Resources: Publishing Part 2: Self-Publishing

Yesterday, we looked at traditional publishing and I pointed you in the direction of some resources you could use to learn about it. Even if you've already decided to self-publish, I strongly suggest learning everything you can about the traditional publishing industry. It affects self-publishing.

When I decided to self-publish, I read a lot. I read blogs and articles on and from traditional publishers and authors, and I read blogs and articles on and from self-published authors and independent presses. Just about everyone had something useful to share, some bit of information or advice I was able to add to what I'd already learned to deepen my understanding and better help me define my goals and set reasonable expectations.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: goals and reasonable expectations are musts if you go this route.

The Industry

• Self-Publishing Resources 
• Cnet: Self-Publishing a Book: 25 Things You Need to Know
• The Shared Self-Publishing Experience
• Self-Publishing Review
• Writing.com: Self-Publishing Information and Links

The Wildly Successful

• Amanda Hocking 
• John Locke

The Nitty Gritty

• eHow: How to Self-Publish a Book 
• Inc.com: How to Self-Publish Your Book
• Seeking the Write Life: Self Publishing IMO tag
• Terrible Minds: "self publishing" search results
• Writer's Helper: Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing

Distribution

• Amazon
• Smashwords

These links are by no means comprehensive (and neither is yesterday's list), but they're all good places to start.