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Catherine Ryan Howard
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Self-Printed: The Sane Person's Guide to Self-Publishing Paperback – October 19, 2014

by Catherine Ryan Howard (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars 52 ratings
The fully-revised and updated third edition of Catherine Ryan Howard's pragmatic 'how to' self-publishing guide Do you think that no one has the right to stand between you and your published writer dreams? That the publishing industry is going down in flames and self-publishers are going to rise like a 99c phoenix from the ashes? That all literary agents are interested in doing is blogging sarcastically about the rhetorical question at the start of your query letter, that editors will just use your submitted manuscript for kindling and that you'll be senile before you hear back from either of them? That once you've uploaded the book you finished yesterday afternoon to Amazon, it'll be mere minutes before the money starts rolling in and you can quit your day job? Are you self-publishing to "show them all"? If you've answered yes to one or more of these questions then I do apologise, but this isn't the book for you. This book is for writers who consider self-publishing to be a good Plan B, or even a sideline to traditional publication. Who want to do it the cheapest and easiest way possible while still producing a quality product. Who understand that much like Starbucks outlets and Nespresso coffee machines, traditional and self-publishing can peacefully co-exist. Writers who know that they don't have to sell a million copies of their book to start earning a living from their writing, but that they do have to work hard and treat it like a business. Who are blessed with common sense and live in the real world at least most of the time. Who find my jokes funny... If this sounds like you, then SELF-PRINTED: THE SANE PERSON'S GUIDE TO SELF-PUBLISHING may be just the "How To..." guide you were looking for. It will tell you everything you need to know in order to publish a Print On Demand paperback and e-book, and (crucially) sell them, without sounding like anti-Big Publishing propaganda produced by the Ministry of Truth. Be warned: you are now entering a No Saying "Gatekeepers" Zone... PRAISE FOR SELF-PRINTED: “An exceptional breath of realism, real knowledge and hard experience—don’t dream of self-publishing your book without it. This is the self-publishing guide to read if you actually care about the quality of your writing and your readers.” --Nicola Morgan, award-winning author of 90 books—including the Carnegie-nominated WASTED and WRITE TO BE PUBLISHED— and the blog Help! I Need a Publisher! "SELF-PRINTED is my self-publishing bible. It taught me how to format, create and upload my e-books and print-on-demand paperbacks. It showed me practical things such as how to build a website/blog and how to promote my books. More importantly, it taught me how to compete with the professionals - just look at the results! Jam-packed full of hints and tips all in one place, I’m always referring back to it. In a word, it’s priceless." --Mel Sherratt, author of TAUNTING THE DEAD, Top 10 Amazon UK bestseller of 2012 "Whenever anyone asks me for a tip on self publishing, I tell them to go buy your book." --Kitty French, USA bestselling author of The Knight Series “The best thing about Catherine is that she not only lives the dream, but offers you a stepladder up to join her. The advice she gives is utterly practical—because she’s done what she describes—and the whole [book] is suffused with humour. I am a fan.” --Alison Baverstock, author of IS THERE A BOOK IN YOU...? and senior lecturer on the Publishing MA at Kingston University (UK) “The BEST book on self-publishing ... Seriously, GET THIS NOW!” —David Wright, co-author of the bestselling YESTERDAY'S GONE series
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  1. Print length
    336 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Createspace Independent Pub
  4. Publication date
    October 19, 2014
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.75 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1502810158
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1502810151
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Createspace Independent Pub; 3rd edition (October 19, 2014)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1502810158
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1502810151
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.25 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.75 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 52 ratings

About the author

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Catherine Ryan Howard

Catherine Ryan Howard

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CATHERINE RYAN HOWARD is the author of 56 DAYS, which was a no. 1 bestseller in her native Ireland and named a Thriller of the Year by the New York Times, the Washington Post and the Irish Times. It won Crime Fiction Book of the Year at the An Post Irish Book Awards 2021, was shortlisted for the Dublin Literary Award 2023 and is currently being developed for screen by Amazon Studios and Atomic Monster. Her other work has been shortlisted for the CWA's Ian Fleming Steel and John Creasey/New Blood Daggers and the Edgar Award for Best Novel. Her seventh thriller, THE TRAP, inspired by a series of real-life disappearances in Ireland in the 1990s, will publish in August 2023. She is based in Dublin. Find out more on www.catherineryanhoward.com

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
52 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this self-publishing guide extremely informative, describing it as the best book available on the subject. They appreciate its readability, with one customer noting it's a must-read for beginning authors. The book receives positive feedback for its humor, with customers mentioning laugh-out-loud moments throughout.

