to Self-Publishing" I didn't have to learn everything the hard way! Now I've started happily selling "Living a Life of Significance" from the web site www.DesignsforGiving.com. Thanks!
Rating:
Summary: These authors know the territory!
Review: First, they answered questions I didn't even know I had. Then, they gave me helpful lists so I'd know what to do at each stage of publishing and promoting my first book. Because of the "Complete Guide to Self-Publishing" I didn't have to learn everything the hard way! Now I've started happily selling "Living a Life of Significance" from the web site www.DesignsforGiving.com. Thanks!
Rating: 
Summary: Overrated
Review: Given the solid-five star rating in the Amazon reviews, I expected this book to be a real gem. Instead, while this book has some helpful tips, much of the book is composed of:
-common sense advice;
-self-promotion by the authors, including references to other books or organizations affiliated with the authors;
-no-brainers such as "use the internet for research", "try a search engine called 'Google'", etc.; and
-home-spun "witticisms" or "words of wisdom" in the form of quotes from various authors & publishers.
To wrap up, this book is decent, and probably worth the money and time to buy it and read it, but you need to wade through a bunch of verbiage to find the parts that are interesting and relevant to you.
Rating:
Summary: The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing
Review: Marilyn & Tom Ross' book has provided the complete foundation upon which I have successfully written and published, My Green Thumb, Your Gardening Organizer (www.mygreenthumb.net). Following their concise step-wise process, complete with time lines and resource suppliers for all aspects of publishing and marketing, I was able to launch a successful new title and achieve results far beyond my expectations. In fact, this past Sunday the Chicago Tribune featured an article about my book! I simply followed the steps outlined by the Ross' in the book. Also, Marily has been an excellent resource consulting and advising on questions where I needed further advice. Great book!
Rating:
Summary: Practical advice for writers and publishers
Review: Once writers look at all that's involved in getting publihed for the first time, they often will look into the realm of self publishing. Reading Marilyn and Tom Ross' Complete Guide to Self-Publshing is a must. They are themselves great promoters of publishing and marketing, yet they know the book publishing industry and do a terrific job of presenting both to readers.
I checked this out from the library first, but will have to buy a copy to keep because of all the wonderful references and resources in the back. The final 63 pages list most of the resources needed to plan, write, print, distribute and market your book. Yes, self publishing IS a lot of work, and this book shows you just HOW to do it if you want to invest the time. I am in the process of reviewing other books and media these two have produced as well....
Rating:
Summary: The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing IS COMPLETE
Review: Thanks to The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing, my wife and I are now proud self-publishers. This book is an excellent text that lays out the steps necessary to wisely self-publish. It contains plenty of great ideas plus paths around the pitfalls. A highly recommended read and study guide for those seriously interested in a life-changing experience. Is it easy? No. Is it worthwhile? YES!
Rating:
Summary: A "must own" mentoring guide for every aspiring writer
Review: The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing is an important addition to my personal library. I continually study and review pertinent sections of it, as I am progressing with my own "baby" writing project. Marilyn and Tom, thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I am grateful to learn from successful professionals like you.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best
Review: These writers know their busines. With decades of being in the book business, "The Complete Guide to Self Publishing" is a comprehensive book that is written with clarity and lays out the practical application of every stage of the book business and answers questions you wouldn't have known to ask. The book covers a lot of ground and you will end up with a crash course in the complex world of writing, producing, marketing, and selling your book.
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