I have worn out two copies myself from constant use. This is THE most useful, authoritative guide for self-publishers, period.

We've seen excellent guides devoted to various stages of self-publishing -- writing and product development, or production, or promotion, or distribution -- but this book contains all you need to know about every aspect in one volume.

This new, updated edition of the industry standard shows writers how to get full control over their careers by self-publishing. Writers will see how the publishing industry works and learn how to make it work for them. Packed with maximum profit/minimal risk ideas. Whether you're an author, a professional, an entrepreneur, even a newcomer to the writing world, you certainly want to shape your publishing destiny. And you can too, with the help of this book.

For those who are considering self-publishing their books, this newly revised and updated comprehensive guide to the publishing process may be all they need.

If you've ever had the urge to write, publish, promote and sell your own work, here's a fabulous book to guide you successfully through every step of the way . . . It can save you thousands of dollars and be the difference between having a successful book or a flop.

. . . a sound overview of self-publishing.

This is one book you'll need if you're planning to publish your own book. In 75 fact-filled sections, it covers every phase of self-publishing.

Here's a practical work by a couple who have gone the standard route and have prepared a book full of hints on how to go about publishing your own book. The text offers sound advice on all the basic aspects of publishing.

The Rosses are providing a primer, in a way, of how to get into the publishing business.

This definitive book has become the "bible" for small publishing, and it's easy to see why. It's also easy to see how much good hard work and "hands-on" experience went into making this book. The table of contents alone is overwhelming. Virtually every aspect of small publishing is covered, from the business side to the all-important publicity and promotion. The resource section of the book is worth the cover price alone. A book you will want for constant reference and for dipping into at random. A classic.

Tom and Marilyn Ross are major gurus of self-publishing. This is the indespensable guide to this process, and for those of you considering self-publishing as an option, get The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing.

With publication of the 4th edition of, The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing, Tom and Marilyn Ross have propelled their tried and true marketing and product development expertise into the 21st century. Their thesis can be summed up as "where there's a will there's a way." The book is full of ways to build and sell books.

In this 521-page work, the novice, as well as the seasoned author, will find practical tips (begin on the floor with post-it notes or a stack of folders on the table and sort through and distribute your ideas or research like a deck of cards) and insights born of hard experience ("publicity and promotion are the great equalizers—by knowing which buttons to push, you can generate thousands of dollars of free publicity").

But don't get the idea this is a book built on generalities. The Rosses provide specific prescriptions and examples of how to organize your authoring and publishing effort, using the Internet and electronic publishing tools, positioning books for profit, where to find the resources and services you need, and proven methods of selling and distribution. The book also provides lots of information access through its18-page index, 22-page glossary of terms, bibliography, and extensive lists of sources and resources. The chapters detailing what you need to do to prepare for publication, and the specifics of design, manufacturing, and distribution are especially on point: clearly written with back-up illustrations, forms, and examples. In addition to contact and procedural information, the Rosses have also sprinkled the ends of the book's chapters with quotations, aphorisms, witticisms, and food for thought. ("There's no business that's not show business.")

From a publishing and marketing standpoint for the lay person or professional, the unit on e-books and electronic publishing is the most complete, balanced, and most lucidly presented I've seen anywhere. Self-publishers are blessed by an industry in which talented true believers have devoted their careers to creating the tools and sharing the information that authors need in order to bring their books into the market and to reach their intended audiences. No two people have shown a greater devotion to this cause than have Tom and Marilyn Ross. Since 1978 they have introduced thousands of authors and organizations to the basic rules of the publishing game. "Self-publishing is a perfect example of the American dream," they write. "For many it has proven to be the do-it yourself way to fame and fortune."

The guide is a handy encyclopedia of sources and basics for anyone in the business of producing books, or who wants to understand the business, to have at hand. I know, I use it myself. On a personal note: though the words and buoyant energy were produced in this new edition almost entirely by Marilyn, they are touchingly acknowledged by Tom, who edited the entire work, in his post script to "his partner in all things" in the preface.

More about the Complete Guide to Self-Publishing

Overview
Introduction to the Complete Guide to Self Publishing
Table of contents
What your colleagues are saying
About the authors, Tom and Marilyn Ross