Main   Excerpt   About the Author   Fact Sheet   Suggested Interview Questions   Press Release   Reviews  

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars
A must-have book for any author

There were five books on self-publishing already on my shelf when Linda Radke's The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing arrived but it soon became apparent that her book is the best. If you plan to self-publish your own book you need Radke's book. Even if you do not self-publish, her Economical Guide contains a lot of good contact information and marketing advice on things like radio interviews and signing in bookstores.
December 23, 2010
Thomas P. Mckenna

5.0 out of 5 stars
Much More Than Self-Publishing

The title of this book might have put you off. You might have said, "I'm not self-publishing." Whether you self-publish or use a traditional publisher, you can learn something from this book.

Here's one quick example from this book. It includes contributions from other writers and includes a brief article from John Kremer and Marie Kiefer called Seven-Soul Searching Commandments for Self-Publishers. I want to focus on their seventh commandment: Ten Minutes Per Day. They write, "Are you willing to spend at least ten minutes a day for the next three years marketing your book? This is a commitment that you must keep. If you are not willing to spend ten minutes each and every day marketing a book, let someone else do it--someone who believes in your book enough to spend a few minutes every day marketing it. In just ten minutes, you can make at least three contacts per day. Write influential buyers. Phone key media people. Network with contacts that can lead to other buyers, media, and associations. Three contacts per day comes out to about 1,000 contacts each year. If you make 1,000 appropriate contacts, you can't not sell books. I know that's a double negative, so I'll rephrase it. If you make 1,000 contacts per year, you will sell books. In fact, you can't miss." (page 136)

This book is packed with golden nuggets and every author can apply the information to their own book. I recommend it.

March 30, 2010
W. Terry Whalin
"Publisher/ Editor/ Writer"


Linda F. Radke, owner of Five Star Publishing, has written a book that will enlighten and assist authors on a journey down the road to publication with ease and understanding. I was so surprised to open this book and find so many secrets revealed. Not only will readers get helpful tips on formatting, typesetting, grammar and working with an independent contractor but they will also get examples and first hand experiences laid out to help the reader better understand the process. With the help of other writers Radke provides detailed insight on the parts of the book, which if you are planning to do any sort of Print On Demand the order of these pages are key.

Not only does Radke give a step-by-step instruction on the process of self-publication you get insight on what it means to be short run, typesetting, scanning and formatting. She lists examples of all the publishing options such as standard, self and partnership publication opportunities. She even talks about how you can start your own self-publishing company like she did. You will learn about which pieces of office equipment will be needed and why it is important in regards to starting a business. She also offers help with filing, shipping and freight information. These are also very important factors in getting your book to the public and being easily accessible by interested parties.

Every aspect of the publishing process is in this book. Readers learn how to market and promote as well as how to utilize media kits. The thing that impressed me the most is the information here can be used for writers who aren’t considering self-publication. Radke gives tips on how to get your book on the radio, and television. Anywhere else this information would be sold. Each bit of information Each bit of information offered in this book is priceless.

Radke has everything you need to get your book published and out to the buyer in one easy to read place. You will not want to put this book down. Think of this book as a reference guide. In the back of the book Radke provides an A-Z glossary of words to help you better understand meanings of commonly used words in reference to self-publishing. You will use it often and it will be of great help to you. Thank you Linda for opening this door to self-publication. Any fears I had about this process have vanished.

Review Date: January 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Kristi Bernard
BookPleasures.com

The world of self-publishing is exploding, with thousands of authors taking the plunge into this exciting endeavor every month. The rewards can be great, but so too, can be the risks. The budding self-publisher must be careful and spend his/her money wisely, particularly in these tough economical times. Fortunately, Linda F. Radke has come to the rescue with her newly updated book, The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing, to safely guide authors through the ins and outs of publishing, while also advising where to spend, how much to spend, and when not to spend those hard earned dollars.

The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing breaks down the rather confusing and mutli-step task of publishing a book into simple to understand sections beginning with editing a manuscript all the way through publication and, just as important but so often overlooked by new authors, marketing. What makes this book stand out from so many of the other books offered to aspiring authors is that Radke includes sections on many of the tools authors will need to successfully run their own business. In clear, concise, easy-to-understand language, the author gives an overview of various items including printers, invoices, banking, prepayment options, contracts, mailing list sources, shipping, flyers, and even how to be a good guest on TV as well as a myriad of other topics. Of course, Radke also covers the more common subjects such as copyright, where to get an ISBN, cover design and press releases.

