How to get Started
“I have always wanted to write a book.”
“I started writing a book and got stuck.”
“I have been not writing a book for years."
"I am tired of rejection letters."
Those are the kinds of comments we hear again and again from authors. Digital printing has opened the door for authors, with help from a custom publisher like Middle River Press, to publish their book. We can show you how.
There are many web-based companies that can help you publish your book—do a Google search and you’ll see—just remember that there is a cost for everything, and sometimes what seems like the cheapest solution may not be the best. Often, authors need more help than they think. A quality company will tell you up-front how much work your book needs and how much it will cost for editing, proofreading and printing. Every author needs a good editor.
Large publishers want big names, and few take a risk on unknown authors. Most conventional publishers have no interest in small print runs or stories aimed at niche markets. So what does that mean to you, your story, and your book? It means you should do it yourself. Here are some answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about publishing:
Where do I start?
The first thing you need to do is get your manuscript into shape. Don’t worry that it isn’t perfect. It’s easy to edit a manuscript; the important thing is to get your story down.
What software do I use?
Microsoft Word is a good way to write and edit your manuscript. So is WordPerfect or any mainstream word processing software, and any computer platform will work fine. You probably have the software you need on your computer now. Get started.
What about pictures?
Photographs can add impact and information to your story. Scans should be high resolution (300 dots per inch is a good standard for quality reproduction). Save those scans as TIFF or EPS files. We can scan and image the photographs for you as an option.
How much does it cost?
All of our books are created specifically for the author's needs and wants so we don't have a simple price list. We offer a variety of sizes and options to meet any budget, and our unique process allows you to oversee production of your book every step of the way. We encourage writers to have their manuscript copy-edited and we insist on a proof read of the final text. We give a no obligation quote on publishing your book once you provide us with some specific information including word count, binding style, page size and quantity. If you have a manuscript that follows a story line with a beginning, middle and end you are off to a good start.
How many books do I need?
We recommend printing a minimum of 50 copies, and if it’s a book of interest outside your friends and family, then 300 is a good number to start with, but the sky is the limit. If you end up with a best seller, more books can be ordered later. We can print any quantity of books.
Custom publishing is an alternative for authors to share their stories outside the traditional publishing world. It is the perfect option for people who want to publish personal projects, or projects that appeal to smaller audiences, such as families or groups. It's economical and easier than ever before. So dust off that manuscript if you have started one, finish it, or sit down and start writing. If you need help you can contact us through info@MiddleRiverPress.com. We will be happy to look at your manuscript and give you some facts and figures with no obligation.