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A Detailed Guide to Self-Publishing with Amazon and Other Online Booksellers: Proofreading, Author Pages, Marketing, and More by Chris McMullen
Now available as part of a 4-in-1 compilation . Get 4 books for the price of 2 . The ISBN of the 4-in-1 compilation is 150318420X.BRIEF DESCRIPTION : This is a highly detailed guide with several step-by-step instructions for how to format and publish your book both as a paperback book with Amazon (and other major online booksellers) and as an eBook with Kindle (and a variety of other eReaders).The book is both highly informative (like describing how to set the margins with bleed, including the gutter, and listing the pixel sizes of different brands of eReaders), yet also focused on useful formatting and publishing skills.With this reference as a guide, you can self-publish a quality manuscript with ease.The paperback edition includes a comprehensive, 18-page index to help you quickly find information.AUTHOR : Chris McMullen has written and self-published over a dozen paperback books and eBooks. This book also was self-published using the same techniques that are described here. Chris McMullen shares numerous useful formatting tips in clear language with precise, detailed instructions.NOTES : The formatting instructions of Volume 1 are geared specifically toward using Microsoft Word 2010 (which is similar to Word 2007 and 2013) for Windows. In contrast, Volume 2—sold separately—on marketing and marketability has very little to do with Microsoft Word. The paperback instructions are largely geared toward CreateSpace, while the eBook instructions accommodate Kindle and other eReaders.DESCRIPTION : Find highly detailed try-it-yourself, walk-you-through-it tutorials for how to use Microsoft Word 2010 (which is similar to Word 2007 and 2013) specifically with Windows to publish your book both as a paperback book and as an eBook. This 1 CONTENTS :Volume 2 (sold separately) covers editing your proof, marketability tips, cover design, creating author pages, useful tips about Amazon and other booksellers, and marketing strategies.Updated September 28, 2014.
- GenresWriting
Mass Market Paperback
First published November 4, 2012
1 person is currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Chris McMullen
181 books323 followersDr. Chris McMullen has over 20 years of experience teaching university physics in California, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. Dr. McMullen is also an author of math and science books. Whether in the classroom or as a writer, Dr. McMullen loves sharing knowledge and the art of motivating and engaging students.
Chris McMullen earned his Ph.D. in phenomenological high-energy physics (particle physics) from Oklahoma State University in 2002. Originally from California, Dr. McMullen earned his Master's degree from California State University, Northridge, where his thesis was in the field of electron spin resonance.
Dr. McMullen is well-known for:
• engaging students in challenging ideas through creativity
• breaking difficult problems down into manageable steps
• providing clear and convincing explanations to subtle issues
• his mastery of physics and strong background in mathematics
• helping students become more fluent in practical math skills
As a physics teacher, Dr. McMullen observed that many students lack fluency in fundamental math skills. In an effort to help students of all ages and levels master basic math skills, he published a series of math workbooks on arithmetic, fractions, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus called the Improve Your Math Fluency Series. Dr. McMullen has also published a variety of science books, including introductions to basic astronomy and chemistry concepts in addition to physics workbooks.
Dr. McMullen is very passionate about teaching. Many students and observers have been impressed with the transformation that occurs when he walks into the classroom, and the interactive engaged discussions that he leads during class time. Dr. McMullen is well-known for drawing monkeys and using them in his physics examples and problems, using his creativity to inspire students. A stressed-out student is likely to be told to throw some bananas at monkeys, smile, and think happy physics thoughts.
Dr. McMullen first published The Visual Guide to Extra Dimensions, Volumes 1 and 2, to share his passion for the geometry and physics of the fourth dimension. Dr. McMullen has coauthored a half-dozen articles on current and future collider searches for large extra dimensions.
In addition to writing and teaching, Dr. McMullen enjoys Scrabble, golf, and chess.
Chris McMullen earned his Ph.D. in phenomenological high-energy physics (particle physics) from Oklahoma State University in 2002. Originally from California, Dr. McMullen earned his Master's degree from California State University, Northridge, where his thesis was in the field of electron spin resonance.
