A Great Introduction to the Cluttered Field of Self-Publishing DeFilippo has jammed this small book slap full of information the self-published author or those considering joining the self-published ranks need to read. At 88 pages, it requires little in the way of time investment. DeFilippo owns a publishing company for self-publishers, so the reader should be aware of that. However, she gives a fair appraisal of the business and spends equal time on important factors that are not services her company offers, so I believe she has approached the topic fairly and honestly. The book details the self-publishing process, breaking it into six steps. This takes this overwhelming topic and tames it for the average reader, creating a guidebook that is worth much, much more than its price of free. Never pass on free when the product is legitimate. This is very much a niche book for those considering or already involved is self-publishing, and I recommend it, therefore, to all falling into this category. You won't be sorry.

The Essentials for Authors Considering DIY Well, here it is. In a little 79-page nutshell. The basics for any writer thinking about publishing a book on his or her own. It dispels the idea that anyone can or should self-publish. As Author Michele DeFilippo says, "It ain't easy." She then provides a roadmap--indeed a very succinct Mapquest directional--to the basics an author needs to know in order to produce a professional product (and yes, a book is a product!). Indeed, it will help authors evaluate whether this is a project they really want to tackle. And to avoid some pitfalls many first-time authors fall into when they decide to go for it. "Publish Like the Pros" is a little short on resources, but a book can't be everything to everyone. This book calls itself a "Brief Guide." It also uses the words "QUALITY Self-Publishing." Generally speaking, this is the perfect way to get started. "Brief" and "Quality" being keywords.

Pay Now So You Don't Have to Pay Later Within 78 pages, Michele DeFilippo packs a lot of information. It's one of those gems that deliver a kick-butt reality check as to WHY every newbie and oldie author needs to step to the publishing plate and create non-cheesy looking as well as written books. DeFilippo is an insider, she gets a lot of garbage in her studios; when they exit, it's a total makeover. As the CEO of 1106 Design in Phoenix AZ, she knows books. Her goal is to keep you out of the publishing trash heap visually, as well as eliminate the common misspellings, grammar hiccups, overdone use of clichés that the newbie author too often uses not to mention the mess organization of many of the books she routinely sees. When it comes to the design of the book itself, she goes through her six steps to create a quality book: Step 1: Cover Design Step 2: Manuscript Editing Step 3: Interior Layout Step 4: Proofreading Step 5: Corrections and Final Review Step 6: Digital File Prep Also included is information about distribution, pricing, marketing ... now with 78 pages, this section is more of a quick glimpse, but it's a glimpse you need to be tuned into. As she reminds the reader, "You pay now, or pay later ..." As someone who has seen too many books that should have avoided the RTP Syndrome--Rush to Publish, this is a good one to read through as a quick reminder for your To Do publishing list. Slow it down, get it right and done right. Then, you too, can publish like the pros. Judith Briles, author of Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms