The Publishing Game: Publish a Book in 30 Days [Paperback]



Fern Reiss



(from the publisher) 

• Set up a one-person publishing house in your own home
• Get an eye-catching cover that jumps out at bookstore browsers
• Print your book for just $2-$3 a copy—and sell it for $25
• Create a website that takes orders from buyers worldwide, while you sleep
• Sell to online bookstores like Amazon
• Sell your book to bookstores, libraries, and beyond
• This book includes all the details you need to publish your book yourself—from your own home—your own way.
• Don’t miss the chance to get exclusive information not found elsewhere:
• How to get Library of Congress CIP cataloging—even though they don’t like to give it to self-publishers
• When you might want to consider Print-On-Demand—and why you absolutely shouldn’t consider it for all other projects
• What to do about distribution to bookstores and libraries—and what not to do

(from Michael) The subtitle of this book is "Publish a book in 30 days." While it's possible to do that (I've done it), it is extremely unlikely that a beginner could do it and turn out a decent, profitable book. However, the entire notion of publishing in 30 days is bogus because of Fran's statement that "This book assumes that you already have a polished manuscript in hand." People could logically assume that "publishing" includes writing.



This book was published in January 2003. There have been huge changes in ten years. Fern doesn't discuss e-books or social networking, and she emphasizes offset printing rather than print on demand. She recommends software that is no longer sold and obsolete business structures, and the ISBN information is way out of date. Her recommendations to keep web pages narrow and use few and small pictures are out of step now. The staff members listed at the Library of Congress may be long gone. Fern's book has a major error about the tax implications of a home-based business, and there are many goofs in typography. She cautions against using 'too-cutesy" company names yet this book comes from her "Peanut Butter & Jelly Press."​



Despite the problems with form and content, Fran has much good to say. Most of her advice about typography, front- and back matter and marketing is still valid. One bit of excellent advice: "Focusing your book so it appeals to some people is almost always more effective than trying to make it appeal to everyone."



This is one of many books in the field that should either be updated or euthenized. There is probably no reason to buy it.



Various prices, order from Amazon.com

$19.95, order from the publisher