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On Self Publishing
This book is a selection of memories, experiences and advice written by author, Derek Haines, over a period of five years, as he came to grips with self-publishing, print-on-demand, ebooks, Kindles, iPads, social media, technology and instant communication with his readers. He began what he didn’t know was going to later be called self-publishing in the early nineties, due to his good fortune of being both a writer and working in the printing industry. Yes, he wrote and printed his own books before the Internet, technology and Amazon made it possible for everyone.
Much later, he grasped the opportunity that blogging provided and began recording his thoughts, frustrations, experiences, disappointments, successes and opinions about self-publishing and writing over a period of almost six years. The Vandal, which is the name he used for his blog, is still visited over 3,000 times a day, even though he decided to slow down a little on the frequency of his blogging over a year ago.
What follows in this book is a collection of the thoughts of Derek Haines, aka The Vandal, on self-publishing. They have been ordered chronologically from 2009 through to early 2013, and by doing this, it is possible to understand the phases he went through and often, the indecision, conflict or changes of mind that he had as he navigated the new opportunities and pitfalls that electronic self-publishing offered. From time to time there are entries on the same topic, but it is interesting to note the changes in his attitude, due to his experiences.
This is not a definitive guide about how to self-publish or how to write to make money. It is an insight for those new, or relatively new to self-publishing and who have a passion for writing. By reading this book you will hopefully find sound advice, helpful hints, suggestions and at times even a laugh.
Learn, understand and enjoy, ‘On Self Publishing’.
Much later, he grasped the opportunity that blogging provided and began recording his thoughts, frustrations, experiences, disappointments, successes and opinions about self-publishing and writing over a period of almost six years. The Vandal, which is the name he used for his blog, is still visited over 3,000 times a day, even though he decided to slow down a little on the frequency of his blogging over a year ago.
What follows in this book is a collection of the thoughts of Derek Haines, aka The Vandal, on self-publishing. They have been ordered chronologically from 2009 through to early 2013, and by doing this, it is possible to understand the phases he went through and often, the indecision, conflict or changes of mind that he had as he navigated the new opportunities and pitfalls that electronic self-publishing offered. From time to time there are entries on the same topic, but it is interesting to note the changes in his attitude, due to his experiences.
This is not a definitive guide about how to self-publish or how to write to make money. It is an insight for those new, or relatively new to self-publishing and who have a passion for writing. By reading this book you will hopefully find sound advice, helpful hints, suggestions and at times even a laugh.
Learn, understand and enjoy, ‘On Self Publishing’.
ebook
First published August 27, 2013
9 people want to read
About the author
Derek Haines
29 books1,266 followersDerek Haines is an author of quite a number of books, however, he spends most of his time blogging, making technology go horribly wrong, and being a rather senior ESL English teacher.
Born in Australia, but now living in Switzerland with his wife and his black Cocker Spaniel, he passes many hours, trying to make technology work again, after inadvertently breaking it. It's a painful process, yet it’s such an effective self-study method in acquiring new technological skills.
As I’m a writer – I can change adroitly from the third person into the first person, and say that I love what I do and where I live, and also, that I am a Douglas Adams fanatic, bordering on a tragic. So much so, that by some spooky coincidence, my street address is 42. That’s so much more impressive than simply owning a towel and having ready access to peanuts and beer.
However, peanuts and beer are extremely important, as they provide essential sustenance during my bouts of obsessive writing, which although rare, usually take place in a horizontal position. I should mention here that I am very fond of acronyms, anagrams, allegories and alliteration, also.
In addition, I quite like commas. The Oxford type, or otherwise. However, quite perversely, I am not enamoured by quotation marks. I use them, singularly if possible, but even then, only under sufferance. As for semicolons; who really knows how to use them?
Aside from my never-ending punctuation conundrums, I enjoy life, good food, wine, beer, and I take each day as it comes – thankfully.
Born in Australia, but now living in Switzerland with his wife and his black Cocker Spaniel, he passes many hours, trying to make technology work again, after inadvertently breaking it. It's a painful process, yet it’s such an effective self-study method in acquiring new technological skills.
As I’m a writer – I can change adroitly from the third person into the first person, and say that I love what I do and where I live, and also, that I am a Douglas Adams fanatic, bordering on a tragic. So much so, that by some spooky coincidence, my street address is 42. That’s so much more impressive than simply owning a towel and having ready access to peanuts and beer.
However, peanuts and beer are extremely important, as they provide essential sustenance during my bouts of obsessive writing, which although rare, usually take place in a horizontal position. I should mention here that I am very fond of acronyms, anagrams, allegories and alliteration, also.
In addition, I quite like commas. The Oxford type, or otherwise. However, quite perversely, I am not enamoured by quotation marks. I use them, singularly if possible, but even then, only under sufferance. As for semicolons; who really knows how to use them?
Aside from my never-ending punctuation conundrums, I enjoy life, good food, wine, beer, and I take each day as it comes – thankfully.
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August 29, 2013
A seasoned writer and early publisher of his own books, Haines gathers his thoughts to share his experiences in the publishing world. Writers will find invaluable advice on self-publishing, writing, and book promotion, delivered in the unique style owned by Haines.
Explanations are in depth regarding the advantages of blogging, creating websites, and the principles of social media. Sprinkling his words of wisdom with humor makes learning about the world of self-publishing a pleasurable read.
I recommend On Self Publishing by Derek Haines, for passionate writers who are searching for sensible advice and useful suggestions about writing and self-publishing.
Explanations are in depth regarding the advantages of blogging, creating websites, and the principles of social media. Sprinkling his words of wisdom with humor makes learning about the world of self-publishing a pleasurable read.
I recommend On Self Publishing by Derek Haines, for passionate writers who are searching for sensible advice and useful suggestions about writing and self-publishing.
Displaying 1 of 1 review