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12 customers mention "Information quality"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book extremely informative, describing it as the best available guide for self-publishing.

"...As a practical, effective guide to marketing and social media in particular this book is worth many times what it costs...." Read more

"...While the step-by-step part is, I'm sure, super helpful, I skimmed those parts and bookmarked them for when I actually "get to that point."..." Read more

"...It is extremely informative, surprisingly hard to put down, and will bring you hand in hand through each step of self publishing, the pro's and the..." Read more

"...I think this book is a wealth of important information for anyone even thinking of putting their toes in the crowded waters of book publishing...." Read more

9 customers mention "Readability"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, with one mentioning it's a must-read for every beginning author.

"...Now I have to try and make up for lost time. Great book. Highly recommended to all who are looking at self-publishing." Read more

"...Love this book!" Read more

"This book is great thing to read before deciding to go the self-printed route...." Read more

"...Catherine's book is always nearby. Fun to read and extremely informative. Guided me easily down the path to publishing. Great blog, too!" Read more

8 customers mention "Humor"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, with multiple reviews mentioning laugh-out-loud moments, and one customer noting how the author's wit makes the content engaging.

"...It is clear, thorough, and hugely funny...." Read more

"This book is probably one of the most interesting and funny writings you will ever read...." Read more

"...She still made me giggle with her wit even with a How-To book! Get the book. Its a good one for your reference library...." Read more

"Sassy wit, self-publishing tips, and laugh-out-loud moments--I can't remember when I've enjoyed a non-fiction book more...." Read more

It is an easy to understand step by step guide for self publishers
5 out of 5 stars
It is an easy to understand step by step guide for self publishers
This book is your must have bible for self publishing. It is an easy to understand step by step guide for self publishers! It is witty and humorous at the same time. All the do's and don'ts are included! With the Index it is simple to look up a question you might have. Very informative and knowledgeable clearly she is experienced on the subject no doubt. Princesses Don't Wear Glasses
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Top reviews from the United States

  • K. McLaren
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for self-published authors who want to sell more books
    Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I highly recommend this book for anyone planning to self-publish, and to people who have already self-published and are wondering how to increase sales. As a practical, effective guide to marketing and social media in particular this book is worth many times what it costs. It is clear, thorough, and hugely funny. What comes through is that Catherine is speaking from vast personal experience, and that she has made a success of self-publishing herself.

    I found Catherine's comments on Twitter invaluable. She helped me finally get what it's all about and how to make the most of it as an author. Using her approach I started using Twitter again and increased my followers by 11 times over a few weeks. Her advice on Wordpress was also useful, and I managed to set up a blogsite, which is a great, free alternative to a website. I found it harder than she indicated, and had to get a book out of the library and seek online help, but it was worth it to have a good looking website for free.

    Her advice on finding cover designers is also excellent. Using this I made a list of possible designers. I found her info on uploading to Kindle a bit out of date, as Amazon have made changes that make Catherine's 'scorched earth' approach to formatting largely unnecessary. I would suggest trying to upload your formatted book before removing formatting.

    But these are small quibbles. Catherine's book hugely expanded my understanding of how to make self-publishing work, especially promotion and marketing via social media, and I already knew quite a lot! I literally had it open on kindle and referred to it while I did many of the things she suggested.
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  • Ryan J Slattery
    5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive Guide to Self-Publishing
    Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Self-Printed is a step-by-step how-to on self-publishing both online (KDP and Smashwords) and physically.

