Thursday, July 26, 2012

Book Review - Publish like a Pro: A Brief Guide to Quality Self-Publishing - Michele DeFilippo

Title:  Publish Like the Pros:  A Brief Guide to Quality Self-Publishing


Review:  There is a lot of information in this little short book.  I never knew so much went into the publishing of a book.  I can tell you that with reading and reviewing books I have come across so many that just are not anywhere ready to be read by anyone outside of the author and their best best friends.  So many books are written and yet not adequately edited and proofed.  Mistakes an every page and problems with the word flow, not to mention the mixing up of future and past tenses.  I have slogged through more of these disasters then I really want to admit too.  Maybe if the authors had read this book then my experience would have been much more enjoyable.

It costs money to have your book edited, but it is worth it.  If I pick up a book, sent for review, and I notice mistakes right at the beginning- I know things are not promising.  There are rare books that make up for all the mistakes with a fabulous story(Switched by Amanda Hocking for one…lots and lots of mistakes but a great story), but most do not.  Looking past spelling errors or spelling check errors that change the word to another word but spell it correctly….I hate those…it just tells me you let the spell check run without so much as a glance…is uncomfortable for the reader and lets face it work.  If I have to work to read a book I’m not going to read that book…work is for textbooks, The Bible and the like…not for enjoyment- which I hope to find in the pages of a good book.

Self-publishing is going to cost you, but why bother putting out a book hardly anyone will read because of the quality of the book, print, editing, proofreading, printset and the like.  You worked hard writing the book, now work hard getting the best look for your book so that readers will give it a chance.  I find most of my favorite books come from friends that suggest them to me…word of mouth…or browsing the bookstore looking at covers and reading the back for an idea of what I’m getting into.  Reading takes time, time is money  and I hate to waste such a precious resource on something not worthy of it.

The bottom line with this book is; that if you are going to do something,…..do it right!  This is written by the owner of a self-publishing house so remember she has great ideas, but so do others out there.  Make sure to research who you want to help publish your work and make it worthwhile.  Whatever you decide I have to say that it is going to cost…lots…be prepared to spend in the thousands plus to get your book out there.  Maybe a few vanity copies for you and your friends is all your book is worth...think about it...is it that good?  Maybe it is and if so then do it right!


Publisher: Published June 10th 2012 by 1106 Design (June 10, 2012)

ISBN: 9780985489908

Copyright: 2012

Pages:  88

Quick Review: 4 stars (out of 5)-a good book for those looking to self-publish, but it is also a bit self-serving to the author and the company she owns.

Why I Read It:  Sent by The Cadence Group for review.

Synopsis: "Publish Like the Pros: A Brief Guide to Quality Self-Publishing" is a must-read for new authors who want to get it right when self-publishing their books. Self-publishing is a perplexing and ever-shifting landscape; it's easy for authors to get taken in by self-publishing companies that promise the moon but don't deliver. In just 88 pages, "Publish Like the Pros" takes the confusion out of self-publishing and gives authors the six steps to publishing quality professional books that don't scream "I'm self-published!!" The self-publishing author will find everything he or she needs to get started, including cover design, book titles, typesetting, editing, and proofreading, and a special chapter on book distribution, pricing and marketing.

Written by a book designer with years of experience working with both first-time authors and seasoned publishers, "Publish Like the Pros" speaks directly to new authors who want to publish a book that they can feel proud of and that sells!

Industry leaders praise "Publish Like the Pros":
DeFilippo has written a complete overview of the book industry and the publishing process that will allow both authors and self-publishers to make their way through the self-publishing process quickly and successfully. I was amazed at the up-to-date insights and money-saving advice in this book! Want to do it right? Want to avoid a lot of the mistakes that plague first time self-publishers? Read "Publish Like the Pros" and call 1106 Design.
 
Author Biography:  
Michele DeFilippo owns 1106 Design, a one-stop shop for authors who need editing, book design and self-publishing advice with hand-holding. Follow her on Twitter. @1106Design


Other Reviews:
Another Site with interesting items for aspiring self-published writers.  The more ideas the better.  Also a contest on this site for free services from Melissa Fields.

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