The author includes several essays written by others (an editor, typesetter, publicist, etc.) who offer their valuable expertise. The one I found particularly interesting was 'When Disaster Strikes, Strike Back!' by Lynda Exley. Written about her and her son's experience with promoting their book, this essay is funny and yet, informative. Every author will likely relate to their mistakes while promoting a book.

Of course, the title of this book implies money saving ideas and the text doesn't disappoint. Getting free publicity is something every author wants and Radke offers tips on how to proceed to clinch an interview. The author also looks at other ways to save money such as using short print runs; the importance of printing bids; partnership publishing; and co-opportunities. Indeed, throughout The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing, there are countless tips to control the budget of the new author.

Quill says:
Get a copy of this book before you delve into the world of self-publishing.
Review Date: October 2009
Reviewed by: Holly Connors
FeatheredQuill.com

5.0 out of 5 stars
*An Instructive Time And Money Saving Handbook*

"THE ECONOMICAL GUIDE TO SELF-PUBLISHING" is an essential tool needed for successful Self-Publication, which offers great support to be in today's very competitive market. This unique book introduces an incredibly powerful concept of Self-Publishing, and how it works.

This simple, easy-to-read guide explains how to get started, while clearly describing what the author needs to know. This complete guide to Self-Publishing offers a professional, author-friendly book publishing environment, directing the reader to the best possible opportunities to achieve success with their book. I recommend this book to all writers, authors, and Self-Publishers. Linda F. Radke presents facts of interest as she walks you through the Self-Publishing process, outlining steps of how to stay in control, without facing authorship in total darkness. Most important, she demonstrates how the Self-Publishing experience can be a success, while saving money. This informative, skillfully written guide is a useful resource for the presentation of your first book, covering the journey from your manuscript to promotions. "THE ECONOMICAL GUIDE TO SELF-PUBLISHING" is as interesting as THE SECRETS OF SELF-PUBLISHING, and as practical as THE COMPLETE SELF-PUBLISHING HANDBOOK. In today's evolving book publishing industry, authors are taking control of their writing, and book publishing options. Linda F. Radke will lead the way, and open the golden door to opportunity, and success.

July 16, 2009
Geraldine Ahearn "Author Geri Ahearn"


A new trend seems to be developing in the world of publishing and now more than ever before, authors are looking at self publishing. Why? The reasons are many. The advancement of publishing technology makes self-publishing much easier than ever before.

For me it was maintaining complete control of my book and the potential for making a profit was much greater. My own book is now in its third printing and about to go to a fourth. If I had it to do all over again, I would definitely self-publish, but the first thing I would do is buy a copy of “The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing.” Following the examples outlined in Linda F. Radke’s book takes the guess work out of doing it yourself. She covers every aspect of publishing yourself, from the very basic to the more advanced. There is no doubt this book will serve as your step-by-step guide to success in your own publishing quest.

Cliff Johnson
Author; Wrong Side of the River
Misty Peak Publishing


By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)

5.0 out of 5 stars For anyone aspiring to publish their own work, April 13, 2009

Even in the present economic climate that has compelled the major publishing houses to cut back the numbers of titles they produce, it has never been easier to publish a book -- or sell one. In "The Economical Guide To Self-Publishing: How To Produce And Market Your Book On A Budget", Linda F. Radke draws upon her more than 24 years of experience and expertise as a publisher whose Five Star Publications has produced award-winning and commercially successful books that were traditionally published, self-published, and published through limited partnerships. The result is a compendium of solid, practical, step-by-step information that takes the aspiring author from manuscript to published book, and then on to the tasks of marketing, promotion, publicity, and sales. "The Economical Guide To Self-Publishing" covers such issues as transforming a manuscript into a typeset book; recruiting illustrators and editors; obtaining copyrights, ISBN numbers, and bar codes; getting printing bids; publishing as a home business; developing mailing lists; even handling interviews. Of special note is what "The Economical Guide To Self-Publishing" offers by way of strategies and tactics for effectively marketing a book on a limited budget. Enhanced with an appendix listing useful publications and associations for the self-published author, “The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing.” is highly recommended reading and an invaluable resource and 'do-it-yourself' reference for anyone aspiring to publish their own work.

ISBN 978-1-58985-101-6
$ 19.95
Published by Five Star Publications, Inc.
Published 2nd Ed. January 2009
Softbound
170 pp

Other related items that you might enjoy:
Promote Like a Pro