Although there is no way of breaking down the types of book being self-published, [Jane] Rowland [editor of The Self Publishing Magazine] estimates that it’s 60 per cent fiction and 40 per cent non-fiction. With the growing number of self-publishers comes a new public respect for self-published authors. So commentators who once derided “vanity published” writers are now beginning to acknowledge an empowered DIY culture. It’s no longer publishing for rejects, but “alternative publishing”; a bold stance outside the homogenised mainstream.
Monday, January 11, 2010
The rise of self-publishing
Another article about the rise of self-publishing, this time by Helen Brown in the Telegraph.
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In the first place, self-publishing shouldn't be treated as a place for rejects. Writing is an art. And as complex as it is, i think it just knows no boundaries. But of course, it still has to adhere to professional writing standards.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have access to a book scanner?
ReplyDeleteHere's a description. http://www.diybookscanner.org/
http://scitedaily.com/googles-book-scanning-technology-revealed/
Suited for writers who have books they want to republish.
A 'Salutary lesson'.
ReplyDeleteMy brother-in-law telephoned - "My wife has written a book and it's being published."
Good for her! She kept at it until it was finished - not easy as we all know.
The book arrived. All 800 pages. A crime story.
I don't know the details but they were 'Robbed'
Notwithstanding the story needed serious editing to make it flow better - the book was unreadable. Spelling mistakes. Virtually no punctuation, inverts in the wrong place or omitted, phrases repeated....
In the first three pages over 50 errors.
Try as I might, it was impossible to read and that's a shame because she obviousley put their heart into writing something that is never going to be read - and all for the sake of a little judicious 'subbing' and a better printer.
Beware the 'RIP-OFF' self publishers.
Self-publishers like Lulu.com do not include proof reading or editing or anything other than simply printing. Other services are offered at an extra cost.
ReplyDeleteThe London School of Printing http://www.lcc.arts.ac.uk/printing_publishing_school.htm does courses for writers who want to learn self-publishing.
I have a Writer's Data Base on www.makemovies.co.uk/blog/index.html that lists many services to writers.