Time to get down to the hard work of searching out a publishing house which won't leave you weeping tears of blood. The internet is full of them. Be careful very careful. Don't do what I did spotted the first big name, read how easy and cheap it would be, but it never is.
This whole matter should be done slowly and thoughtfully. It's like getting a good. Ask your friends, fellow writers, check out writer sites to see who they used and what their experience was. There are books full of lists, Writers Hand Book and The Yellow Pages.
The other thing is your budget a hundred quid doesn't get a lot. Yes I've said you can be published on Amazon.com for less than thirty pounds, depending on the size of your book.
I'll say it again take your time and agree to nothing until you have have had your fill of the small print and restrictions. Then have the ones who love you check it over again.
Okay so you've chosen wisely? Okay. Now there's the size of your book. That's right there are various sizes of book, and variations in paper used. There was a mention of formatting earlier you will have to format your manuscript and perhaps change the kind of file. I'm not going into computer talk, but PDF seems to be the standard. I got hurt with that one, it started off as a Word doc but had to be changed by the time I did the second proof copy. So get it right first time.
The site kindly offers a free cover service, probable a dozen covers with various alterations. It might even allow you to up load your own with a downloadable template so you can do your own.
With a tasteful cover in place you now come across ISBN. That's the code number which will be used to trace your sales. Which all the book shops use to order your book. Some sites offer their own, mine did. But they can be bought on line.
The practicalities are almost over. You order a proof copy and wait like an expectant father. You've hit your budget for the first time. We'll say this book has just cost you eight pounds including postage. My one cost more but it was four hundred plus pages long. The book arrives and it's everything you could hope for.
You are now faced with a choice. Just let them run with it stick it on a few websites and hope for the best you are a published writer now.
But no, but you want some copies. Of course your publisher will be delighted to sell you some at cost, or close to it. And the postal service will be delighted to bring them to you at a cost. Am I mentioning the word cost a lot? Because it's your budget. Remember you stopped being a writer the minute you wanted to self publish, you're now a business person.
However your parents and loved one feel sorry for you and urge you to up your budget. Buy twenty five books at eight pounds each and your budget is now doubled, plus the proof copy.
Can't wait for the postman?
Want to know how to move these books?
Then go to the final part.
If you can add to this experience email below: