Books by Grandad – publishing info required

[Sinatra21]

When I was younger my granddad used to record stories he had written on to a tape and play them to myself and my sister whenever we stopped over at their house. Both my grandparents passed away years ago and when clearing their house I found the tapes. It was always my plan to type up the stories and publish them, not so much to sell but so I could give them to my nieces and nephews (and hopefully my own kids one day) so they could enjoy them like I did when I was a kid. Anyway, it was a job that I thought about periodically but never got around to doing, usual story of life getting in the way.

Well last month was my 2nd anniversary with my girlfriend and as a surprise she had spent the past few weeks typing them all up. As she has done most of the hard work I thought I should really get my butt into gear and look into getting them published. To go with each story I’d really like some illustrations done too. They don’t have to be Michelangelo or anything just some nice pictures to go with the stories.

What I’d like to know is if anyone has self published before, how they went about it and the rough costs. Also, I’m unsure how to find an illustrator, I don’t want to pay for a professional as such as I’d like to keep any costs down to a minimum (I’ve just moved house so funds are limited).

[Robbo 27]

I have used this printer,

https://www.azimuthprint.co.uk/printing/perfect-bo...

For a short run of books, I suspect that you dont really need a publisher unless you need some form of distribution.

In terms of an illustrator, I know a handfull on another forum and can ask them if you wish., they are all amateurs and this may be the first work. Perhaps you could tell me the general theme of the book and how many illustrations you might want.

Childrens books are often a picture a page, I dont know but I would have thought that might be an issue. Were you thinking about a simple line drawing, sort of like Pooh bear or four colour jobs, like Mrs Tiggywinkle

[Sinatra21]

That's really helpful thanks. I'll pm you when I get a spare 10 mins over the next few days if that's ok as I'd love some help with the illustrations from anyone you'd know.

[Robbo 27]

Sinatra21 said:

That's really helpful thanks. I'll pm you when I get a spare 10 mins over the next few days if that's ok as I'd love some help with the illustrations from anyone you'd know.

I have asked if there is anyone who would like to participate, perhaps even a joint effort. I would expect that they would want to see some credit in the finished work and for them to retain copyright.


I will let you know if there is interest.

Edited by Robbo 27 on Thursday 23 June 17:04

[Robbo 27]

Robbo 27 said:

I have asked if there is anyone who would like to participate, perhaps even a joint effort. I would expect that they would want to see some credit in the finished work and for them to retain copyright.


I will let you know if there is interest.

Edited by Robbo 27 on Thursday 23 June 17:04

Sorry, I have drawn a blank on this, the illustrators that I knew are all pretty busy and would want paying in advance, sorry.

[Spare tyre]

http://www.hobbs.uk.com