Dan Poynter on writing nonfiction books

If you are thinking of self publishing, then you need to know who Dan Poynter is and what he does. Poynter is the author of the seminal The Self-Publishing Manual. It is considered the bible for self-publishers. Even author-publishers who do not follow his model will still have a copy of the latest edition.

Poynter started publishing his own books in the late 1960s and has not stopped. He now travels the world as the self-publishing guru. He teaches writers and publishers how they can succeed almost without regard to the topic. After all, his first books were on parachutes and hang-gliding.

Dan Poynter loves to share his knowledge on self-publishing. You will want to listen to this video. You will also want to consider buying his book or checking it out of the library.

There are many reasons to self-publish a book, but they break down into these few statements:

• I want greater control of my book including the publishing process; and/or
• I want to make more money than a contract with a traditional publisher would allow; and/or
• No traditional publisher will touch my book, but I think it is still worthwhile.

Control is a very good thing. It is why, after having published three books traditionally, I started self-publishing and have never looked back. Yes, I have made more money this way absolutely. As for that third one, if I so desired, I could go back and get a traditional publishing contract of 10% net. No, thank you. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt!

I would rather have greater control, make more money, and define my own future. This is what Dan Poynter (and others) have taught me.