Acrobat PDF - Adobe has a great product called Adobe Acrobat. It consists of 3 components, one, Acobat Reader will allow you to view and print Acrobat PDF (Portable Document File) formatted documents. The main Acrobat component (it has no additional name) allows you to view and print and make minor edits to a document as well as add or delete pages, adjust cropping, and make other global changes. Acrobat Distiller is the component that allows you to create an Acrobat PDF formatted file. You can learn more about Adobe Acrobat from the Adobe web site and from a new web site, CreateAPDF.com, sponsored by Action Printing (see my list of book printers). The CreateAPDF web site has downloadable instructions on setting up distiller for Mac or WIndows computers and how to distill files from Quark, PageMaker 6 and PageMaker 7.
Alibris - Exhaustive site for finding Out of Print books - you can search for books, browse book subjects, and interact with book lovers from around the world. (Others listed below.)
Amazon.com - Earth's largest bookstore, so they say.
Antiquity Wisdom Scrolls - This Australian company offers quotations presented on attractive handcrafted scrolls including traditional illunination from a monastery where this craft still survives. Amazing what you can find on the Internet. (Link not responding when last tested.)
Apple Computer - The number one production computer for graphic designers. If you have an Apple Computer, this web site will identify the model, date manufactured, and other details (if available) from the serial number.
Arizona Book Publishing Association (A PMA Affiliate)
AutographedByAuthor - delivers buyers to authors selling autographed books from their websites. Owner Rick Kamen tries to build traffic at your web site. Charges a registration fee and takes a commission on sales he generates. Worth a look.
BAIPA - If you live in the Northern California area, you should consider joining the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA). This organization has about 200 members and meets on the second Saturday each month at the Redwood High School Conference Room. (Special programs are sometimes held elsewhere, check the BAIPA web site for details.) The organization supports its publisher members with educational programs and the opportunity to meet other small, independent publishers face to face where you can discuss problems and solutions common to all small publishers. Membership in BAIPA (only $40/year) entitles you to a $26 discount on a membership in the Publishers Marketing Association and a $26 discount on a membership in SPAN.
Baker & Taylor - B&T is the second-largest book wholesaler next to Ingram. B&T will still do business with small and independent publishers. You can get a discount on their listing fee if you're a member of the Publishers Marketing Association (PMA). If you have some good strategies, you can get B&T to waive the fee in its entirety.
Barnes and Noble - Their virtual bookstore. At least the customers won't spill coffee on your books.
Bar Codes - See ISBN Agency for information about ISBN numbers -- the ISBN Agency also lists a few bar code vendors that can create a bar code for your book. Another bar code service is Bar Code Graphics, Inc. They have lots of good information about bar codes on their web site. (Note: Bar Codes are usually about $10 or $20. It's usually not worthwhile to buy your own software to create bar codes, since most small publishers will only need a few. Generally, it's best to get the bar code as a PostScript file that is placed into the cover art for the book. It's best to know what resolution will be used to print the cover, but a reasonable guess is 2400 DPI for a traditional offset book and 1200 DPI for a laser printed book.) Yet another bar code service that costs 6 Euros (less than $10 US) for a downloadable barcode using your browser for access: http://www.chipmunk.nl/barcode/isbn-maken-en.html
BEA - Book Expo America. This is the granddaddy of book trade shows.
The Beckham Publications Group - a small publisher who offers traditional publishing to authors and also has a "joint venture" offering. This may be an appropriate way to get published without doing it all yourself. See also Cypress House (below).
Bergin's Basics: How To Succeed at Everything You Do -- an interesting book that builds self confidence through self-help techniques. Worth a look.
biblio.com is one of the leading sites for used, rare, and out-of-print books, with over 10 million books offered by our network of more than 1600 independent booksellers.
BookIdea.com - Magazine & Resources to help small publishers, self-publishers, authors and newspaper & magazine freelancers build better businesses and make more money.
Books In Print - See the listing under ISBN Agency. Link to R. R. Bowker at http://www.bowkerlink.com.
BookPage - Extensive book review site. They also accept review copies. Request their submission guidelines.
