Research Guides: Creative Writing: Self Publishing

Self-Publishing Resources

Smashwords Style Guide by Mark Coker
Call Number: ebook
ISBN: 9781452300023
Publication Date: 2008-05-05
The Smashwords Style Guide has helped thousands of authors produce and publish high-quality ebooks. This free Guide offers simple step-by-step instructions to format an ebook, and is required reading for any author who wants to distribute their book via Smashwords to major ebook retailers such as the Apple iBookstore, Barnes & Noble, Sony, Kobo and Diesel.
The Self-Publishing Manual by Dan Poynter
Call Number: ebook
ISBN: 9781568601342
Publication Date: 2007-04-27
The Self-Publishing Manual, more effectively and successfully than any other book, has turned writers with an idea into successful authors with books by providing solid, usable information in clear, concise, readable lanugage. This is not the stuff of theory, it is the product of hard-earned experience.
Indie Publishing by Ellen Lupton (Editor)
Call Number: ebook
ISBN: 9781568987606
Publication Date: 2008-11-03
Indie Publishing is a practical guide to creating and distributing printed books regardless of your background, skill set, or ambition. It will help you realize projects of every scale and budget, from the traditional bookmaking techniques used to create zines to the more ambitious industrial production methods required to produce hardcover books in large quantity.

Bibliocrunch
Provides access to vetted, trusted book publishing professionals.
The Creative Penn
Author Joanna Penn shares her experiences and knowledge in writing, publishing and marketing your book.
NewPages
Provides news, information, and guides to literary magazines, independent publishers, creative writing programs, alternative periodicals, indie bookstores, writing contests, and more.
Publetariat
Writers are immersed in a sea of material, including articles, editorials, and proficient counsel regarding all facets of self-publishing and small presses (Kate DiGirolomo)
The Writer's Digest
Offers a wide range of writing services, as well as free articles and blog posts from publishing insiders on writing for publication in several genres and forms and other free content such as writing prompts.

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Visit our Primo Research Guide if you have any questions.

We suggest using the recommended databases first, but Google Scholar can offer additional sources.

Begin your research with an initial search in Primo, and then explore subject-specific databases for more targeted results.
Utilize Boolean search terms to enhance your search effectiveness: AND narrows results to those containing both search terms; OR expands results to include either search term (not necessarily both); and NOT eliminates results containing the specified term.
Commence with a general search, refining it to become more specific as needed. If you possess a basic understanding of your desired focus, search using a broad term and narrow it down based on available resources.
Examine the subject terms and keywords used in the articles you discover. If they appear relevant, consider incorporating them into your search terms. Should your results be too extensive, add supplementary search terms to refine your inquiry further.
To search for a specific phrase, enclose it in quotation marks. This ensures the search engine looks for the exact phrase, rather than each word individually. For instance, searching "To be or not to be" will yield that precise phrase, rather than individual words.
To locate a word or phrase within an article PDF, e-book, or webpage, use the CTRL and F keys to open a search box that scans the text within a document. Remember to maintain a formal tone and employ an informative writing style in English throughout your research process.

If you need more, check our advanced guide to Database Search Tips.