Now that we had decided not to pursue traditional publishing for the upheaval it would bring to our lives, it was time to start seriously looking into self-publishing options.
I had a very specific vision for my book - easy to write in {preferably spiral bound or lay flat binding} and including color photos.
And, yes, I did consider options like Shutterfly, Blurb, etc... but just wasn't settled on that either.
I narrowed it down to three:
1. Amazon/Create Space
2. West Bow Press {a division of Thomas Nelson}
3. Nyree Press
Each company has a different set up in terms of how they offer publishing packages and what their process is. I studied their websites and looked up books they had published.
First, I looked at
Amazon. It was recommended by a friend who has written several books and let's face it, we all think of Amazon when we think of books!
Honestly, I found their website very confusing. It was hard to get a bottom line picture of the cost and process because there are so many options and they are all offered a la carte. I was also concerned about my content as my book is a Bible Study, journal, Christian book and I really wanted to work with a Christian publisher for maintaining the spiritual integrity of the content.
There were no specialty binding options and color photos were an option but pricey.
So, I actually marked that one off my list. From what I could tell, this was also probably my most expensive option.
Option 2:
West Bow Press; I had initially not looked very seriously into this one because of cost. It seemed like I'd really be paying for the name and being associated with Thomas Nelson. But after speaking with one of their representatives, I realized it was more affordable that I'd initially thought. The edit is where things can get expensive really fast when you are thinking that all this cost is on you.
There were no specialty binding options and color photos were not an option.
I took lots of notes during this call and learned a lot of great information, but ultimately decided this was not the right decision for us after talking to Option 3.
Option 3:
Nyree Press - ok, I'm going to back up a bit here. Last summer, I ordered the book
31 Days of Prayer for the Dreamer and Doer and I love this book. As I mentioned I've been studying the inside of all books I pick up for publisher/agent info and this book was self-published through Nyree Press. At the time I looked at their website and studied it thoroughly. I'm going to admit it was my number one choice even before we decided to pursue self-publishing.
Nyree Press President caught the vision for my book and the heart behind it quickly. This is the most affordable self-publishing option I have come across and we're going to be able to do full color photos and I get to help design the cover! Plus, I love that it supports a small Christian self-publisher.
I am grateful to be able to move forward after months of research and decision making!
With all that said, we are hoping/aiming for a Mother's Day release!
Ideas is something I haven't run out of yet! The first thing I'm working on with a friend is a big Mother/Daughter Craft Day in early April. This will be a fundraising even to fund the cost of self-publishing! Book sales will probably not cover my costs just because the author gets such a tiny portion of the publish price in royalties.
I'm dreaming up a book launch party! And, a Mother's Day gift set that will include the book plus some handmade goodies to support creative makers!
I know that sometimes I have wanted to love a book based on either some personal connection to the author or topic. I also know that not everyone who reads this book will love it. Writing a book is scary in putting this out there for others to read/critique.
Also, some of this book is going to sound very similar to what you read here. Let's face it - the same person writes both! But, I can tell you there is more than I've posted on my blog and it will all be in one place where you can work through the Bible Study and journaling portions right in the book. It will include photos that I hope will contribute to the overall slow.
Several of you have offered help and that means the world to me. Right now, pray! That all will go smoothly, that God will prepare the way for this to be exactly what He wants it to be, that it will glorify Him. And, thank you so much for all of the support and encouragement you've been dishing out - you are a blessing!
