Publishing a book - Anyone?

[Cassel]

My son wrote a book, a auto-biography of his experience with mental illness. We plan on publishing it soon. We are wondering if anyone has experience in this field. Is it better to go with a publisher (for a paper book) that will give him 10% of the sales (and taking care of the rest), or publish it in an e-book/kindle format, on Amazon?

What is your experience?
What is your take on it?
What do you think would be more efficient?
what would bring him a bit more money (he is currently a university student and struggling with money +++ so it would be an added help)?

[lavendar]

You might want to contact Jennifer Wilson. I was copy editor on her recent book, Everyday Storyteller. We ended up doing it in both ebook and printed formats.

[wendyzine]

You can self publish through LuLu if you want print copies. Then, convert to Kindle format and self-publish there. If you know html, it's easier than if you don't. One caveat, though, be sure it's really edited...before and after converting to epub. There is nothing worse than typos and poor grammar in a self-published book. I would imagine self-publishing would be faster and easier than trying to get a publisher to publish for you.

[Cassel]

Actually, we have already talked to a publisher who showed interest, so that is why we are unsure about it. The publisher would take a lot of the work off our shoulder, as far as shipping, advertising, promotion, book fairs, etc. But they keep 90% of the price of the book.

We already know it is going to be in demand, as we have had requests already by different mental health agencies.

Right now, the process of translation/correction is just underway. We want it launched in both French and English at the same time, so that is a little delay.

I`ll look into Lulu. I think Amazon also offers print copies, is that possible? Unless i was dreaming it.

Now what advantages are there in both methods of publishing and since he is still totally unknown, how is this going to affect the marketability of the book?

[wendyzine]

The advantages of self-publishing... you keep more money, you don't have to find a publisher

The advantages of hiring a publisher... you get more exposure and you don't have to do the work.

I think it comes down to your goals. If you want wide exposure, and/or don't want to get into the technical aspects of ebooks and self-publishing, go with the publisher. If you want to just meet a small localized demand and don't require the services the publisher is offering, then self-publish. I know this is overly simplified! LOL

[mshanhun]

Cassel - if you have a publisher that's a real coup! I'd say go to the publisher and see what their ebook plans are

[Cassel]

I guess i had not thought that a publisher could ALSO do ebook! Something to consider. Next step: funding for the translation. Should run around $2000!