Complete Guide to Self Publishing

I picked up the Complete Guide to Self Publishing by Tom and Marilyn Ross through inter-library loan. I am in the middle of a couple of projects that are going to be self-published. This book had good reviews on Amazon, so I thought it might be helpful.

The book could be helpful, but unfortunately it is very dated. Granted, the latest edition is 2002 and it is still dated. The book gives general business advice, writing advice, and basic publishing advice. Perhaps one can learn to not lean to heavily on internet addresses and sources by reading this book. The authors included many URL's that are no longer any good. A subject like this requires a new edition every few years - the business of publishing is in a constant state of flux. If you can ignore the internet addresses and computer advice, you may find some helpful advice. Still, the better book is by Dan Poynter.

Lord Foul's Bane

I thought I had written a review of Lord Foul's Bane a long time ago. This book, written by Stephen R. Donaldson, is a fantasy novel that follows Thomas Covenant's adventures. I don't read much fantasy, but this one intrigued me. The story is of a reluctant hero with a serious medical condition. The story starts in modern times with Thomas Covenant and his condition with leprosy. Somehow, Covenant travels to an alternate world where he is tapped to be the hero.

I did a little reading at Wikipedia about this book. The author was clearly influenced by Tolkein's Lord of the Rings stories. There are so many similarities that it would be hard to describe them all in a blog post. Suffice to say the main character must under take a journey and is joined by various companions. There is an evil wizard-like character and a fortress like city. It was because of the similarities that I could not finish the book. Each passage would scream Lord of the Rings and so it went back to the library.

I know this series has a devoted following. If you are into fantasy, this book might be your thing.

Total Money Makeover

Dave Ramsey is a radio personality and personal finance guru. In the Total Money Makeover, Ramsey includes his basic "baby" steps to being completely debt free along with several success stories.

You will have to read several chapters to get to anything actually helpful. The first several chapters are pep talks, examples, and Ramsey's personal history. Don't get me wrong, those chapters are motivating. Still, skip them to get to the chapters that discuss the baby steps. The back of the book has several blank forms which can help you get started with your baby steps. One nit pick is the author highlighted some areas in the budget forms where one should use the envelope system. I can venture a guess on what the envelope system is, but it is not explained anywhere in the book. I can imagine if you listen to Ramsey on the radio, you will already know all about this.

Despite the deficiencies in the book, the book will motivate you to become debt free. My suggestion is to save your money and borrow this book from a library. Even better, visit Ramsey's website and read about the baby steps for free.

Book Rating: 2 Stars

Working for Yourself

Once again, NOLO has written another easy to read, how to guide. If you want to start a business and work for yourself, Working for Yourself is a great guide to get you started. My library had the 2004 edition, which was not too out of date.

The book includes sample work agreements, NDA's, and amendments. Although you could find similar information in other law books, Stephen Fishman takes the time explain each section. Find information on which business entity to select and how to determine how much to charge. Great, great information.

There are brief chapters on business deductions and copyright, trademark, and patent information. There are other NOLO books that cover those topics in depth and it is worth picking those up too.

Even if you never start your own business, this kind of information is worth having.

Book Rating: 5 stars

Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie

Dear America is a fictional journal series written by various authors. Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie is written by Kristiana Gregory. This story traces a young girl's experience as she and her family travel along the Oregon trail.

The story is interesting and engaging. It would be great for young readers who have an interest in the old west and the Oregon trail. At the end of the book there is additional material, including photos, about the people who did travel the trail.

One thing to keep in mind, the story IS fiction. I am curious about some of the details in the story that were clearly wrong or maybe not. Some details made me pause and wonder. The author does not have much of a bibliography. Did she do very much research? What were her sources? The danger with historical fiction is that some readers (and not just young readers) may interpret the story as fact. I am not sure what to do about that. The hope is the story will lead the reader to find out more about actual events.

Despite my concerns of historical accuracy, the book is still worthy of recommendation.

Book Rating: 3 stars