Now that I’m thinking about sending my MS out to the book formatter I’m seriously contemplating if I want go with the POD option. The book formatter’s informed me that the ebooks are fairly simple but the POD formatting is a “whole other beast”. The ebook price is a set fee but he will need to look over the needs of my novel in order to figure out a price. So of course I’m thinking about the necessity of POD and the truth is I doubt that I will sell many more expensive print copies. Most individuals will take a chance on a self-publisher for 99 cents but not $16 for a print copy.
But when I think about only having digital copies and never seeing that physical copy, I feel like it won’t feel real until I hold it in my hands. Is that worth all that extra money and time?
I may buy extra author’s copies and visit local book stores to see if they will consign it. I also noticed that many book reviewers require physical copies sent to them so I would need them for that. Plus, when I was walking on a packed beach and spying on what everyone was reading, I saw most still preferred print. Is it good to have that available even if it won’t be the majority of my sales?
How much will I pay to have that copy on my shelf?
Well, I guess I’ll find out soon.
Oh and on a side note, I just wanted to mention that I put a sample reading up now that my editor handed my MS back. I do have a prologue prior to this that explains where this first chapter begins but I hope you all enjoy it!
Hi, Lauren. Have you looked at Create Space, Amazon’s POD print book service? It might cost less than a private formatter — I don’t know.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/seller-account/mm-summary-page.html?ie=UTF8&ld=AZFooterSelfPublish&topic=200260520
I am indie-publishing several ebooks, but so far don’t plan to make them into physical books. One has color photos, so it would be too expensive to create print books. If you buy ISBNs from Bowker, buy them in a block of 10 — they cost $250 for two or $250 for 10, the same price, so get 10 because they don’t expire. This is a mistake I made.
I also formed a business, a company of one, chose a business name, and registered it with the state where I live. It looks more professional to see Expedition Books as the publisher instead of my name, and I’ve disclosed on my website under my bio that’s my company for my own books. This is just another thing to consider.
Good luck!
All great information Holly, thanks! I’ve heard that the formatters on Create space can be pricey as well but I’ll have to wait until I get the quote and decide from there. Although Create space is definitely cheaper than a lot of online interior formatters I’ve looked at. One was $5 a page! I wish I had computer skills because it would be so much better to learn to do this yourself. I did purchase the ISBN’s in bulk of ten and I’m on my way to create my own business as well. Good tip to disclose it under my bio, I wouldn’t have thought of that. Expedition Books is a great name for a small publisher.
Lauren, I agree with you, I wish I had the patience to do the formatting myself. I used 52 Novels LLC (Rob Siders) — they were affordable and my books look beautiful, but 52 Novels is in demand. I had to wait a month to six weeks. I think once you struggle though the first one it must get easier.
My experience forming a business of one (sole proprieter):
I found forming a business of one to be easy (so far). I live in PA and paid $75 to register a fictitious name online with the state, plus ran an ad in a local paper saying I intended to sell ebooks under that name (cost, about $12). I called the state as well as read the online instructions to see if there was anything else they required and they said no, as long as I am a business of one person.
I also opened a business account with my bank so my ebook money stays separate, and the bank obtained a tax ID number from the IRS for me. When you register your business name as the publisher on Amazon, B&N, etc., you will need this special tax ID number. I am required to pay taxes quarterly. And finally, I am keeping a notebook with all expenses and receipts so I can (hopefully) deduct them when tax time comes around.
Good luck!
I completely forgot about opening a bank account to keep the money separate! There is still so much to do! I’ll have to add that to my list. Once it’s done though the next book will go so much smoother. It sounds like you did all the right things!
Lauren
Your blog is so helpful not only because you map out what you plan on doing but also because you do it and show the rest of us it can be done! Good job and thanks!
So glad that I’m helping you! I’ll keep posting about the steps I’m taking and any bumps along the way!