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Publishig a book

I have recently written and self published a book, I found it quite difficult in selecting a publisher, and things were not as straightforward as it first seemed. Has anybody else some knowledge for me to use as I have now finished writing my second book and would like it to be seen by a wider audience, and I am well on my way with a third manuscript.


Created By on 20/10/2017

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RicketyRhymer
9th Jan 2024 15:37:07
0
Thanks for voting!
I have exactly the same problem. How do you get your book into the shops? My book is called "Mary, the unwary sugar-plum fairy" It is a bedtime story written in verse with colour pictures and pages for a child to colour in. I presumed my market would be parents and grandparents of 0 to eight year olds.
I have taken it to local book shops and garden centres ( thinking grand parents are also gardeners) with a very much mixed reaction to it.
I have put it on Facebook Market Place, Ebay and Etsy but no takers. A few copies were sold at Christmas fayres locally but hardly enough to cover the table fees. I have also registered it with Nielsens and Gardners to make sure it is available generally but to no avail. Does anybody have any better ideas?
Below is a short poem I use for marketing purposes.

Mary, the unwary sugar-plum fairy
Every mum and dad will enjoy
Reading this story to their girl or boy
It's a tale all written in gentle rhyme
To help them sleep when its bedtime
About a fairy doing really good deeds
From making nice meals to planting out seeds
At first things weren’t so very nice
Getting her into trouble once or twice
But soon she gains power to her wings and wand
Making her famous at home and beyond
Word of her travelled both far and wide
Then Santa asked her out on a sleigh ride
What happened next, I'm sure is true
They fell in love as together they flew
Santa asked Mary to become his wife
And be Mary Christmas for the rest of her life.
It’s a big glossy book with pages to colour
To keep kiddies happy, busy and their day much fuller
What I should add to give greater clarity.
is that each book sold will help Rainbows Charity
Rainbows helps children who are very sick
So order yours now and be really quick.
Mary, the unwary sugar-plum fairy By the Rickety Rhymer
Its available now from me, [email protected]
Ebay Item No 325803384353
Price £8.00 including postage
Koda Original Poster
22nd Oct 2017 11:38:48 (Last activity: 30th Dec 2018 16:56:28)
2
Thanks for voting!
This is why I need help, Spelling leaves a lot to be desired! ie. PUBLISHING A BOOK
Response from Oldchimer made on 30th Dec 2018 16:56:28
There are a couple of groups on Facebook that are for those who write & publish their own books, have a look they are a friendly bunch.
Maryodell
25th Dec 2018 23:00:46
0
Thanks for voting!
Well done for what you have achieved so far Koda, personally I would use Amazon it has a wide audience (I check it every day) and there are great success stories (e.g. Hugh Howie a personal favourite of mine) if your work attracts interest it will be picked up by a mainstream publisher from there. Always check the requirements for submission of manuscripts whoever you decide to go with, most are double spaced and do spellcheck, if you are not confident you could use a friend to read it through and make corrections. It's really important to get the opinions of other people before publishing - in fact it would be a great idea to start a writers group on this site where people can get the opinions of others. I really wish you the best of luck with this - you are further ahead in this endeavour than I am.
happyhacker
1st Dec 2017 08:19:16 (Last activity: 4th Dec 2017 15:40:12)
0
Thanks for voting!
I am writing a Sci-Fi book. I don't think I will publish it though. I do it because I can research subjects on line from physics to human behaviour and biology and learn something new each day. I have 33 chapters so far and on the third revision. Ihave a great time doing this!
Response from Koda Original Poster made on 4th Dec 2017 12:56:16
I have my second book nearly ready for publishing, I have found that I can while away several hours when I'm writing. Good hobby for those wet winter days!
Response from happyhacker made on 4th Dec 2017 15:40:12
Are you an ebook publisher? I read a lot of Amazon Sci-Fi books for Kindle but a bit fed up with the general theme of killing and destruction. There's obviously no fun in peace time!

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