Q&A for How to Self Publish a Book

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  • Question
    Can I publish a book under 18?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is possible to publish a book under the age of eighteen. However, money for publishing may be harder to get, and adult signatures will be needed during the publishing process as you cannot form a contract until you're 18.
  • Question
    What is an E-book? How are they paid for? Do I need a website to publish one?
    Community Answer
    An E-book is an electronic book. It's a cheap method of self-publishing and getting yourself known. To purchase an E-book, one can use a credit card or services like PayPal. E-books can be bought on Amazon and read on devices like iPads, Kindles, NOOKs, etc. You do not need to have a website to publish an E-book.
  • Question
    How old do I have to be to get my book published?
    Community Answer
    You can be any age. However, the younger you are, the harder it may be to get publishing money.
  • Question
    How do I decide if I should write my story on paper on using a computer?
    Community Answer
    If you want to publish your story, you will need to type it up. If you're trying to decide how to write the first draft of your story, just do whatever you feel like doing. But you'll probably need to type the final version.
  • Question
    How should I start writing the first sentence in my book? Should I ask a question?
    Community Answer
    A question can be a good way to start. It will give the reader a hook to draw them in. There are many other ways to begin a novel, such as a dialogue, a description of the setting, or whatever the character may be doing. Choose whichever beginning you would like, but you should make sure it has the power to draw readers in so they want to continue reading.
  • Question
    How long does it take to sell a book?
    Community Answer
    It depends totally on you and your book. If you spread the news about your book to your friends or on social media your book could sell quickly. It's all about getting a good book noticed.
  • Question
    What company should I use to self-publish my color photo book?
    Community Answer
    Createspace is the best. I have used them several times for color printed books and the results have been outstanding. They offer many different aesthetic options for you to choose from.
  • Question
    Can publishing your book potentially cost $0?
    Community Answer
    No, but it could be a cheap process depending on what you prefer. You will need to have an editor, cover designer, and more, depending on what you like.
  • Question
    What would be the easiest way to publish my own book inexpensively?
    Community Answer
    You can format an e-book yourself using free software, find a royalty-free cover, and rely on the site to give you ISBN. Promote it among your friends or on internet forums.
  • Question
    Can I write a book to do this process?
    Community Answer
    The reasoning is more that you follow this process to publish a book you have written. It's somewhat senseless to write a book just to get published. But if you genuinely want to write a book and have an idea for it, sure.
  • Question
    How can I make my own cover?
    Community Answer
    Take pictures to make a custom background, or draw a cover using Microsoft Paint or a similar program.
  • Question
    Can I publish a collection of short stories, including those I found in the internet?
    Community Answer
    You cannot publish any stories from the internet without the permission of the author. You could, however, publish a collection of your own short stories.
  • Question
    Is it more expensive if I publish a long book than a short book?
    Community Answer
    Most likely, because a lot of places will charge you per page rather than for the entire book.
  • Question
    Can you sell a book at the age of 12?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but you will have to get your parents' permission, as you cannot sign a contract under the age of 18.
  • Question
    How do I get my book published before I'm 18?
    Community Answer
    You will need money for publishing which may be hard to get. During the process, you will also need adult signatures as you can't legally sign a contract under the age of 18.
  • Question
    Does age matter when it comes to publishing a book?
    Community Answer
    No, but if you are under eighteen, you may need adults to help, as you can't make a contract on your own under eighteen.
  • Question
    At what age can I publish?
    Community Answer
    You can publish at any age. Just have a parent or guardian to sign any contracts if you're under 18.
  • Question
    What is the major difference between self-publishing and traditional publishing?
    Community Answer
    Traditional publishing means the publisher will edit your book, help create the cover, publish the book, distribute and advertise it, and take a portion of the profits as well. (It's obviously more detailed and intense than this, but that's the general overview.) Self-publishing means that you will be responsible for the entire process from editing to production to distribution.
  • Question
    Can you publish a book at any age?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can be any age. If you are under 18, however, you will need adult signatures through the publishing process and it will be harder to get money for publishing.
  • Question
    What is a good title for a fan-fiction book?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the topic of your book. The title should somehow be related to the subject matter.
  • Question
    Would it be difficult to self publish a book if I am a young teen?
    Community Answer
    It could be difficult, but keep trying your hardest and make it happen.
  • Question
    How do I collect royalties when publishing an eBook?
    Community Answer
    When you publish an eBook through Amazon's KDP program or IngramSpark, they keep an account of what your royalties are and pay out on a scheduled basis. You don't have to worry about the accounting; you need to spend your energy marketing your book.
  • Question
    Does every book need an ISBN?
    Community Answer
    If you are selling your book, then yes, you need a ISBN.
  • Question
    How do I publish an eBook?
    Community Answer
    Look up the keywords "eBook publisher". There are lots out there, such as Kindle Direct and Smashwords. Sign up to one of these websites and in the toolbar there will be something to do with creating a book, such as "Create New eBook". Click on it, upload your saved manuscript, and publish.
  • Question
    How can I self publish my books for very little money?
    Community Answer
    Follow the instructions listed in the article above.
  • Question
    Can I create my own cover image to use, or is hiring someone a better idea?
    Community Answer
    You can create your own covers, but if you don't have a lot of experience or talent in graphic design, I would suggest hiring someone to do it for you.
  • Question
    My story isn't completed yet. Can I publish a book in episodes?
    Community Answer
    Ideally, you should publish a finished book, but you can always create a book series.
  • Question
    Can I have a grandparent be my editor and a friend make the cover?
    Community Answer
    Yes, of course! It's a great way to save money, as long as your friend and relative agree to doing it (and they are good at their respective jobs).
  • Question
    How do I make the book cover design?
    Community Answer
    You could sketch out a design and scan it into an art program. You can use an online designer, or you could hire a designer or artist.
  • Question
    What if I'm trying to publish a picture Bible (Like a Lego Bible). What would be the best option? Is eBook still a good option?
    Community Answer
    It's possible eBooks could work, but if you are trying to get to younger people I think you should put it on paper.
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