    While the step-by-step part is, I'm sure, super helpful, I skimmed those parts and bookmarked them for when I actually "get to that point." The marketing aspect of this book was what I read with most of my interest, and it gives a lot of useful information.

    How to use Goodreads giveaways for maximum visibility was particularly interesting to me. I also started a blog because of this book. I'm an introvert by disposition, but this book helped me to see how to use social media despite my trepidation, as well as outlining a few mortal sins of social media to avoid alienating people.

    My only regret in buying this book is that I hadn't done it a few months ago. Now I have to try and make up for lost time.

    Great book. Highly recommended to all who are looking at self-publishing.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Thomas
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing and Humorous!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This book is probably one of the most interesting and funny writings you will ever read. It helps the writer in all of us flourish, whilst keeping far from the boring reality that most books like this love to shove in our faces. It is extremely informative, surprisingly hard to put down, and will bring you hand in hand through each step of self publishing, the pro's and the cons. I think the best quality of this book is that it stays true, sarcastic, and interesting. It is very unique in comparison to the entirety of most of its counterparts, and I find almost no flaws in it.
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  • Jan Mendoza - Author of Fire Girl
    5.0 out of 5 stars I LOVED IT! Tons of Good info for the Newbie Self-publisher!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I've been a Self-Printed Catherine Ryan Howard blog follower since 2010. I was trying to figure out how to self publish and while doing never ending Google research, I came across her blog. OMG she was so darned funny, that I followed her blog not only for her awesome words of wisdom in her journey in self-publishing, she just entertained the heck out of me! I couldn't wait to read her actual books. I finally got around to reading her latest edition of Self-printed and I thought it was very well put together. I already knew a lot just from my own self-publishing adventures and following Catherine's blog, but I did learn a bunch of new things that I hadn't thought of! I think this book is a wealth of important information for anyone even thinking of putting their toes in the crowded waters of book publishing. She keeps it REAL and goes into great detail which I actually enjoyed (some reviewers didn't but I did). She still made me giggle with her wit even with a How-To book! Get the book. Its a good one for your reference library. Even if you "think" you know everything in the world of self-publishing, its always good to get another's thoughts and take on the subject. I took away a lot of new things that I didn't know! If you get the chance, read her book Backpacked. Soooo funny!
    One person found this helpful
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  • mharper
    5.0 out of 5 stars I adore this book.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Sassy wit, self-publishing tips, and laugh-out-loud moments--I can't remember when I've enjoyed a non-fiction book more. (And I generally don't like non-fiction.) I got the Kindle version, but I'm actually considering purchasing the print version as well just to be able to use it as a reference guide whenever I need it. (Nothing like scrolling through a Kindle--"I know that section was somewhere in here!") I found just about every section helpful, and Catherine Ryan Howard saved me from making some very rookie mistakes, for which I am forever grateful. Love this book!
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  • Thomas J. Wood
    5.0 out of 5 stars A real must read for the person going the self printed route.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This book is great thing to read before deciding to go the self-printed route. The author has so much to say for anyone wishing to have their novel self published. From things to be sure to spend money on, like editing, to things you must consider like all of the self marketing expenses you will run into. Then she also discusses what your real chances are or might be to eventually making any money...or not! It really helped me and made me more aware than I thought I was before reading this.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • M J A Watney
    5.0 out of 5 stars The only book on self-publishing you need
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 9, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Yesterday, armed with this book and in a matter of hours only, I formatted my entire manuscript ready for e-book conversion, uploaded it to Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) AND dealt with the pesky US tax authorities. Thanks to Catherine Ryan Howard's carefully composed tutorials, it was a painless experience, and the e-book has come out exactly as I intended it to, first time. The proof of the pudding...

    Catherine writes in a very chatty style, so at times you feel as if you are being lectured to by a wiser older sister. Don't be put off by the prolix opening chapters: about a quarter of the way into the book you hit the mother-lode and, from there on, every page is gold-dust. What is particularly helpful is that, unlike so many tutorial writers who offer only generalities, Catherine gives precise instructions keystroke by keystroke, even including screen-shots. She also clearly explains potentially-confusing features such as Digital Rights Management and KDP Select.

