Self Publishing Presses Help You Stay Independent
Self publishing presses advertise themselves as the cheapest and fastest way to self publish a book. The benefit of them is that you don't have to lose control of your book or sign any contracts with a vanity publisher. However, is it really cheaper and easier to use self publishing presses than to go with a print on demand service?
Self publishing presses are most often used to bind a book in a style known as perfect bound. This is what is used to bind most paperbacks you see. The edges are glued together and the cover is wrapped around and glued on the spine. Self publishing presses can handle different sizes of papers, allowing you to produce books in 5.5" x 8.5", 8.5" x 11", or even in legal sizes.
It's possible to do hard cover books using self publishing presses. These require more skill to produce a professional looking result, but it is possible. Companies who sell self publishing presses also sell precut boards and self adhesive paper that you need to produce hardback books.
Purchasing self publishing presses can be affordable. Good quality hand presses are available for under $300. Self publishing presses also require a few supplies. You'll need paper to print your book on, as well as a special type of glue and heavy paper for the cover. If you want the cover to be laminated, you need to get laminating sheets.
If you decide to use self publishing presses, you can find several useful books that explain the techniques of binding your own books. Read the instructions and look at the pictures carefully before you purchase a book on self publishing presses, to make sure that you understand each step as it is described.
Many people who enjoy using self publishing presses are doing it as a hobby and like the books they create. Their intent is not to produce 1,000 copies for sale, but to make a copy of a very personal book, such as a family history or collection of children's art, for a few members of their family. Choosing self publishing presses is usually a labor or love rather than a way to make a lot of money on a book you wrote.
So be sure to check out our pages about Self Publishing Books, Self Publishing Printing, Self Publishing Software, and Self Publishing Services elsewhere on this site.
