Exciting times when a new book is published: particularly if it’s your first one.
What a lovely feeling to see and handle the proof copy of our latest new book.
What’s more it’s the second book that I have released by self publishing.
Helen, my wife, is a bridal hairdresser and she has recently written her first book to help brides, based on her experiences preparing them for their big day.
Helen became involved in the wedding industry, by chance – a few years ago, when a bride asked her to step in at the last minute – because her hairdresser had let her down.
Since then (along the way and scores of weddings later) Helen has found herself acting not only as a bridal hair specialist but as an advisor, soother and sometimes mediator on many wedding mornings.
How Personal Experience Can Produce a Product You Can Sell
On more than one occasion Helen’s brides have suggested that she write a book to share her knowledge.
When it comes to it, even the most organised of brides can find it difficult to cope with the pressures of the actual morning; often needing help to get them to get organised, calmed and confident – thus reducing their stress levels!
So one cold and snow covered January morning, when travel anywhere in Somerset was out of the question, Helen poured a drink, settled into the sofa and started to jot down some notes.
The result is Helen’s new wedding planner book ’100 Tips For A Stress-Free Wedding Morning’ - now available from Amazon; or it can be ordered direct from her website at www.bridalhairbyhelen.co.uk
Print on Demand with Lightning Source
Once the book had been written and was ready to go I used Lightning Source (the web based Print On Demand service) to get the book printed and distributed.
What’s great about using Lightning Source to self publish is that once the book had been technically approved by them, and the proof accepted by us, then it gets listed on Amazon, amongst other booksellers, within a few days.
The only small disappointment, we have discovered, is the small delay getting the books delivered.
Because our first two books have colour content, and Lightning Source prints its colour books in the US, it means there is a delay getting orders delivered as they ship them over to the UK. As a consequence, we have taken some into stock ourselves so we can despatch a copy within a few days; rather than wait a week from the US.
But getting worldwide distribution is a big thing for a small publisher, so we are not too concerned by this hindrance. Time will tell how it affects orders.
Now, with two books under my belt through Lightning Source, I’m really ‘into it’ and look forward to my next project.
I’ve got a few ideas to get my teeth into: if only there were more hours in the day!
If you have plans to write your own book, or have just finished writing one, then have a look at Lightning Source as your printer and distributor.
If you have any questions, get in touch and I’ll do my best to help.
