Editing and Publishing Services?

[Armchair Apologist]

I am in the middle of writing a book and I was wondering if any of you have recommendations for those who do editing and publishing? I have a fairly tight budget but I'd like to have something that looks it was done professionally and worth someone's time to actually pick up and read!

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

 

[John of Japan]

If you believe the book is good enough, look for a literary agent. It is very difficult to get published by an actual publisher by simply sending in your manuscript. They get 100s of these in a year. Therefore, if you want to go that route, get a literary agent.

If you wish to self-publish, don't just take it down to your local printer. They may do a lousy job, messing up your title page, etc. There are various companies that do this. I've seen good products from Xulon Press, but their website is currently not responding. Anyway, look at the product before you go with any of them. Also, they may or may not do editing work for you. All authors without exception need an editor, no matter how good a writer they are. If you have a friend or relative who teaches English or creative writing or something like that, they would be your best bet.

Be aware that if you go the self publishing route, you may get a lot of profit, but probably not. Also, there are self-publishing companies that do your advertising for you, but some do not.

Then there is something called "print on demand." I don't know much about this, but my brother self-published a book and printed them up one at a time on a book printing machine somewhere (I don't remember where) when he got orders.

So, what is your book about?

 

[Armchair Apologist]

If you believe the book is good enough, look for a literary agent. It is very difficult to get published by an actual publisher by simply sending in your manuscript. They get 100s of these in a year. Therefore, if you want to go that route, get a literary agent.

If you wish to self-publish, don't just take it down to your local printer. They may do a lousy job, messing up your title page, etc. There are various companies that do this. I've seen good products from Xulon Press, but their website is currently not responding. Anyway, look at the product before you go with any of them. Also, they may or may not do editing work for you. All authors without exception need an editor, no matter how good a writer they are. If you have a friend or relative who teaches English or creative writing or something like that, they would be your best bet.

Be aware that if you go the self publishing route, you may get a lot of profit, but probably not. Also, there are self-publishing companies that do your advertising for you, but some do not.

Then there is something called "print on demand." I don't know much about this, but my brother self-published a book and printed them up one at a time on a book printing machine somewhere (I don't remember where) when he got orders.

So, what is your book about?

Thanks for the feedback.

I am likely going to go the "Self-Publishing" route for now. I expect that immediate distribution will be primarily my church and other churches and ministries I may be working with. I will probably put it on Amazon as well and see if this gets me any traction plus it would be very easy for me to tell people they can find my book on Amazon and I will not have to worry about having to haul them around wherever I go. My understanding is that there are publishing services that will provide editing, cover design, front matter, and so forth along with some marketing as you have mentioned. I'm mainly interested in seeing which of these services some here may have had experience and could recommend.

The working title of the book is "Essential Christianity: Understanding and Defending the Core Doctrines of the Historic Christian Faith."

I am basically defining the core doctrines (Inspiriation of scripture, virgin birth, deity of Christ, substitutionary atonement, second coming, etc.) at a level that would not bore a Bible College student (100/200 level or thereabouts) but would also be suitable for Sunday School and Small Group settings. Nothing earth-shattering or unique but perhaps put together in a way where the information is accessible and practical.

If it picks up any momentum, I am certain some of the "Big Name" guys will come knocking and wanting to get in on the action. Usually works out that way right?

 

[John of Japan]

Thanks for the feedback.

I am likely going to go the "Self-Publishing" route for now. I expect that immediate distribution will be primarily my church and other churches and ministries I may be working with. I will probably put it on Amazon as well and see if this gets me any traction plus it would be very easy for me to tell people they can find my book on Amazon and I will not have to worry about having to haul them around wherever I go. My understanding is that there are publishing services that will provide editing, cover design, front matter, and so forth along with some marketing as you have mentioned. I'm mainly interested in seeing which of these services some here may have had experience and could recommend.

The working title of the book is "Essential Christianity: Understanding and Defending the Core Doctrines of the Historic Christian Faith."

I am basically defining the core doctrines (Inspiriation of scripture, virgin birth, deity of Christ, substitutionary atonement, second coming, etc.) at a level that would not bore a Bible College student (100/200 level or thereabouts) but would also be suitable for Sunday School and Small Group settings. Nothing earth-shattering or unique but perhaps put together in a way where the information is accessible and practical.

These doctrines were called the "Fundamentals" back in 1915, and a set of 12 books were printed up and sent free all over the country. And that is how we got the name "Fundamentalists." But maybe you knew that.

If it picks up any momentum, I am certain some of the "Big Name" guys will come knocking and wanting to get in on the action. Usually works out that way right?

Sounds great. Go for it!

 

[Armchair Apologist]

These doctrines were called the "Fundamentals" back in 1915, and a set of 12 books were printed up and sent free all over the country. And that is how we got the name "Fundamentalists."

I started writing it some years ago from this standpoint. Distinguishing historic fundamentalism from what it has become today which I have coined "Hysterical Funny-Mental-ism." At the time, I had somewhat of a bone to pick and it showed in the tone of my writing. Most of the Bible references are King James and I am not hostile to my former KJVO background but am making it clear that such is no longer my position. It will be interesting to see how some of my hard-core "Ruckmanite" buddies will receive it. I am trying to add in some irreverent humor in areas where I feel I need to be critical towards certain crowds so at least they know I do not hate them or anyting!

I will stay as objective as possible regarding the differing eschatological views but I will be calling out much of the nonsense (historic and modern). and will do my best not to tip my hand too much regarding election and free will!

I have felt impressed that the information is of value today for discipleship and a means by which one can make their church "Cult Proof." I have rewritten most of it accordingly and to make it more relevant to the challenges of today. The term "Fundamentalism" has a bad rap these days and since the term has been so badly misused, it is likely misunderstood (as is the name "Baptist") and I did not want to turn off potential readers by using the term in the title! It's certainly not going to be 12 volumes. I anticipate no more than around 250-300 pages set in a easily readable font type, size and formatting with perhaps a few illustrations as needed.

 

[John of Japan]

I started writing it some years ago from this standpoint. Distinguishing historic fundamentalism from what it has become today which I have coined "Hysterical Funny-Mental-ism." At the time, I had somewhat of a bone to pick and it showed in the tone of my writing. Most of the Bible references are King James and I am not hostile to my former KJVO background but am making it clear that such is no longer my position. It will be interesting to see how some of my hard-core "Ruckmanite" buddies will receive it. I am trying to add in some irreverent humor in areas where I feel I need to be critical towards certain crowds so at least they know I do not hate them or anyting!

I will stay as objective as possible regarding the differing eschatological views but I will be calling out much of the nonsense (historic and modern). and will do my best not to tip my hand too much regarding election and free will!

I have felt impressed that the information is of value today for discipleship and a means by which one can make their church "Cult Proof." I have rewritten most of it accordingly and to make it more relevant to the challenges of today. The term "Fundamentalism" has a bad rap these days and since the term has been so badly misused, it is likely misunderstood (as is the name "Baptist") and I did not want to turn off potential readers by using the term in the title! It's certainly not going to be 12 volumes. I anticipate no more than around 250-300 pages set in a easily readable font type, size and formatting with perhaps a few illustrations as needed.

Where I minister we are old school fundamentalists: not KJVO, not super separatists, majoring on evangelism and prayer and the Word of God.

It's sad where most of independent Baptist fundamentalism is today. They are not at all the fundamentalism I grew up with: John R. Rice (a first generation fundamentalist), Bob Jones Sr., Monroe Parker (a mentor), etc.