Funding

  I submitted my poem book to two publishing houses. Both responded and I selected what I believed to be the better deal. I paid upfront (with some assistance). At this time, I do not have to pay for marketing and other promotion costs. 

I did not think of GoFundMe or other crowdfunding platforms to publish the book. (I am surprised that so many people do - I found the examples: https://www.gofundme.com/f/turning-passion-into-a-published-book, https://www.gofundme.com/f/gumu6m-publish-my-memoir, and https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-to-publish-an-eco-childrens-book). With this approach, you are counting on the kindness of your community.

(I used GoFundMe in the past to raise funds. I know that a lot of people use it to raise funds to cover medical expenses. https://www.gofundme.com/discover/medical-fundraiser. I am not considering GoFundMe at this time.) 

 

Path to Self-Publishing

 I am seeing more information on self-publishing. It appears that some do really well with self publishing. Is this the best option for me? Some resources to evaluate:

- How to Self-Publish a Book: The Complete Guide to Publish Like a Pro, https://www.ingramspark.com/how-to-self-publish-a-book

- How to Publish a Book for Free: The Seven Best Sites, https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-publish-a-book-for-free/

- Don't Self Publish A Book Before Answering These Crucial Questions, https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/05/17/dont-self-publish-a-book-before-answering-these-crucial-questions/?sh=49c8502b237f

- 24 things I learned self publishing 3 books in only 6 months, https://writingcooperative.com/24-things-i-learned-publishing-3-books-in-only-6-months-1b8f743e9e86

- Start Here: How to Self Publish Your Book, Jane Friedman, https://janefriedman.com/self-publish-your-book/