Author of books that criticized self-publishing companies has written a book to help their authors

March 5, 2011 - PRLog -- Self-publishing companies enable anyone who can type to quickly become a "published author," with no need to go through the years-long process of finding an agent and publisher.

Bestselling author Michael N. Marcus has written books and blog posts that criticized self-publishing companies for frequently producing ugly, badly edited books that are overpriced, sell poorly, are seldom reviewed and disappoint their authors. Marcus has recommended that authors become “independent self-publishers,” setting up their own small companies to have more control, make better books and possibly make more money.

Marcus, however, recognizes that not every writer wants to operate a publishing business. He says, “I think that formatting book pages is fun; but I know it’s not fun for all, and maybe not for even one other person;” and has just published a book to help authors who use self-publishing companies.

“Get the Most out of a Self-Publishing Company: Make a Better Deal. Make a Better Book,” comes out at a time when self-publishing—both on printed paper and in electronic “eBooks” — is having tremendous growth. This book aims to give authors the benefit of the experience Marcus accumulated during over 40 years of professional writing. It’s filled with valuable time-saving and money-saving tips.

Marcus says, “Sadly, many customers of self-publishing companies are disappointed in their books. You can minimize disappointment if you are properly prepared — and this book will prepare you!” He continued, “Don’t buy services and trinkets that you don’t need. Pay the right prices for what you do need. Let the publisher do what you don’t want to get involved in, and concentrate on the creative process (perhaps with independent editors and designers) to make a good-reading, good-looking book which you can be proud of and maybe make money from.”

The comprehensive, illustrated, and often humorous book has 366 pages and covers all aspects of working with a self-publishing company. It includes selecting a book topic and title, choosing a publisher, writing, editing, proofreading, design, illustration, software, choosing suppliers, getting help, forming a business, copyrights, ISBNs, marketing, publicity, pricing, selling, returns, and much more. Marcus covers recent developments which affect authors, such as the iPad, Microsoft Word 2010, Espresso Book Machine, Nook, Pubit!, AuthorHive, Google eBookstore, etc. There is an extensive section on eBooks and eBook readers, a large chapter on publishing terminology, reviews of recommended books and even help with grammar and spelling.

Marcus’s first book was published by Doubleday in 1976.  In 2008, he formed Silver Sands Books with the intention of publishing just one book. He has published over a dozen in less than three years. He says, “Publishing is addictive. It’s hard to stop at one. This book will share what I’ve learned and — I hope — my enthusiasm.”

“Get the Most out of a Self-Publishing Company: Make a Better Deal. Make a Better Book” is part of a growing series from Silver Sands Books aimed at self-publishing authors. The highly-rated first book has been on two Amazon.com bestseller lists and a reviewer called it "the best in its field."

Cover price for “Get the Most out of a Self-Publishing Company: Make a Better Deal. Make a Better Book” is $17.95. The ISBN is 978-0-9816617-7-3. It is available from Amazon.com (visit http://www.amazon.com/Get-Most-Out-Self-Publishing-Compan...) , Barnes & Noble (visit http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Get-The-Most-Out-Of-A-Se...)  and other online and terrestrial booksellers. Review copies are available from the publisher (visit http://www.SilverSandsBooks.com).

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About Silver Sands Books: Silver Sands Books is an "indie publisher," concentrating on helpful books which make technical subjects easy to understand. Two specialities are publishing and telecommunications. The company publishes both printed books and eBooks.