Self-Publishing with Amazon (4 Books in 1)

I have just finished using Chris McMullen's Self-Publishing with Amazon (4 Books in 1) as my sole guidance for self-publishing and have successfully launched my first book in Kindle and Paperback formats! His book provided all the guidance and detailed instructions that I needed to get it done. Make no mistake, the process is tedious, but that is unavoidable unless you want to pay one of those services $1,500 to do what this book teaches you to do yourself. McMullen's book made it possible to get to a successful conclusion. Thank you for opening the door for first-time DIY self-publishers.

I've on read a couple of chapters so far,plus browsed a few other sections....I can already give it 5 stars because ,as far as I can see, ity really leads you by the hand through self-publishing on Amazon. Some people say that,being 4 books in one,that there is some repetition later on. I don't doubt it,because the repetition would be relating to good points from a previous book....remember this is 4 books combined into one I;m definitely going to read the entire book....it's the size of a small town phone book.....I've bought a couple of books on the same subject.....this is better.

I'd have to give Vols 1 & 2 5 stars, as these volumes contain very valuable and detailed information for the first-time self-publisher. I wish I had this volume two years ago when I was writing an academic manuscript, as McMullen's details about formatting would have saved me days of hair-pulling frustration. The reader of this "boxed set" should be warned: Volumes 3 & 4 are the overview versions of Volumes 1 & 2. So, if you're looking for broader treatment of the ins and outs of self-publishing, read 3 & 4 first, then when you're ready to actually do the nitty-gritty of formatting, proofing, and editing, open volumes 1 & 2 for detailed (I mean, key-stroke-by-key-stroke details) on how to format, create covers, build interior tables, etc. If you persist (as I did) and actually read all four volumes page-by-page, you will begin to wonder why McMullen packaged vols 3 & 4 with 1 & 2, since much of 3 & 4 is redundant (word-for-word redundant in many places). There are some glaring problems that only a careful reading will expose (some might call it proofreading). For instance, in volumes 3 & 4, there are many grammatical errors that should have been caught in the proofing process (missing pronouns, dropped verbs, etc). This violates the copious advice that McMullen offers regarding the how's and why's of careful proofreading as a mark of professional writing/publishing. There is one glaring discrepancy between Vol 1 and Vol 4 when it comes to calculating royalties using CreateSpace. On p. 147, author cost is represented as $2.15 for up to 108 pages and $0.012 per page over 108. On p. 509, author cost is represented as $2.15 for up to 108 pages and $0.85 plus $0.012 per page over 108. This contradiction would only show up when one reads the whole set. I point this out since it, too, violates McMullen's argument in favor of print-on-demand publishing where he says that as facts change, the author can go into his/her work, make the changes, and release a more current and accurate printing/version. The problem with this "boxed set" is that the information (whichever is correct) was not changed in both places. The reader will also notice that the font changes between Vols 1 & 2 and Vols 3 & 4. In 1 & 2, the san serif Calibri font is used, in 3 & 4 is found Georgia. Readers might wish to compare those different fonts to see which is easier on the eye. Personally, I found the Georgia to be a far more comfortable font style (this is offered in case McMullen was testing his market and wanted some feedback). I would certainly recommend this set to a would-be self-publisher. I answers questions most of us would never even think to ask, and the details (particularly in Vols 1 & 2) are worth far more than the cover price of the set. Just be forewarned that you'll find yourself thinking, "Haven't I read this before?" when you move into Vols 3 & 4. (NOTE: these comments refer to the set that was ordered on May 19, 2016 and printed on May 20, 2016)

Well, most importantly I have to say that I was able to use this to publish my own book an Amazon successfully. By the time I actually submitted my files to CreateSpace the only errors I received were non-critical (I could have gone ahead and finalized the draft with no changes and everything would have been fine). As it was I made a couple minor tweaks after receiving the proof and I was done. The guidance on how to create my own cover, which I had expected to pay someone to do, was worth the price of the book all by itself. So all the information you need is definitely here, and more. My only quibble is that the book is very repetitive. You do get 4 books in 1, and it's in a very large single volume - not the 4 book set that you might be expecting from the image. Not only do some of the volumes repeat advice from other volumes, but McMullen's style is somewhat repetitive as well - he likes to explain things a number of ways. That's probably great for some, and it wasn't more than a minor annoyance for me, but the book would benefit from a restructuring. I think it could be half the size and still be just as valuable, perhaps with more prominent use of checklists for those that just need a list of points to go through every time they prepare a new book. Some of the references to CreateSpace screens are a bit outdated as well, though that's to be expected. I was still able to figure out what to do, and as I said, I did use it to successfully publish my first book, so many thanks to the author for this resource.

The self-publishing book (four books in one) is the most comprehensive instructions on publishing through "Amazon KDP" that I know off that has ever been written. Studying this book is the equivalent to a semester in college on promoting a self published book. To all of you first timer authors, it is well worth it's price. You will not be disappointed.

This is one of the best resource books I've seen in a very long time, and I'm an educator. It is detailed, comprehensive, and easy to use. It is quite clear that the author spent lots of time in preparing this reference book. His approach is friendly and objective. If you plan on self-publishing through Amazon, then this is a must read! A++++. Well done, Chris!

Great Book! I am getting ready to publish my first book. I was looking for information on how to accomplish this. This book has EVERYTHING you need to publish your book Soft bound or e-book. Glad I purchased it. Thanks Chris

As thick as a telephone book, this book at first skim looks like it will be a big help to a wary self-publisher. I'm taking notes as I gather the courage to begin the journey with Amazon. Thank you.

Detailed information with lots of practical tips on both writing books and using Amazon to sell them.

Its a lot of reading

Great advice on formatting books for kindle and create space. Bought it for myself and friends.

It is too much. It tries to be everything you need and gives lots of advice about layout etc. However, the technical advice dates the moment he writes it. He would be better off having youtube videos for some parts and get to grips with what I wanted - namely, a walk through of getting published. Not a zillion word step by step. I liked the idea of a reference book, but it isn't four books, it's one giant book that overwhelms you. I'm not saying it's bad, I'm saying it didn't deliver what I was hoping for.

This book is very help full to people that need help with self publishing their books.