Philopsychy Press Self-Publishing Aids

Reference Books on Self-Publishing

• Literary Market Place (LMP): The Directory of the American Book Publishing Industry. R 070.5025 L712. An annual catalogue listing names and addresses of companies/ persons in the following categories: (1) US and Canadian book publishers, with geographic, subject, and type of publication indexes; (2) editorial services and agents; (3) advertising/public relations agencies, direct mailing services, book review syndicates, book clubs, and publicity in magazines, newspapers, radio, and television; (4) book manufacturing in all its various aspects; (5) wholesalers and various types of book distributors; (6) miscellaneous services and suppliers, including typing and word processing; (7) associations, events, courses, and awards; and (8) reference books and magazines.

• Aron Mathieu, The Book Market (New York: Andover Press, 1981). 070.52 M426B. This is a well-written book by a master of the publishing industry giving: (1) a thorough, empathetic description of how big (for-profit or university) publishing companies typically operate; (2) detailed advice for self-publishers, including numerous relevant names and addresses. Of special interest are the sample letters (e.g., requesting help from editors, readers, bookstores, etc.), found on pp.12-21, 262-263, 265, 267-268, 333-334, 353, 446.

• Bill Henderson (ed.), The Publish-it-Yourself Handbook , third edition (Wainscott, NY: Pushcart Press, 1987[1973]). 685.809 P96. A collection of 25 short articles giving inspirational testimonials by a variety of different self-publishers. The Appendix (pp.333-352) provides "Assorted How-To Tips" for prospective self-publishers.

• Henderson, p.x, lists:
  • Dan Poynter, The Self Publishing Manual ($14.95 from Para Publishing, P.O. Box 4232, Santa Barbara, CA 93140).
  • Tom and Marilyn Ross, The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing ($19.95 from Writer's Digest Books, 9933 Alliance Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242).
  • Small Press , a monthly magazine ($23.95 from Meckler Corporation, 11 Ferry Lane West, Westport, CT 06880).
  • Ad-Lib Publications (P.O. Box 1102, Fairfield, IA 5255), for a list of useful books.

• Book Review Index , ed. Neil E. Walker and Beverly Baer (Detroit & London: Gale Research Inc.). R 028.1 B644. An annual, first published in 1965, listing by author and by title all the books reviewed in numerous major journals.

• National Faculty Directory. R 378.1 N213. An annual alphabetical listing of the names and addresses of all faculty members at U.S. colleges and universities.

• The American Book Trade Directory. R 070.5 AM35.

• Book Publisher's Directory. R 070.502573 B644.

• Humanities Index. S 050 S013H.

• International Directory of Little Magazines and Small Presses.
• Small Press Record of Books in Print.
• The Small Press Review.
• Elliott Shore, Task Force on Alternatives in Print.
• Bill Henderson, The Art of Literary Publishing.
• Bill Henderson, Pushcart Press: Best of the Small Presses.
• Education Index.
• The American Library Directory.
• Alex Jackinson, The Barnum-Cinderella World of Publishing (Impact). A self-published book by a literary agent, describing the world of commercial publication. (Cf. Jackinson's article in Henderson, pp.277-288.)
• Mark Ortman, A Simple Guide to Self-Publishing ($7.95).
• "National Endowment for the Arts" gives generous grants ($1000/year) to artistic self-pubs. Does NEH have any equivalent?

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This page last updated on 29 September 1996

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