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Self-Publishing

Self-Publishing

Occasional essays on the perks and pitfalls of being your own publisher.
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How Bookstore Returns Forced Me to Rethink My Publishing Strategy
Returnable books are what enable brick-and-mortar stores to maintain an affordable inventory. But they also put a huge burden on small publishers — like…
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William Shunn
The Cost of Self-Publishing, Part 6
When the expenses are all logged and revenue is tallied, how does the self-published author decide whether or not the outcome was worth the cost?
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William Shunn
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The Cost of Self-Publishing, Part 5
It’s tempting as a self-published author to fantasize about that glamorous cross-country book tour. But is such a thing practical, or even necessary?
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William Shunn
The Cost of Self-Publishing, Part 4
If a book drops and no one hears it, does it make a sale? Some thoughts on marketing, publicity, and the hidden costs of free advertising.
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William Shunn
The Cost of Self-Publishing, Part 3
What associations does the word “fulfillment” conjure? To an exhausted self-publisher, it might be less about personal satisfaction than endless hours…
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William Shunn
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The Cost of Self-Publishing, Part 2
A professionally edited manuscript is only the first step in our self-publishing odyssey. It takes some serious coin to turn that manuscript into an…
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William Shunn
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The Cost of Self-Publishing, Part 1
Putting out my own book cost me plenty, both financially and personally. Was it worth it? Let's look at the numbers.
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William Shunn
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