Thursday, November 15, 2007

Instant Gratification for Writers?

I just encountered an interesting enterprise, http://www.48hrbooks.com/. This company promises to print and send fifty or more copies of an uploaded book in about two days (even less time if you are willing to pay extra). The cost can be less than $5 per copy without extras; of course ISBN number, bar code, cover design, file conversion to PDF, etc. cost extra, as they do with other, similar companies.

As you know if you read my blogs, I am an advocate of POD publishing for books not likely to attract wide audiences, especially for those of us too old and/or impatient to wait through years of rejections and fading hope. However, while I have used http://www.lulu.com/, where the process takes only a week or so (with no copy minimum), I wonder if 48hrbooks.com is going too far? Will someone dash off a quick, low-quality book and regret it within two days?

I still think writing takes a reasonable amount of thought and planning. In fairness, I assume that this service is mainly for books that have previously been completed, and it offers a way to finally get that book from computer to printed book. I also see it as of possible use to procrastinators with family stories ready to send out as holiday gifts. I imagine there are business uses, too: quickly-needed training manuals and other documents. The company offers formats other than the standard paperback book.

I have not tried this service; if anyone does, please keep me informed. It certainly illustrates the changes computers have made in the publishing world. Whether those changes are good or bad (or more likely, a mixture of the two) is still to be determined. However, I do like the idea of the many possibilities available for those who write. Let's hope we learn to use them wisely.

Copyright 2007 by Marlys Marshall Styne

6 comments:

storyteller said...

Thanks for the links. One day I may decide to seek publication (beyond my two blogs) and I'm sure this info will come in handy.

Since you're one of the few "bloggers" I've "met" in this virtual world (and since I was recently "tagged" for "7 Random Things" ... I've tagged YOU. Rules (along with my list) can be found today (11-18-07) at Small Reflections, should you choose to play.

If you haven't visited my sites lately you'll be surprised at how busy I've been. This Blogging stuph is engaging and fun! :)

FYI -- I actually posted an original "shape poem" at my other site, Sacred Ruminations, on Wednesday, Nov. 14th ... discovering after the fact my signature shows up so I guess I've "outted" myself and am no longer "A Nonny Mouse" known solely as "storyteller" (chuckling here) Such is life, right?
Hugs and blessings,

seniorwriter said...

I'll check out the "tagging" thing. You're so right about blooging; it is addictive! As for self publishing, I've made quite a study of it. I've used Infinity and Lulu.com, and both were good experiences. As for being anonymous, I'm obviously not. I'm all over the Internet, and since I have good spam filters, I've had no problems. Thanks for responding to my blog.

Anonymous said...

I know a few people who have used 48HrBooks, and they were very happy with the results. After spending months (sometimes years) writing their books, they had book signings scheduled, but no books to sign. 48HrBooks came through for them.

seniorwriter said...

Thanks, Anonymous. I'm sure that there are a lot of interesting unpublished books in drawers and closets everywhere that deserve a chance. Traditional publishing seems to be mostly about money, but perhaps self-publishing will evenentually shed its bad name.

Anonymous said...

48hrbooks.c om is an excellent way to get your books printed if you have the resources. they have excellent ways of making your book the way you wat it, tjey send you electronic and printed proofs within the first two days of your order being placed, and the books will be out accordingly. the staff is as friendly as you will find, and also they are multi purpose. they have a division that also prints businesss cards, letterheads, brochures, etc...

they are FANTASTIC.

Anonymous said...

Thanks very much for these excellent links, I'm aiming to bookmark your blog as a result for my book publishers