Speaker shares advice on self-publishing books

Internet provides tool for young writers to control their work

Getting a book published is as easy as just "getting around to it" said a self-published author and business owner to more than 35 students and faculty members at the L.A. Pittenger Student Center on Wednesday night.

Life long Indiana resident Delores Thornton is now a successful self-published writer and business owner who attributes her accomplishments to hard work and a lot of research. Many writers are now self-publishing instead of going to mainstream publishing companies for a number of reasons including Internet advantages, Thornton said.

"Self-publishers decided to go to the Internet," Thornton said, "and what the Internet did is level the playing field. Before that everybody had to do print, television or radio interviews. On the Internet you just create your own presence."

Thornton also said a great advantage to self-publishing was having complete control over her book.

"A lot of times when you write a book you know what your characters look like, and you know what the title is going to be," Thornton said. "Nine out of ten times with mainstream publishers your book comes out with a new cover and a new name."

Thornton also stressed the importance of being realistic and working hard to sell a book.

"If you self-publish you probably aren't going to make a million dollars off your first book, but you will be in control of it," she said. "The self-publisher has to be ready to wear so many different hats, you have to know within you what you can do."

Ball State student and unpublished writer Michelle Schwitalla said she hoped attending the Women's Week seminar would help her get started on publishing her own work.

"Why give my money to a middleman if I can self-publish and have more profit?" Schwitalla said. "It's just good economics and women need to be more aware of economics."

Thornton said the self-publisher has to be willing to hire professionals and not rely on his friends or family for opinions and proofreading.

"It is important to get someone professional, responsible and intelligent to go over your work," Thornton said. "I don't care if you think you are the world's greatest grammarian; still get an editor."

Among other writing myths, Thornton advised self-publishers not to fall for the "Poor Man's Copyright," a theory that suggests by physically mailing yourself your completed works you can officially copyright your material.

"That is not true," she said. "If you want to copyright something you can download a copyright form for free on the internet and fill it out. Even with a copyright, people can still steal your work. What the copyright will do is protect you in the event you need to go to court."

Creating a good company logo is also essential for selling books, Thornton said.

"You should always have a company logo on the spine of your book," she said. "It's important that you don't come across as small in your company name. Do not make it your first or last name."

Self-publishing should be handled and managed as its own business, Thornton said. It is best to have a separate account for a business, hire an accountant, and even have personalized stationary, she said.

"It is also important that you are into money management and you are very organized because you will go crazy publishing that first book," Thornton said. "Once you get that first book in your hand, you become very possessive, but you have to sell it."

People wanting to start their own publishing businesses have to be willing to put up their own money, and that is what makes the process so rewarding, she said. Thornton also said that for bookstores to carry books after publishing, it takes a little strategy and effort.

"You create a demand for your book, that's what really drives bookstores," Thornton said. "You get people you know to call bookstores and ask for your book and you submit letters to mainstream bookstores like Barnes and Nobles."

To get started on self-publishing, begin by reading self-publishing manuals so as not to fall into any traps, she said.

"Most things you can do yourself with just a little time and organizational skills," Thornton said.

As far as getting the motivation and drive to finish that book you're working on, Thornton said "You'll get around to it."


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