BookSurge - while most online "POD" publishers are not the best choice for most self-publishers, BookSurge is reported to be one of the better choices. It recently was purchased by Amazon.com --- which might be a good thing. (Or it might not be.)
BookWeb - General resource for resellers. Web site for American Booksellers Association.
BookWire - Online source reporting the book business.
Cat's Paw Press - Patricia Bell started her own publishing company. After publishing her first couple of titles, she put together a small book: The Prepublishing Handbook--What you should know before you publish your first book. Unfortunately, the book has recently gone out of print. Check your local library for a copy. She maintains an excellent resource for small publishers at her Cats Paw Press "Tool Shed."
CelebrateLove.com - offers many links for authors and speakers. (And most authors should be speakers.)
Cypress House - a small publisher who offers traditional publishing and a variety of services that can assist a self publisher -- or use thier "subsidy" program to get your book published. Cypress House, through their Lost Coast Press imprint, has published many excellent fiction and poetry works that might otherwise not had a practical way to be published. (We discuss the unethical subsidy publishers on our Vanity Press page. To the best of my knowledge, Cypress House is not one of the unethical subsidy publishers. If the subsidy approach is appropriate for your project, you might wish to explore your options with Cypress House or with Beckham Publications (above).)
eBooks: How
To Use PDF Conversion Software:
Exceptional PDF Self Publishing Tutorials show you unconventional
and innovative ways to create PDF using Microsoft Word.
Editors nnd Preditors - (Actually Preditors & Editors) - hosted by Anotherrealm, the Magazine of Speculative Fiction, P&E has lists of agents, editors, publishers, and many other writing/publishing related references and topics. No-holds bared ratings and recommendations are given. A great web site for writer awareness.
Fearless Books an interesting site with discussion of books, books for sale, and book reviews. Reviews are strongly oriented towared independent publishers.
Financial and Management Consulting for small book publishers - Gropen Associates, Inc answers publishers' financial, accounting and management questions, large or small, on a question by question basis. Our site offers extensive resources on other topics. No matter what you want to know, this is where to start.
Indexing - Find an indexer through the American Society of Indexers
Ingram Book Company - Largest U.S. wholesaler of books. Doesn't want to work driectly with most independent or small publishers. If you're small, you must work through a distributor to get into Ingram's database.
Internet Public Library - Online resource
ISBN Agency - (R. R. Bowker) This is the place to get your ISBN number for U.S. published materials. Use their Print Forms page to create registration forms to print and mail in. Otherwise, have your information and credit card ready and register your books online. Bowker is also the publisher of Books In Print. Check and update your listings at http://www.bowkerlink.com or go directly to the ISBN agency application process at http://www.isbn.org/standards/home/isbn/us/index.asp. Be careful, in the past, Bowker had left their "old" pages (www.bowker.com) "live" and available on the Internet. The links and access will appear to work... but nothing happens! Be sure to use the "BowkerLink" web site linked above. Once you have your ISBN, you then should go the the Books In Print web site (access through Bowkerlink) to register as a publisher and list your book using the Advance Book Information (ABI) form and later to activate your "in print" version of your book.
Key Words (a type of Internet search service) KwMap.com - browse the Keyword Map of Aeonix.com
Library of Congress - The place that issues the Library of Congress number. Find out about their Cataloging in Publication service for established publishers or go to the Cataloging Directorate home page. Look for the PCN (Preassigned Card Number) instructions to simply get a Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN). Quality Books, Inc. handles Cataloging in Publication for new publishers that don't otherwise qualify for the Library of Congress Program. I've also had good service from Cassidy Cataloguing Services. Others who prepare PCIP (publishers cataloging-in-publication) data include The Donohue Group and Adrienne Bashista.
Macintosh - If you use the Macintosh, here are a couple of web sites I find particularly useful: First, MacInTouch provides the latest news, software releases, bug reports and work arounds, and consumer information (including alerts to various fraudlent schemes). I usually start my work day with a visit to this site. If you're simply looking for information, MacOnlySource provides links to just about everything Macintosh. For shopping for accessories and such, I especially like Other World Computing. This online/catalog retailer focuses almost exclusively on accessories and enhancements for the Macintosh. For a broader selection, I've had good service from MacZone (the Macintosh division of Zones). Finally, when looking into anything to do with the Macintosh, a visit to Apple is in order.