    Catherine holds very strong opinions (well, that is her right as author) so you have to be equally strong in rejecting those your own experience tells you are wrong. The book is written down-market (i.e. aimed at inexperienced writers) and assumes that the reader's object is to earn money and become a full-time writer, which those aiming at literary or academic recognition rather than filthy lucre will find frustrating.

    Nonetheless, these are cavils. The book remains a tour-de-force and, how ever many books you self-publish, you will always be glad to have this one on your shelf as a reference guide.

    How does the third edition differ from the second? The major change is that Catherine has pretty much given up on Smashwords. Also, as with so many of us, her love affair with Facebook has ended. And she reveals the much-needed simplification in dealing with the American tax system (hooray!) which came into force in July 2014.

    If you already own the second edition in paperback, then it will be sufficient to buy the third edition e-book and skim through it looking for the changes. If you are only now discovering Catherine Ryan Howard, I strongly recommend that you buy the paperback rather than the e-book. This is because you will not necessarily want to do things in the order she suggests, and you will certainly be bouncing backwards and forwards between sections and even paragraphs as you set off on your own journey into publication for real. Also, those extremely helpful screen-shots, showing the menus you are looking for, are almost impossible to read on an e-platform.
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  • RF 32
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great reading
    Reviewed in France on January 22, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Funny, amusing, useful, clever, fun, interesting, strict, Great love it. Definitely recommend it if you are writing a book. Enjoyed it immensely.
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  • davehinde
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, enjoyable and very informative read on self publishing using Create Space
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 17, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I bought Catherine's book over a month ago now and am about half way through it. It is a very enjoyable and informative read. I have previously published a book with Wiley - so I know a fair amount about the writing and publishing process. I am - though - a complete beginner when it comes to self publishing.
    So far I have learnt about which parts of the process are best to farm out and how to go about finding suppliers of services such as cover designers and editors. She's taught me about ISBN's and copyright. I've learnt about promoting my new book on a blog and how to set up a Wordpress blog site. Similarly how to use Twitter and Facebook to market my new work. She discusses pricing and what price you should set for your paper back versus your Kindle version
    The book focuses on using the CreateSpace self publishing service from Amazon. The best indication of how good Catherine is at using CreateSpace will be in your hands if you order the paper back - the book looks very professional.
    All in all an excellent read - I thought I knew quite a bit about publishing - I think a lot of the professional publishing houses could learn a lot from her book
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  • Debbie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Essential handbook for all self-publishing authors - keep it on your desk 24/7!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 18, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I had the previous edition but thought I'd invest in the new one in any case, and am very glad I did (not least because I'd lent my 2nd edition to a friend who was considering self-publishing and haven't yet had it back). Boy, am I glad I did! I hadn't got round to reading the whole thing yet, but had ground to a halt formatting a paperback interior for CreateSpace, flummoxed by page numbers and section breaks, when I suddenly spotted the book propped on my desk, for ready reference. Catherine to the rescue! Within minutes, I'd resolved my problem and had my document neatly sectioned up (was close to being sectioned myself, such was the brain-numbing effect of trying to deal with the vagaries of Word all by myself), and I had the right page numbers in all the right places, and none where they shouldn't be.

    The cost of this book has been entirely justified already just by solving those two issues for me without tears. So now in true Catherine Caffeinated spirit, I'm off to have a cup of coffee to celebrate.

    Thank you, Catherine Ryan Howard. This isn't just a book, it's a social service. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
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  • Susie Murphy
    5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent resource about self-publishing
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 20, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    For anyone who is considering whether or not to self-publish, this book is the perfect source of knowledge to have at your disposal. Catherine could not have made it any easier to learn all there is to know about going down the route of self-publishing. She covers everything, from building an online platform and the importance of getting an editor to formatting for both e-book and paperback and why you should hire a cover designer. What's great is that she manages to do all this in a manner that is both informative and entertaining, with a personality that just bounces off the pages.

    An invaluable read, I highly recommend it!
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