Books on Publishing and the Staggering Importance of an Education

As publicly declared on this blog, last month I ordered roughly $200 worth of books from Amazon on self-publishing, book design, marketing, et al. What an education! I am ever so glad that homeschooling taught me to go after education of my own volition, and the more I study the more I learn the value of learning the landscape BEFORE trekking out.

Self and Small Publishing may not be the most complicated of worlds, but it has its hazards. Learning where the well-worn trails are is a great help in getting through the forests and swampy bits. Also, as in any industry, there is a language to learn and a protocol to follow. To all those attempting to publish anything I say, EDUCATE THYSELF.

My favourite books and bits of books so far:

Morris Rosenthal's Print-On-Demand Book Publishing. I loved the chapter on Internet Marketing, and there's quite a nice overview of the whole publishing industry as well. I'm glad I started with this book because the overview decoded a lot of what I've read in others since.

Jump Start Your Book Salesby Marilyn and Tom Ross (working on their Complete Guide to Self-Publishing at the moment). The first few chapters in particular had a lot of good, applicable ideas for me.

Fern Reiss's Publishing Game classic, Bestseller in 30 Days. I haven't had the time I want to go through this in detail yet, but for someone who three months ago wouldn't have known a marketing plan if it bit her on the nose, this compact, day-by-day schedule for marketing a book is an invaluable resource.

One other resource needs a shout-out: Amazon.com. I'd never realized before how important Amazon is as a resource, but since they list just about every book available (and some that are unavailable), you can learn much by using it. For example, last night I looked up the title of my book, Lord, Teach Us to Pray, and discovered three PAGES of other books with the same title. I have been planning to make some big alterations to the book and go back to press with it anyway... this is motivation to think up a new title. Ideas, anyone?

big thoughts

Sometimes when I'm listening to truly beautiful music, such as the soundtrack to The Last Samurai, I'm overwhelmed at the greatness of God. Something about the expansiveness and beauty of the music allows this awareness of God to come in and thwack me about the soul.

So it just hit me... how great the Soul of God is, that He loves each of us--all 6.5 billion of us--personally. That He knows us as the most attentive, wise, and loving parent knows his or her child; as a true friend knows the heart that mirrors hers; as a devoted servant understands his master.

That He would condescend to know each of us so intimately, and with so much care, is beyond comprehension. David asked: "What is man, that You are mindful of him?" Truly, what are we? In God's eyes, who are we? And who is this Great Creator whose image we were made in, who has died to save us, who will reign forever in splendor and glory?

I'm rambling... just thought I'd share my thoughts.

Lord, Teach Us to Pray: The First Review

"This is a book I'll return to, the next time life gets over-busy and my prayers seem dry and profitless. Lord, Teach Us to Pray is something like a drink of cool, refreshing water in a parched and thirsty land."

My book has been reviewed for the first time ever! Read the review by Jean Hall on Eclectic Homeschool Online here.

And if you're interested in reading it yourself, the book can be purchased in paperback or download form here: www.lulu.com/littledozen.