Media Interviews - Guest Finder has been around for at least a couple of years. Regester to get exposure to be selected for interviews by radio and TV talkshow hosts. Fees are reasonable and a few have reported enormous response.
Marketing/Publicity: Check out the North American Bookdealers Exchange (NABE) and see what they have to offer. In addition to an informative web site, they also offer a quarterly newsletter "Book Dealers World" along with mailing lists and many helpful tips. I noticed that Joe Sabah advertises in the newsletter, and Joe has been quite successful with his book...
Marketing your book - We recommend buying John Kremer's book 1001 Ways to Market Your Books. His web site has plenty of free advice. Check it out.
More marketing your book - Shel Horowitz has filled his site with many suggestions about low cost marketing. His book Marketing Without Megabucks: How to Sell Anything on a Shoestring is another very useful book on selling.
Merriam-Webster - While you can get some serious arguments started on this topic, I believe that Merriam-Webster puts out the most authoritative American English dictionary. I use their Webster's New International (unabridged) Third Edition as my final source for usage and meaning. Their Collegiate edition is also a most useful tool for word smithing. Their web site features a free electronic search of their English data base. (Yeah, I know about the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). It, too, is an excellent reference... but they use English English which is not the same as American English. (They don't know the proper spelling of a lot of words like color and labor.) And, yeah, I know about the American Heritage Dictionary, but I prefer Merriam-Webster.)
The Midwest Book Review supports many small publishers by reviewing their books. There is also considerable useful information for writers and publishers available at their web site. Take a look.
Mission Publishing - helps independent professionals and experts turn their knowledge into a system of books and information products that attract a lifelong stream of clients and income. Their mentoring programs are based on 25 years of successful publishing and marketing experience. -- I've worked with John Eggen on several projects. If your business profile fits with those who work with Mission Publishing, it's well worth checking out.
National Speakers Association Especially useful for publishers that give many talks. Once established as a speaker, the NSA can help you increase your bookings.
OrganizedWriter.com - helps writers, authors and publishers get organized. Get quick and easy book publishing and marketing tips in the site's newsletter.
Paper? Find out everything you wanted to know about paper at The Paper Expert or at Websource (www.websource-paper.com)
Para Publishing - The guru of self-publishing, Dan Poynter's web site. Author of The Self-Publishing Manual. An incredible amount of information. Some of it is free.
PDF - See Acrobat PDF links above. Also see my page, Publishing using PDF.
PMA - The Publishers Marketing Association has approximately 4000 members who are publishers or vendors who support small publishers. It is a worthwhile organization that offers a number of member benefits including access to a (mail order) charge-card program, reduced subscription rates to Publisher's Weekly, publisher's liability insurance programs, and connections with book distributors. Also, be sure to check out their list of "affiliated" organizations. These are the local publishers groups througout the country. If you are fortunate enough to live within a reasonable travel distance from a local publishers association, you will be able to get great advice and discuss your project with other members -- often those who have just passed through the state you're at.
Poetry? Hannacroix Creek Books is an interesting small publisher that has some poetry titles. See their "Poet's Corner" for helpful information about publishing your poetry.
Point of Purchase (POP) display stands. Some publishers wish to provide retailers with display stands -- it's one way to get good exposure for your book. For small counter stands, if you're local to the northern California, Tap Plastics has quite a selection. For a selection of free standing floor and counter displays, check out Display Stands 4 You. These book display stands are both economical and durable. (Display Stands 4 You is a division of Footprint Press, Inc., a small publisher of Hike, Bike, and Ski books.)
PUB123 Software: The newest and most affordable back-office software system available for the small to mid-size publisher. PUB123 is a full-featued program for all your invoicing, inventory, royalty, and customer management functions.
