Self-Publishing with Amazon (4 Books in 1)

I'd have to give Vols 1 & 2 5 stars, as these volumes contain very valuable and detailed information for the first-time self-publisher. I wish I had this volume two years ago when I was writing an academic manuscript, as McMullen's details about formatting would have saved me days of hair-pulling frustration.The reader of this "boxed set" should be warned: Volumes 3 & 4 are the overview versions of Volumes 1 & 2. So, if you're looking for broader treatment of the ins and outs of self-publishing, read 3 & 4 first, then when you're ready to actually do the nitty-gritty of formatting, proofing, and editing, open volumes 1 & 2 for detailed (I mean, key-stroke-by-key-stroke details) on how to format, create covers, build interior tables, etc.If you persist (as I did) and actually read all four volumes page-by-page, you will begin to wonder why McMullen packaged vols 3 & 4 with 1 & 2, since much of 3 & 4 is redundant (word-for-word redundant in many places).There are some glaring problems that only a careful reading will expose (some might call it proofreading). For instance, in volumes 3 & 4, there are many grammatical errors that should have been caught in the proofing process (missing pronouns, dropped verbs, etc). This violates the copious advice that McMullen offers regarding the how's and why's of careful proofreading as a mark of professional writing/publishing.There is one glaring discrepancy between Vol 1 and Vol 4 when it comes to calculating royalties using CreateSpace. On p. 147, author cost is represented as $2.15 for up to 108 pages and $0.012 per page over 108. On p. 509, author cost is represented as $2.15 for up to 108 pages and $0.85 plus $0.012 per page over 108. This contradiction would only show up when one reads the whole set. I point this out since it, too, violates McMullen's argument in favor of print-on-demand publishing where he says that as facts change, the author can go into his/her work, make the changes, and release a more current and accurate printing/version. The problem with this "boxed set" is that the information (whichever is correct) was not changed in both places.The reader will also notice that the font changes between Vols 1 & 2 and Vols 3 & 4. In 1 & 2, the san serif Calibri font is used, in 3 & 4 is found Georgia. