Week 3 - To Write and Publish in 8 Weeks

This week, I've been learning more of the "How To" process of self-publishing my first children's book. So far, I have written a story about a child who loves peanut butter so much that he talks about it in school all the time. His love of peanut butter leaves an impression on both his teacher and peers. 

I also started and or continued researching 1) how to copyright a book & the fees associated with it and 2) the importance of having an ISBN (Bowker | Identifier Services) so that a book can be found and purchased easily. The (ISBN) bar code has pricing information and is required for both printed and digital books. What's interesting is that you can purchase 1 ISBN for $125 or 10 ISBN's for $275 (which is a current special). If you plan on publishing more than 1 book or a book in multiple formats, it is wiser to purchase 10 for $275. 

Week 3 Progress

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=create+space+logo+image

I created an account on Create Space and began the self-guided process of creating my book. There are links to Do it yourself or Call in the Pros depending on your level of being competent, whether real or imagined. Using the professional services on their site means spending a minimum $199. At this point, I opted to do it myself. If the process becomes too difficult, I may choose to pay for the help. 

I chose to create a paperback book. Next, I named my project. Then, I began the step-by-step self-guided process of publishing. I entered my title information, edition number, and that the book will be printed in English. The publication date will be determined when I finally submit the project. 

I learned that CreateSpace has a special partnership with Bowker | Identifier Services so I didn't have to purchase an ISBN independently as I first thought. There is a range of options offered for creating an ISBN. The options range from being free (CreateSpace would then be the book publisher) to paying a fee, depending on the amount of freedom you want in selecting a publisher for your book.There is even an option to use the Bowker website to purchase your own barcode/ISBN.  

My next step was setting up the interior of the book. I was able to choose between black & white or full color and whether the page color would be white or cream. The dimensions of the book cover or trim size was selected next.

CreateSpace allows site users to download a blank template so that their story can be typed, then uploaded to the site. They accept a pdf, doc, docx, or .rtf. file.  Design services were offered again at this point in the process.

CreateSpace offers tools to assist site users as they navigate through the self-publishing process.

This is where I stopped for now. My goal is to see if  I can format the pdf without having to pay for design services. Next week, I will have an update to share how the book formatting and next steps go.

 I am learning that this can easily become an expensive goal.

Integration of Readings, Concepts and Theories from Class. 

As I continued to move through the self-publishing process this week, I felt slightly overwhelmed. I know I need to solicit the advice of someone who has done this before. ZPD will allow me to be guided by an expert and boost my knowledge as I continue with this process. 

As I worked through the self-guided publishing option, I was reminded of the teaching machines that preceded current computer-based learning options. CreateSpace uses a computer-based learning program to attempt to teach potential authors how to create and publish their own books. Because of self-efficacy, I believe that I have the potential to work through this process to complete (at least the basics) of this process. I should be able to complete many of the required tasks successfully. 

When I return to the site to complete my next steps, I will actively remember or use the information I learned while navigating CreateSpace from long-term memory back to my working memory then continue the process. Which will build my schema for the publishing process.