Publishing law is an area for special concern. There are many technicalities that must be observed when you publish. Ivan Hoffman is a California-based lawyer active on the Pub-Forum List-serve, who has an excellent site with quite a number of useful articles. Also, the Publishing Law Center, located in Denver, is another excellent source of general legal data related to publishing. Also, see the Lectric Law Library it's a great place for downloadable legal forms.
Small Press Center - The Small Press Center for Independent Publishing is a nonprofit cultural and educational institution dedicated to promoting interaction between the public and small independent book publishers.
SPAN - Small Publishers Association of North America. Similar to PMA, but has a slightly different approach. This organization was created by Tom and Marilyn Ross, who wrote a great book on self publishing. Join BAIPA and get a $30 discount on your SPAN dues. Also, be sure to check out their list of "partner" organizations. These are the local publishers groups througout the country. If you are fortunate enough to live within a reasonable travel distance from a local publishers association, you will be able to get great advice and discuss your project with other members -- often those who have just passed through the state you're at.
The Stanford University Alumni Association offers an incredible publishing course. Although somewhat expensive, this course puts you in contact with major publishers and industry observers. Courses are given by real publishers (not just teachers) and guest speakers including top editors, designers, and publishers. For information, contact the Stanford Publishing Course.
United States Post Office Calculation Page - Provides pricing for domestic and international mail. For lower cost international shipments, check out the "Global Priority" mail rates.
United States Post Office Zip Code Finder - find your Zips quick.
Venture Press: books and reports on publishing city and regional magazines, weekly newspapers, guidebooks, specialty books, etc. Site is sponsored by the author of: Kitchen-Table Publisher: How to Start, Manage and Profit from Your Own Home-Based Publishing Company and How to Publish Your Poetry.
Writer Beware - Founded by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA), Writer Beware offers cautions and warnings about scams directed at authors, including various publishing scams, literary agent scams, etc. Names are named. An excellent resource.
Writing (in general): The Internet has many places where writing and writing techniques are discussed. Do a search at your favorite "search engine" on your topic(s) of interest. One web site I like is Jan Yager's. She gives some excellent pointers about writing books.
There are several "list-serves" for the independent publisher. My favorite, PubForum was established as a "free speech" group -- no moderator, limits of expression only apply to good taste, libel, or blatant advertising. I also like the moderated group sponsored by SPAN. The SPAN group is somewhat more oriented to the beginner, while PubForum tends to have a higher experience level. Here's the current list-serve groups:
PUB-FORUM. One of the oldest. Populated by experienced publishers. Sometimes gets off-topic. You are expected to have read Dan Poynter's The Self Publishing Manual and/or Tom and Marilyn Ross' book, The Complete Guide to Self Publishing. Don't ask how to get an ISBN. See http://www.pub-forum.net/
SELF-PUBLISHING. Owned by SPAN. For newbies. Advertising and rudeness are prohibited. See http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/self-publishing/
SMALLPUB-CIVIL. A new list. Run by Shel Horowitz. Name calling is prohibited. See http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/smallpub-civil/
IND-E-PUBS. Cover eBooks. See http://www.ind-e-pubs.com/
POD PUBLISHERS. A business discussion group for publishers of print-on-demand books. See http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/pod_publishers/
PUBLISHING
DESIGN. A place for authors, typesetters, designers,
publishers, etc. to exchange ideas that will help self-publishers
create professional-looking books to compete with those produced
by larger publishing houses. See http://groups.yahoo.com/group/publishingdesign/
There are many issues in creating and publishing a professional-looking
book to be sold in book stores, specialty shops or through direct
mail and the Internet. The business consultants, publications
designers and typographers at Aeonix
Publishing Group can help
you with producing your book. We can give you advice, as a consultant
or trainer, or we can produce a complete camera-ready book for
you. We also can design covers and marketing materials for your
book. In addition, we can help you prepare RFQs for printers and
evaluate the bids you receive and give you guidance with tax issues,
marketing, and distributing your book.
To contact Aeonix Publishing group, send an e-mail to Info@Aeonix.com.
To suggest a link for this page, please send the link information to Link@Aeonix.com.
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