Local Book Publisher Makes Publishing Fun and Simple
By Tobe Brockner, Photography by Tobe Brockner and courtesy of Thinkstock
Author Joseph Epsteain cites that a study revealed over 81% of Americans would like to write and publish a book. That’s around 200 million people. Maybe you’re one of them. Maybe it’s a “how-to” book on something that you are particularly good at. Perhaps it’s a memoir that you’d like to leave for your kids or grandkids. Or it could be a novel that you’ve been dreaming about for the last several years.
However, writing a book can be an intimidating process. Take it from me, I’ve written two of them. It doesn’t have to be, though. In fact, if you approach it right, writing a book can be one of the most satisfying and enjoyable experiences of your life.
Getting That Book Out of Your Head and Onto Paper
Book publishing has become substantially more efficient in recent years due to advances in technology, the advent of self-publishing, and decreases in the cost of printing. In fact, what used to cost several thousands of dollars can now be done for a fraction of that cost.
The main thing you have to remember is that what you have to say is important. First time authors especially, grapple with the notion that no one really cares about what they have to say.
“That is absolutely untrue,” says Maryanna Young, owner of Aloha Publishing, based in Eagle. “Everyone is capable of writing a book. It’s just a 
matter of having the confidence to get started.”
Think about the books you have read that have made an impact on your life. Chances are, you have an almost emotional connection with the book. It’s like an old friend that you love to catch up with. As an author, you have a chance to leave this sort of legacy behind in the world.
Whether you realize it or not, it’s likely you already have everything you need to get started. Journals, notes, speeches, or presentations you have done can all provide a good starting point. Use that material to create a table of contents and organize your thoughts. Then start writing.
Getting Published
You make think that you basically have two options: self-publish (which means that you do everything yourself – from editing to cover design to printing) or publishing with a publishing house.
“Most people are unaware of a third option,” Maryanna says, “It’s what I call ‘done-with-you’ publishing and that’s the kind of publishing we do at Aloha.”
When you partner with Aloha, you share the responsibilities and publication costs with your publisher. This is a great option for an author who doesn’t want to go it alone, but are wary about approaching big publishers to get their book to market.
Maryanna explains, “The ‘done-with-you’ model can be a little more expensive than self-publishing, but you have more control over the process and you get a higher percentage of the royalties.”
Speaking from experience, I can tell you that the satisfaction of becoming a published author is unrivaled by nearly every other endeavor you will undertake in life. I hope that if you have a book in your head or heart that is itching to get out, you will take the next step and get it onto paper and into the hands of the world. Good luck and happy writing!
