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Self-Publishing?

chubbyalaskagriz

chubbyalaskagriz

New member
Does anyone have any experience w/self-publishing?

Or any kind of publishing, in general?

I have finally a completed cookbook project. And considering the next step- the prospect of maneuvering into the tricky maze before me seems as daunting a prospect as writing the book was in the first place!

I've gotten tons of advise about finding a publisher. Whether or not one needs an agent. Etc. Still, I feel no further- or no better equipped than when I first started asking. It almost seems like some remote world impossible to get into without access to some secret key!

Are their any publishing pros around? Or anyone who's actually embarked down this road who can offer concrete recommendations and/or steps to take?
 
Kev - I did several cookbooks for area schools to raise money - after checking out the printing prices we decided to print them ourselves, collate, etc. aving the kids to help was great. The price of the paper and ink, covers - all was picked up by the school - thank heaven!

I presently contribute recipes and edit cookbooks for someone who publishes their books through a well-known publisher and also sells them as e-books. Having an editor (which they insist on) can be quite pricy. And they have demands. It seems that a "nobody" (don't be offended) doesn't stand much of a chance with most publishers.

Agents? They just want their percentage. Editors are more important.

I know several that have published their own books using a smaller publishing house and many that just go to a printer and put up with the costs. There is a lot involved - colors, pics, etc.

I have several books I want to publish - and I am thinking of selling as e-cookbooks and when I get enough money from that - then publish. I'm still checking out my options as well. Plus I have a few things up my sleeve with all this as well.

I wish you the best of luck on your project and I hope it is very successful for you.

Check out your local printers - sometimes they do cookbooks for various organizations that are spiral bound and look nice and you won't have to order 10,000 on your first order.
 
That's exciting to hear Kevin. I wish you luck in the next steps. Keep us posted with your progress, I'd be interested in getting a copy..................signed of course :)
 
Kevin, you might find some experienced advice on your idea over at eGullet. They have a lot of food writers and published authors on the forum, and have whole topics devoted to the subject. Maybe someone over there can answer your questions.
 
I want a copy...o-o-o me fist o-o-o pick me, pick me!!!! :) We have a member here [Jafo] who did make cookbooks that he had printed by CafePress [an on-line ordering company]. I ordered a copy for myself and my sister. That may be way too expensive an endeavor for you and I am certain that is not what you are seeking to do. Now you could try contacting Brook and see if he can give you some sound advice, he is published, and may really help you out. As far as an agent you would have to hire one to better your chances of being published [for a novel that is], as far as a cookbook it may be different. If you want to make a dummy book and submit it to a publishing company for consideration that is a rather long waiting process before you hear from them, but always easy to do, and as long as you don't mind waiting go for it. FIRST though mail yourself a copy have it dated and stamped by the post office and when you recieve it do not open it, file it away unopened (this is a Poor Man's Patent) and will help you if for instance someone tried to steal your original and have it published as though it were theirs. In a court case (if someone tried to market your work as theirs)you could prove it was yours with the copy you had mailed to yourself and left sealed and unopened until needed (if at all). I wish you luck, no matter what! I would most def. go to the web site that SilverSage suggested, arm yourself with all information you can possibly gather and from every possible source, which it appears you are doing!!! In any case GOOD LUCK and Best Wishes Bro!
 
Dear Friends,

Thanks for your warm and generous help. I learned MANY things by reading these few posts that I had not known before. Many, many helpful thoughts and ideas... And thanks most of all for your kind encouragment! I'll keep ya'll posted! Hopefully at some point down this road I'll have wonderful news to share! winks- k.
 
Good luck Kevin - and don't forget - I want an autographed copy hot off the press! I hope it goes smoothly for you!
 
That is what families are supposed to do - (singing) we are family.......we've got lots of cookers (bakers) and me........... : )
 
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