Self Publishing Made Easy

In my opinion, for those of us who have already ventured into the field, the book is a little simplistic. I hoped to get some helpful hints, but am finding mostly what I already know. So if you are new or just thinking about self-publishing, check it out!


From the author's point of view.   May 29, 2001
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

All reviews, critical and supportive, are this author's most significant reward for effort expended. An unsatisfactory spell-check, noted by a serious reader, does not in any way diminish overall values of SELF PUBLSIHING MADE EASY. This fine book is a focused approach to making the thoughtful reader capable of entering into the complicated business of book publishing. As my distillation of more than 50 years in the field, it is a very carefully designed handbook for emerging publishers. It supports this objective with clarity and is fairly described as "...an excelent roadmap...for getting your book in print..." Adequate references are provided for those publishers prepared to initiate exploration of additional resources within the same specialty. My hands have been involved in the publication of more than 100 books with about 35 of my company's books continuing in print. Book publishing has been a rewarding vocation that I continue with great satisfaction. As the author of SELF PUBLISHING MADE EASY my appreciation is extended to each person who has given of his or her time to review this book. I wish all of them, and you my reader, the greatest possible success in every publishing venture. [William Carroll]


Oops!   February 11, 2000
cee moorhead (Lone Tree CO USA)
0 out of 4 found this review helpful

On a personal note to Mr. Carroll, and in response to Mike Swickey's negative review above, this is a good book that new writers would find helpful in spite of the fact that there are glaring copy editing mistakes throughout. Since it contains no advice on working with an editor, my guess is Mr. Carroll perhaps doesn't believe in them, and assumes the self-publisher is up to the task of editing his own work. My advice: "Good editors make good books better". Find one.


Roadmap to Money   February 11, 2000
cee moorhead (Lone Tree CO USA)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

From accountants to Zamboni operators, "regular" people everywhere seem to be writing books these days. Few realize their chances of getting published through one of the major houses are nil to none, even if they are the new Hemingway or Steinbeck. As a freelance editor, it has been my harsh duty to break this news to every new writer I meet. I can now soften that blow by recommending they buy and read this book. On page 12, there is an anecdote about a woman who received only eighty-five cents of the $19.95 cover price of her book going through trade channels. After self-publishing, in two years she sold $800,000 worth on her own and pocketed half! Even if a new writer isn't "in it for the money", Carroll offers ways to attract readers and the "References" section lists some of the best sources available. Whether you have a completed manuscript or merely dream of writing a book some day, William Carroll provides an excellent road map, not only for getting your book into print, but for optimizing the likelihood of making money during the process as well.


How Ironic   February 2, 2000
Mike Donovan (Middle America)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Not to be too rough, but this book is horribly written. One of numerous examples: "If you need something to do, while making the Stop/Go decision, and on the premise that you may proceed, we're going out for preliminary printing bids on a book you have yet to begin or complete." Or, try to decipher this one - "With "Adequate is Enough" our manta (instead of mantra), the obligation is to make a reader capable while recognizing there's no way you can make him or her proficient." I hate to be so tough, but this is a book about publishing and writing advice! I am sure the author is a very nice man, but there is a reason this book was self-published - the writing is nothing short of terrible. A waste of money.