How to self-publish a book?

 Questions about difficulties and processes when self-publishing books were discussed in a recent exchange with the topic "To self-publish your own book together".

Recently, a drawing teacher in Ho Chi Minh City sent a draft of a guide to painting techniques for all ages to a publishing company but has not yet received a reply. With the desire to release a book, she asked the question: "Should I choose self-publishing?".

Sharing at the exchange, another young person used to have many articles on psychology published in the newspaper and wanted to synthesize them to print into a book, but did not understand the steps to take.

Previously, in an exchange seminar with the theme "Finding a new vision for the publishing industry" at the end of March, Mr. Nguyen Canh Binh - Chairman of Alpha Books - also commented that in the current book-making world, there is an emerging self-publishing of books to serve their own needs. This trend creates opportunities for non-specialist individuals to make books.

I'm teaching you 1

Two speakers Tong Phuoc Bao (left) and Nam Kha shared at the meeting on the morning of April 16. Photo: Thanh Phong.

Increased demand for self-publishing

When implementing the book 6 steps to self-publish a book, journalist Nguyen Tuan Anh - who has nearly 10 years of experience in the field of publishing and communication consulting - thinks that the demand for self-publishing books is increasing. .

This is also the reason why the private group on social networks with friends publishes their own book - a community for young people who are cherishing the idea of ​​self-publishing books - even though it was just established, it has nearly 4,000 members. participation. They ask questions and discuss every day about issues related to the behind-the-scenes of publishing.

Sharing about his first book, writer Tong Phuoc Bao recalls: “A few years ago, Ho Chi Minh City Culture and Arts Publishing House implemented the book project 'Where does love come from?' and I was fortunate to be invited to join other prominent names. After that, I was supported by the publisher to launch my own book, the joy multiplied."

Meanwhile, the young writer Nam Kha - who holds a column dedicated to teenagers in the newspaper Muc Tim - said that every week, he publishes a newspaper article with different content about the color of his age. student.

“I gathered those articles into the book The Ultimate Teenage Secrets, sent it to Kim Dong Publishing House and was approved for publication. My name has stood on its own page, but when it appears on the cover of a book, I still have a feeling of lightheadedness and happiness," Nam Kha shared.

The process of self-publishing the first book

In the book 6 steps to self-publish a book, journalist Nguyen Tuan Anh guides beginners to self-publishing his "brainchild" through 6 steps: Legal procedure to self-publish a book not difficult at all; Books are the pinnacle of personal branding; What kind of books do Vietnamese readers like to read?; How are the books being published in Vietnam?; Steps required to self-publish a book; The recipe for a best-selling book.

It can be seen that, without in-depth help from the publishing unit, difficulties are inevitable when authors take steps to produce their own books.

“After completing the manuscript, the author did not know where to contact for publication. They don't have an official channel to learn about this process specifically, much less know the necessary concepts and licenses," said author Nam Kha.

Besides, as a self-publisher, he believes that the problem of communication and book introduction is also a difficult part, especially for unknown authors.

"But fortunately, now that social networks are developing rapidly, this is also a channel that can help authors more easily reach readers and promote books," Nam Kha said.

At the exchange, writer Tong Phuoc Bao said that choosing the form of "selling copyright to publishing units" or "self-publishing" depends on the needs of the author himself. If there is already a community of potential readers and a good manuscript with a topic suitable for modern trends, then self-publishing will help shorten the book's release time.

This pen also emphasizes the 3 factors that make for success when self-publishing books: Fast, deep, and wide. “Fast on launch time to have a communication plan to readers. Deep is about content to create lasting value. Meanwhile, broad means to refer to the scope of influence so that the book can be spread better," explains writer Tong Phuoc Bao.

For authors who want to collect their sporadic articles to print into a book, in addition to the quantity factor, Nam Kha believes that it is necessary to "reinforce" the quality to make a difference, rearrange the articles. Write on a clear topic, simplify the current elements and strengthen the message you want to send to the readers.

Besides the difficulties, according to him, self-publishing also has certain advantages. Specifically, the author's voice will become stronger and easier to attract readers. In addition, they are also free to be creative from content to fine art in their publications, identify potential readers themselves or actively organize exchanges, autographs...