Through the book reviews that I’m doing so far, I feel like I’m rediscovering the books in my library for the first time. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that title on that shelf, or that small book that’s wedged in the corner, replaced by a newcomer that still has the glossy dust jacket. Though this week’s book is two years old, there’s plenty of information in it that still rings true today, while giving you enough inspiration to start your own little independent press.
Title: Indie Publishing: How to Design and Produce Your Own Books By Ellen Lupton
Paperback: 112 pages
If anyone is obsessed as publishing as I am (can you tell already?), then you’d want to read Ellen Lupton’s book – Indie Publishing. From the get-go, the book talks about how gigantic publishing industries are slowly thinning out; and that mass media is dying a long drawn out death. In its wake lies a multitude of niche realms that is taking the industry by storm.
Like the music industry, where bands don’t have to rely on signing a recording deal – the same can be said of publishing. It’s easy to get your own thing out there. Books, music, art – the digital age made everyone their own publisher and agent all at once. Indie Publishing aims to arm the general public on how to go about making books of their own, and to change the world – one page at a time.
What I love best about this book is that it doesn’t merely give you examples printed by big presses. From small independent publishing houses that produce limited edition books to artists zines, the book covers a lot of ground into the various types of books out there.
A primer into the nitty gritty of publishing; such as sales and distribution, copyrights, down to crafting a press release – all of it is covered as well (as it should — printing your book is not the biggest headache… getting it out there is!) There’s also a section on handmade books, if you’re interested in producing small run of your titles.
Ellen’s previous book: Thinking about Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students was a good primer on the art of typography, so it’s no wonder that there’s a special section this book devoted to the subject. It’s a treat for those who are into the art of fitting type into publications; as well as for those who are interested in the details of designing and producing books.
So whatever your reasons for producing a book – to document your portfolio, your fiction story, or even just something as simple as to vent your frustrations; Indie Publishing will arm you with enough knowledge to tackle the task of producing your first book. Now it’s up to you to decide what you want to put in it!
Who is this book for?
Anyone out there who wants to broadcast their ideas in printed form for posterity.
Who wouldn’t want to read it?
Those who believe that the future of publishing is firmly dead – bar niche publishing or no, and prefers to read everything via Kindle or the iPad.
Thanks for this great review! This is exactly the kind of book I’ve been looking for. I really want to publish a book but have been kind of clumsy about how to go about such a thing. So thanks 🙂