I've finished a couple of manuscripts, which got a polite but firm "no thanks" from the publishing world. I considered self-publishing or e-publishing; but bottom line is I'm too cheap. I decided to go at my writing from a different angle, realigning it to what I currently read and just to get the joy of practicing my craft. Bottom line, I write because I'm a writer; publishing is just a bonus.

Vanity-press publishing is still a dead-end as far as I'm concerned, but a writer needs to know when to cut their losses and change venues; never mistake bored inertia with honest feedback, Kat-I recently sidelined a hot project I'd been plugging for 2 years ,(see my rather hastily typed note on Bethanne's blog yesterday) but have no intention of taking classes or anything like that-I've made money at this stuff before, and I see worse writers doing great everyday, so it's just a matter of getting a new pith helmet and a bigger elephant gun...

:)
I shall sally forth to the elephant gun shop--hope to see you there.

I published a scholarly book with a good academic press. I was paid $350 and for a while it looked as if the rights for the image on the cover were going to cost $400. I explained what the print run was going to be and got them down to $150. I also paid someone maybe $100 to do some last-minute fact-checking. So, $100 profit for my years of work :)

Ivan, You got $350? I think I got $250 for mine from "a good academic press." Once I sell 500 copies (priced just under $100 each, BTW), I start getting royalties. Another friend of mine who published 10 years ago with the same academic press got a royalty check for somewhere between $1000-2000 after 10 years!

My first book from a small but wonderful press (not self-published)is selling well, partly because I actively work at selling it. I have a great platform, teaching math concepts through story and rhyme, and I visit many -- many, many -- schools. My first royalty check was close to $1000 just 6 months after publication. Still, it's difficult to find a mainstream publisher interested in math. Math and literature don't seem to fit; few editors and agents were math majors.

My first book from a small but wonderful press (not self-published)is selling well, partly because I actively work at selling it. I have a great platform, teaching math concepts through story and rhyme, and I visit many -- many, many -- schools. My first royalty check was close to $1000 just 6 months after publication. Still, it's difficult to find a mainstream publisher interested in math. Math and literature don't seem to fit; few editors and agents were math majors.

My first book came out in April. I self published after starting a small publishing company. Day By Day is a collection of stories written by children who have a sister or brother who is seriously ill or disabled. It tells of what they learned from this and what they want to tell others. I enjoyed the process and now am working on promoting the book. It fills a nitch and I know we are inspiring many. That's my goal and mission. I have worked with great people including editors, artists and a printer. It is a beautiful book in many ways. The stories are wonderful. I feel very lucky to have had the support of wonderful individuals. I hope we make a lot of money and help millions. www.frisbeepublishing.com

I started a small publishing company in 1998 in the UK, publishing business and communications books under the branding of Easy Step by Step Guides and learnt a massive amount about the Publishing Industry, whilst continuing to write crime fiction and trying to find a mainstream publisher for them. I published 22 business books which I have just sold to a major UK non fiction publisher. I earnt money along the way as well as having fun. Unable to find a publisher for my crime novels (British Police Procedurals) and thrillers, I published under a new imprint, sold thousands in the UK,got shortlisted for prizes and then was approached by a publisher with a 2 book contract. My novels went into the USA early this year with good reviews. I had to get my books out there, build my readership and get noticed. If others do the same, and market their books actively, get to understand the industry then self publishing is viable and fun. And let's face it the reader doesn't give a damn who the publisher is (I did some research on this)as long as it is a good read, and the product looks right. Go for it, I say. You never achieve anything waiting for others www.paulinerowson.com

I have just published my first book "Devoured By Passion",an inspirational memoir of my humble beginnings to the heart of the rich and famous in the advertising, political and motion picture film arenas to ministry platforms throughout this country and abroad in hopes of motivating all who read it to discover their passion and pursue their destiny. It is self-published for $1599. I am expecting the exposure of this writing to expand my public speaking opportunities to stimulate all ages to live life on purpose. It will have been worth it all to increase my ablility to inspire mankind. Available at 1-866-909-2665.

Just finished my first book, a crime mystery placed in the professional golf world. It all takes place in Florida (a la Carl Hiaasen). Just started to pitch it. Although its a great book, I assume no one will bite and I'll make nothing. That way i won't be dissappointed, right? Rocker419@yahoo for any takers tho. Fore!

I can't believe I found this site! I self published a children's book in 1997 and have sold it in different venues along with my greeting card line. But I don't think I would ever self publish again. I have started several projects and can't decide whether to focus more on adult or children's subjects. I feel as if I am all over the place right now. Any hints on how to get focused?

I can't believe I found this site! I self published a children's book in 1997 and have sold it in different venues along with my greeting card line. But I don't think I would ever self publish again. I have started several projects and can't decide whether to focus more on adult or children's subjects. I feel as if I am all over the place right now. Any hints on how to get focused?

Michael,
Ah yes, my reading frenzied fans out there. Restless are ye? Nose to the air
sniffing for a winters breath of fresh literature?
You smell that?
Why it is the smoke from the printing jowls of Xlibris spitting and blowing out this yon mathe de fictionaire.
'OH MY GOD, HE'S BLACK'
You may indeed touch it, feel it, now! Visit the website
SYDRYCALWORKS.com.
Your comment

Now appearing on Oprah.Com blog,blog and more blog and wouldn't you know it a little bit of "OH MY GOD, HE'S BLACK" yep, there they are Vedd-the black angel, Kept-the keeper at the door of Certain Center Church of Change, Seth-Alan-born again, born dead, born again in Christ. Go to sydrycalworks.com to see and read all about it.

Okay, my name is not really Christ. There is only one Christ, otherwise known as Jesus/Lord. You know? God, the father, the son and the Holy Ghost. He ain't heavy, he's my savior and I'm his born again son. Just like the good book says. You know the good book don't you? It is the year of the Gray Bible. Yep, that book, the Holy Bible, turned gray.
Ya'll come back aliens. I want to get pictures next time of you and your spaceship for my Myrtle Beach sunroom wall.
SydrycalWorks

Forgot to tell my alien friends, thank you for all your help in finding me a good honest literary agent, ever since JLC came on board curiosity and search related calls have been rolling in, through the roof, I mean. What agent you ask? The gray one, the JLCLA between my east and west in the middle of the north and south template. Don't need a compass, got gravity. See Oh My God, He's Black for all your physical, mental and spiritual needs, its all in black and white at sydrycalWorks.com no pressure involved.

Xlibris published my book OH MY GOD, HE'S BLACK for me. Yes, I paid a small fee but it was worth every penny. Xlibris was professional, knowledgeable, everything they said they would do, they did. The marketing was dismal but the book itself, not bad. SydrycalWorks.com