Ten Best Self-Publishing Websites

So you are considering the self-publishing journey? My advice to you is to think carefully before you start. Yes, I've made money on the deal. Yes, the folks on the list below have made more money than me on the deal.

That being said, many people lose money on it. If you want to self-publish, but you do not want to be in business, walk away now. Self-publishing is a business, pure and simple.

However, if I have not scared you off, I do offer the ten websites below as places to start learning what it is you do not know. It is by no means a complete list, but it has been invaluable to me.These are in no particular order.

1. Parapublishing is the website of the grandfather of self-publishing, Dan Poyter. His The Self-Publishing Manual is the first book that most of us bought (but we certainly didn't stop there and neither should you). In addition to his numerous articles, his site has vast resources, both free and for sale, that will get you started.

2. Bookmarket.com is the website of the ultimate book marketer, John Kremer. No, it is not enough to get a book printed. People have to actually buy it and John is the man that can make that happen for you. His book, 1001 Ways to Market your Books, is a standard reference on book marketing.

3. Midwest Book Review is the review source for independent publishers. While smaller publishers can often be shut out of the major reviewers (and reviews are definitely worth sales), MBR is there for us.

4. The Publishing Game is the website of self-publishing guru Fern Reiss. Fern Reiss has fast become one of the new generation of self-publishing experts. Her The Publishing Game series is a must-buy, but her website also offers many free goodies that you will want to use and read.

5. Small Publishers Association of North America is one of the two large professional organizations for self-publishers. While smaller than IBPA, it has worked hard to be innovative and provide real services for its members.

6. Independent Book Publishers Association is the other large professional organization for self-publishers. Yes, you will want to join both. Here's a hint: Use the free and discounted things you get as a result of your membership.

7. Self-Publishing Yahoogroup is sponsored by SPAN and should be the first stop for anyone serious about learning what it means to be a self-publisher. Ask all those newbie questions here.

8. Self Publishing with Morris Rosenthal is a blog that I read every day. So should you. In the spring of 2008, Morris started a series of videos. I have watched them all. So should you. Morris is the author of Print-on-Demand Self-Publishing.

9. Aaron Shepard's Publishing Page has a blog plus many resources for those of us who focus on selling books on Amazon. You will want to get a copy of Shepard's Aiming at Amazon book. It's pure gold!

10. Gropen Associates is the website of Marion Gropen. Remember when I said that self-publishing business was a business. Marion is the leading expert on making you understand just that. Her specialty is business and accounting as it relates to publishing.

While it doesn't get a number, my SmallPress Blogand Self Publishing World are my contributions to the self-publishing community. Small Press Blog details the efforts of my company, Degree Press, but it also has interviews with movers and shakers in the self-publishing community. Self Publishing World brings together blogs and articles from across the Internet.

Do you want to know a secret? There really are not ten best self-publishing websites. Clearly the addition of some of those entries have a direct correlation to my own style of self-publishing.

And that is okay.

Anyone familiar with the self-publishing community could easily come up with an additional ten websites that provide valuable information. So, feel free to share your favorite website in the Comments section below.