Dr. McMullen is well-known for:
• engaging students in challenging ideas through creativity
• breaking difficult problems down into manageable steps
• providing clear and convincing explanations to subtle issues
• his mastery of physics and strong background in mathematics
• helping students become more fluent in practical math skills
As a physics teacher, Dr. McMullen observed that many students lack fluency in fundamental math skills. In an effort to help students of all ages and levels master basic math skills, he published a series of math workbooks on arithmetic, fractions, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus called the Improve Your Math Fluency Series. Dr. McMullen has also published a variety of science books, including introductions to basic astronomy and chemistry concepts in addition to physics workbooks.
Dr. McMullen is very passionate about teaching. Many students and observers have been impressed with the transformation that occurs when he walks into the classroom, and the interactive engaged discussions that he leads during class time. Dr. McMullen is well-known for drawing monkeys and using them in his physics examples and problems, using his creativity to inspire students. A stressed-out student is likely to be told to throw some bananas at monkeys, smile, and think happy physics thoughts.
Dr. McMullen first published The Visual Guide to Extra Dimensions, Volumes 1 and 2, to share his passion for the geometry and physics of the fourth dimension. Dr. McMullen has coauthored a half-dozen articles on current and future collider searches for large extra dimensions.
In addition to writing and teaching, Dr. McMullen enjoys Scrabble, golf, and chess.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 30, 2016
Are you Ready to Self Publish
As my little house takes off and more people are sending in manuscripts I find myself drawn to books on formatting and how to publish using the print on demand services. I stumbled across this guide “A detailed Guide to Self-Publishing with Amazon and other Online Booksellers, Volume 1”
If you are just starting out this book is full of formatting tips, choosing a publisher, creating book covers and publishing both print and ebooks. There are two volumes to this book but I believe that they could both be combined in one volume.
I have several issues with this book. The biggest on is that they are in love with Amazon to the detriment of the other opportunities out there. They only briefly mentioned Lightning Source, which is the only print on demand printer that will take back returns.
The printed word is actually growing, and who knows where the ebook will go. Despite the favor among smart phones and tablets, many people still prefer an ereader the epaper and eink is much easier to read than the glare of the screens of tables and smart phones.
There are so many more opportunities out there. For that reason, though he has many great tips I have to give it three stars. If it was more general or talked about other publishers more it would have gotten more stars, but for me, I am rooting for the little guy. The indie bookstore, the small press, we need to take back our books from Amazon. Therefore books on self publishing or starting your own imprint should embrace more than createspace and kdp.
Just my two cents worth.
As my little house takes off and more people are sending in manuscripts I find myself drawn to books on formatting and how to publish using the print on demand services. I stumbled across this guide “A detailed Guide to Self-Publishing with Amazon and other Online Booksellers, Volume 1”
If you are just starting out this book is full of formatting tips, choosing a publisher, creating book covers and publishing both print and ebooks. There are two volumes to this book but I believe that they could both be combined in one volume.
I have several issues with this book. The biggest on is that they are in love with Amazon to the detriment of the other opportunities out there. They only briefly mentioned Lightning Source, which is the only print on demand printer that will take back returns.
The printed word is actually growing, and who knows where the ebook will go. Despite the favor among smart phones and tablets, many people still prefer an ereader the epaper and eink is much easier to read than the glare of the screens of tables and smart phones.
There are so many more opportunities out there. For that reason, though he has many great tips I have to give it three stars. If it was more general or talked about other publishers more it would have gotten more stars, but for me, I am rooting for the little guy. The indie bookstore, the small press, we need to take back our books from Amazon. Therefore books on self publishing or starting your own imprint should embrace more than createspace and kdp.
Just my two cents worth.
August 21, 2016
I received this book from Goodreads First read program. I was interested in this particular book because I've always written stuff for myself, but I've never published any works. I knew next to nothing about publishing.
This book has really helped me understand the process and made me aware of what I need to think about when writing and editing a novel if I wish to publish it. I do need to get Volume One since I need a better understanding of the process, but I learned a lot from this volume. I will keep it and use it for future reference. It's definitely easy to navigate, so I can see myself using it frequently through the process of writing.
This book has really helped me understand the process and made me aware of what I need to think about when writing and editing a novel if I wish to publish it. I do need to get Volume One since I need a better understanding of the process, but I learned a lot from this volume. I will keep it and use it for future reference. It's definitely easy to navigate, so I can see myself using it frequently through the process of writing.
March 25, 2018
I laughed at some of the other folks' review of this book. Let's clarify in the title, Chris only shows us how to publish on Amazon! He also states in the book to develop your own book narrative - while self-promotion and book marketing isn't covered in this book...
That said, I could have used this book in 2012. I read it in 2017 after hiring a scam company (in 2015) to self-publish my first memoir/book and to market it for me. After reading this book and numerous other self-publishing books, I set off to republish my release and developed from this book my own paperback and ebook templates to use via LibreOffice. Which I've done in 2017 and 2018 from information I learned in this book.
Chris provides easy to understand step by step guides for interior and exterior software files. Learning self-publishing techniques has it's own parameters and language. For me, this book was a decent reference to cover my learning curve. It's one impressive thing to write a book manuscript. It's a completely as impressive, yet separate subject to use software to make the manuscript a physical ebook or paperback.
That said, I could have used this book in 2012. I read it in 2017 after hiring a scam company (in 2015) to self-publish my first memoir/book and to market it for me. After reading this book and numerous other self-publishing books, I set off to republish my release and developed from this book my own paperback and ebook templates to use via LibreOffice. Which I've done in 2017 and 2018 from information I learned in this book.
Chris provides easy to understand step by step guides for interior and exterior software files. Learning self-publishing techniques has it's own parameters and language. For me, this book was a decent reference to cover my learning curve. It's one impressive thing to write a book manuscript. It's a completely as impressive, yet separate subject to use software to make the manuscript a physical ebook or paperback.
September 18, 2024
This book was very helpful to turn my book into a product ready for publication. The author is detail oriented, and that was what I needed.
October 2, 2013
***I won this book through the First Reads giveaway contest!***
I haven't finished this book in its entirety yet, but I've read enough to be able to write a helpful review. The book was quite helpful. I am a published author myself, but I always go through a third party to publish my books. Recently, however, I've been thinking about getting into self publishing. This book -- sadly for me -- is volume two. I imagine the author covered some of the super basic stuff in volume one, which I definitely need to get. However, volume two has some good information too. The book is set up into four sections: editing your proof, creating author pages, useful tips about online sellers, and marketing strategies. (It also tells what was in volume one, which is how I know I need to get it.) There is also an abstract at the beginning of each section which explores, in detail, what the chapter will contain. There is some very good, practical stuff in there, such as what kind of common errors to look for while proofing and which color schemes to use to make your book noticeable and easy to see. The section on marketing your book was particularly good.
I haven't finished this book in its entirety yet, but I've read enough to be able to write a helpful review. The book was quite helpful. I am a published author myself, but I always go through a third party to publish my books. Recently, however, I've been thinking about getting into self publishing. This book -- sadly for me -- is volume two. I imagine the author covered some of the super basic stuff in volume one, which I definitely need to get. However, volume two has some good information too. The book is set up into four sections: editing your proof, creating author pages, useful tips about online sellers, and marketing strategies. (It also tells what was in volume one, which is how I know I need to get it.) There is also an abstract at the beginning of each section which explores, in detail, what the chapter will contain. There is some very good, practical stuff in there, such as what kind of common errors to look for while proofing and which color schemes to use to make your book noticeable and easy to see. The section on marketing your book was particularly good.
March 1, 2016
A nice introductory guide to self-publishing online. The title says 'Detailed' and it truly is! Author discusses pros and cons of different vendors. As a Librarian who has presented on the same subject, I'd feel confident recommending this title to an inquiring patron. (The book was won in a goodreads giveaway contest)
September 2, 2016
Limited usefulness. It covers that basics but strongly emphasizes Amazon and CreateSpace. Lacks meaningful advice on how to get readers to know about your book or want to read it.
The author claims an editor is unnecessary, and demonstrates what happens when you don't have one: a repetitive, longwinded book with glaring gaps in coverage.
The author claims an editor is unnecessary, and demonstrates what happens when you don't have one: a repetitive, longwinded book with glaring gaps in coverage.
September 13, 2015
This was a very good introduction to publishing ebooks and paperbacks on Amazon. It was easy to follow and had personal recommendations based on the author's experience.
April 19, 2016
Must reading for authors who wish to get started with publishing on Amazon.
April 19, 2016
From the expert on self-publishing books with Createspace, this volume is an excellent guide for independent authors.
July 8, 2023
Excellent book!!!
November 8, 2015
Great, helpful guidelines for self-publishing
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews