Choosing a Self-Publishing Services ProviderJeremy ThompsonManaging Director, Troubador Publishing Ltd

The most important part of self-publishing is…

SELF

Aims and aspirations

• Start of a career as a writer?

• Publishing for pleasure?

• As part of a business venture?

• Recording a life?

• Local or specialist book with limited market?

• Book or ebook, or both?

Routes to publication(and marketing, and distribution)

• Do-It-Yourself (book and/or ebook)

• Pick-and-choose self-publishing

• Assisted self-publishing

• Pre-packaged or bespoke?

• Ebook: single or multi-retailer option?

• Book: print ‘on demand’ or sale or return?

• Marketing: ‘advice’, hands-on or expert assistance?

Research, research, research• Consider why you are

publishing

• Look at what routes to publishing are available

• Weigh the pros and cons of each option available

• Compare service providers

• Talk to other authors!

Dos and Don’ts…

Common Author Errors

• Lack of research

• A bull in a china shop

• “I assumed that…”

• The author knows best…

• Quality

• Timing

• Marketing

• …

Best practice

• Consider your aims and options carefully

• Learn from others’ experiences

• Research the market for publishers

• Consider marketing and selling options early

• Play to your own strengths

• Understand what you are getting for your money

• Only invest what you can afford to lose

• Enjoy the experience!

Choosing a Self-Publishing Services ProviderJeremy ThompsonManaging Director, Troubador Publishing Ltd