The Secrets of Self Publishing
by Therone Shellman

Reviewed by: Cherri Millard

Therone Shellman's The Secrets of Self Publishing is a text every aspiring self publisher must read; every writer should take heed to. The Secrets of Self Publishing is a testimony about how the wacky world of publishing operates. Mr. Shellman covers many topics that have stumped self-publishers as well as freshman authors. From distribution, marketing, and packaging to cover design, ISBN and barcodes among others Therone demystifies the murky how-tos of the publishing industry. Each topic is explained in depth, giving readers both a bird's eye view of what the concept is. For most ideas, such as guerilla marketing, Therone adds in an action plan of sorts to help guide authors and self-publishers through the process of execution. Such advice comes in handy for first time authors/self publishers who often get overwhelmed and discouraged when it comes to knowing where to spend their time and money. With that said this source is invaluable to a first time author and publisher.

The author even went as far as including a true or false questionnaire in the book, in order to test your knowledge on what you have just read along with many outside channels to sell books that reach beyond bookstores, libraries and vendors.

Aside from including a horde of information on the publishing industry, Therone expertly guides you through the steps necessary for forming your own business. The Secrets of Self Publishing offers a one-of-a-kind insider's look— in a easy to read and understandable format—at what to expect and how to prepare yourself for a career in publishing.

Not only does he talk it, Mr. Shellman walks it. Most industry experts sit around talking about all they know but never make anything of it. But here you have one who poured his knowledge onto paper ultimately making a newcomers (and many seasoned industry insider's) experience in the publishing world less thorny and more productive. I tip my hat off to Therone Shellman.

What did you like best about this book?
Therone wrote the book in easily accessible language; everyone can read this book and learn from it. It not only tells you how to effectively get ahead in the publishing industry, but it shows you as well. Several addresses, phone numbers, websites and emails are at your disposal. He uses examples from his own experiences that failed him that you can use to your advantage, so now instead of asking every author you see for knowledge of the industry; you'll have it all within this book.

What did you dislike about this book?
I thought the book was very informing and was satisfied with the way it was organized and executed.

How can the author improve this book?
Perhaps distinguish whether the tactics are for the traditional way of publishing versus non traditional publishing as well as narrow down some tactics that work explicitly well for the urban/street circuit. Otherwise the book was good as is.

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Marie Antionette :

Posted 48 days ago

I wish his book would have been available back in 2004 when I started writing mine. I may have saved me some steps but the mistakes have been lessons well learned. Congrats Therone. Keep doing ya thing! We need you in the lit world...

Therone Shellman :

Posted 49 days ago

Cherri- Yeah it will help them if they read it.

Cherri Millard :

Posted 53 days ago

Your book was very informing and will help any author/writer trying to get in the industry, keep up the good work!

Therone Shellman :

Posted 54 days ago

I tell you what this industry is changing very quickly. if you go in Borders now you'll see that a lot of the stores are facing books front cover up. Which means they're going to do the same thing they did with hip-hop music and start censoring. They made their money off black books, but they also realize that a lot of blacks are making money as well. They don't want to see this, b/ there is always the chance that someone gets smart and figures out how to break the chains between the wholesalers, distributors and mainstream stores. Right now they have a lock on the mainstream market and want to keep it this way. What happens in the next 2-3 years will decide the fate of the black book market. I say this b/c although you have the big names that have sold several thousands, built publishing houses etc None of them have done anything to sort of even out the playing field for black writers, publishers and professionals in this industry. They've made money for themselves, but their just as vulnerable as anyone else b/c they still have to give up the same percentages to exist in the mainstream market (and for the most part without the mainstream market they would collapse). The mainstream book market will change their policies in the near future and black publishers/especially urban lit ones will have a hard time getting their books in these stores (especially with explicit covers). The black book market is shrinking and will continue to b/c these stores are mostly owned by older blacks who do business the old way. History is the best teacher---I'm not going to tell you what I mean b/c most blacks do not take the time to learn history. Then they wonder why they cannot get ahead.

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