One of my Facebook business page fans asked how to get published. I thought this would make a good blog post and maybe help out some others too. The first follow-up question I would ask to this is “Define what you mean by published.”

Most people would define “published” as their book being represented by a major publisher. In this scenario, the publisher often handles editing, layout, cover design, ISBN numbers, getting the book printed, etc. Once printed, the publisher secures distribution so the book can get into the major bookstores. The publisher fronts all the money in the process and the author is paid a royalty on each book sold.

Another method of publishing is “true” self publishing. Where an author creates her own publishing company. The author (now self publisher) fronts all the money for the process of getting the book to readers (often this includes editing and proofreading, layout, cover design, printing, marketing, shipping, etc.). An advantage to this system is that you usually receive more money per book sold since you don’t have to share the profits. You also retain complete creative control over the project. The disadvantages are that you front all the money, and have to deal with all the aspects of publishing yourself so you’ll be processing orders, doing all your own marketing, etc. Both of my books were self-published by my co-authors.

Another option is to do Print on Demand. Infinity Publishing, Author House and Create Space are examples of these companies. You usually pick a package, and you pay a rate for them to do the layout, a simple cover design for your book, get the ISBN numbers and barcode, and the ability for bookstores to order your book through their distributor.

Another (bad) option is so-called vanity publishers, that act like a traditional publisher except you pay them a ton of money upfront for them to take on your book. Run, don’t walk, away from them.

This was a very simplified overview of some of the publishing options. Please add your input if you’d like. And if this post sparks any questions, please ask!