I want to self-publish a 40+ page chapbook; does anyone have experience self-publishing?

December 2, 2004 3:15 PM

I am planning to self-publish a 40 some odd paged chapbook sized book, but with a certain degree of quality (not a zine) and with black and white photographs. Does anyone have any experience with particular vanity/self-publishing outfits to share? I've been all over the net reading advice and checking out companies, but it's a tough call.
posted by undule to Media & Arts (4 answers total)

You are better off hiring a freelance book designer--or even a graphic designer who has done annual reports, etc.--to design the book, then send it to a commercial printer. That is invariably cheaper and, in my opinion, better than a traditional "vanity press".

Especially for a project under 64 pages in length (you'll be paying overhead on expensive hardback binding machines you're not using if you go with a vanity press on this one).

However, if the subsidized publishing model works better for you, both Xlibris and iUniverse have many people who think highly of them.
posted by Sidhedevil at 6:21 PM on December 2, 2004

I'd second Sidhedevil's idea, depending of course on how many of these you want. You can always call up commercial printers and ask them for a quote, but they will most likely ask you many questions about the ink, coverage, paper stock, type of binding, bleeds, etc. You should try to put together as much info as you can about the technical specs for your final project before you call the printers. You can also call them and tell them you're thinking of ordering 5000 copies and have them send you paper samples.

If you really are planning on ordering this many, you'll also most likely get a very friendly sales rep who will talk you through anything you need to know. Of course, a good designer will walk you through every step of this and coordinate everything with the printer. I can't tell you enough the benefits of having a good, experienced designer work with you.
posted by spaghetti at 10:22 PM on December 2, 2004

Thompson Shore is a printer that specializes in short-run books. Got to www.thompsonshore.com. They do good work. Sites like www.lulu.com allow you self-publish.

If you have a budget and want to invest in a truly "designed" piece then you should contact a graphic designer that has experience with publications - specifically book design. The designer will be your expert in the process and have a relationship with a printer that will get you the results you want. If you lived in San Francisco I could help you. Dallas should have an AIGA chapter that can direct you to the right person. See www.aiga.com.
posted by quadog at 1:33 AM on December 3, 2004

What degree of quality exactly? Cafepress does Publishing on demand now. It's not a hard bound book, but it'll get you started.
posted by rschroed at 6:30 AM on December 3, 2004