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Home » Poems » Blogs » Publish A Book or Don't Publish A Book?
Leo Larry Amadore
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Born in south Louisiana quite a number of years ago, I lived in St. Mary Parish until I was six years old, then moved to deep south Texas.  I attended elementary school there until the beginning of the eight grade then finished eight grade in Louisiana, then back to Texas until the beginning of the 10th grade, then back to Louisiana, where I finished high school.  After a short time in college, I joined the Air Force, went through a lengthy tech school, then spent 2 years in Germany and about the same amount of time in far northeastern coastal Turkey.  While in the Air Force, I attended additional training/college programs (which continued after I left the service).....I have since lived in south Louisiana, including New Orleans (rather briefly), Houston, Bryan (Tx), short stints in southern California and in New York City, back in south Louisiana, and in south Texas and northern Mexico, where I have lived and worked (in Texas and in Mexico) continuously for the last 45+ years.......I am currently retired and enjoying (?) pursuing interests that I had neglected for a long time.....

 

 

Publish A Book or Don't Publish A Book?

Blog Posted by Leo Larry Amadore: 4/25/2023 12:42:00 PM

As my age seems now to be rapidly advancing with no indication that the time I have remaining will be very long, I have been considering whether I really want (or really don't want) to gather my poems, stories, etc. into a book that (since there are no publishers knocking at my door) I would self-publish.  I do notice that there are quite a variety of ads popping up with a wide variety of rates.  I am undecided about whether my "writings" are sufficiently worthy as to merit the time, effort, and, of course, costs, involved in such a venture.  I note that some of the members here have already self-published using a variety of different methods.  I would appreciate any comments and/or guidance anyone might wish to offer.  I will be 80 in July, and although my health is not yet completely disabling I am beginning to have problems with my vision and with my bodily movements (back aches, balance, dizziness) but nothing yet that greatly affects my thinking (as far as I am able to tell.)  Any comments, suggestions, help, descriptions of your own personal self-publishing adventures would be appreciated.  Thank you all in advance!



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Peck Avatar
Ann
Peck
Date: 5/2/2023 10:56:00 AM
I'm looking into publishing a poetry book and a children's rhymes book. As late as middle of 2022, Amazon was still self-publishing with no cost. BUT, they then acquire rights to your work. Book Baby, which sounds like an offshoot of Amazon, does not acquire your rights, and you can send "print ready" copy quite inexpensively. I'm still researching...
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Dietrich Avatar
Andrea
Dietrich
Date: 4/26/2023 2:01:00 PM
In the old days I published numerous "chapbooks" through a low cost nice place called Shadowpoetry. I knew the owner very well. She told me even her best writers never sold books. Sales were like four a year if you were lucky. I got a few relatives and friend to purchase mine, but mostly I gave them away. I still think you should self publish, just to say that you did it. it's a wonderful feeling to hold your own book in your hand. Just be prepared to "give away" copies to friends and family unless you are lucky enough to have a fan base. I used to do exchanges of chapbooks with my friends but now my books are out of print and I have only a few worn out copies yet. Good luck to you.
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Massey Avatar
Mark Massey
Date: 4/29/2023 9:56:00 AM
I agree, publish! Or self-publish…its a personal validation of the value of your writing, not its profitability. The feel of a book probably contributed to the inspiration you had to begin writing and nothing is better than holding your own. Who cares if it sells or not… I am about to finish my second book. Every writer needs to publish.
Goldsmith Avatar
Paula
Goldsmith
Date: 4/26/2023 12:21:00 PM
Did you know.... On the top of Soup's page, you will find "Classifieds for Poets and Writers"??? I have 2 listings here. #1 reads "6 Unique Books." I need to update this since it is now 8 book. #2 reads  "Free" E-Books." Both have my website. I know Soup does not like you putting your website out. Amazon is free to publish. They "copyright" your work to you. This is Very Important. One third is the publishing part and two thirds is the marketing part. This is the most important part. (marketing) I have taught classes on writing/publishing/marketing a book. Guess it is something one needs to try to see if they like it or not. Good Luck, Paula............
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Richards Avatar
Suzette Richards
Date: 4/26/2023 10:41:00 PM
I will give you a look in, Paula. Thanks for the heads-up.
Richards Avatar
Suzette
Richards
Date: 4/25/2023 3:20:00 PM
Hi Leo. To answer your question whether you should publish or not: It is matter of pride in one's work and output as a poet - a form of immortality. I have found the self-publishing route the best option as there are very few publishers willing to publish poetry by unknowns. Having said that, there are many pitfalls regarding the companies that publish what are colloquially called 'vanity publishing'. Just be aware that you would still be called upon to do your own marketing. Suggestion: Find someone willing to print and bind your work. You would have to do the layout and proofreading, but it is manageable. There are a number of online sites that help with the layout. Regards, Suzette
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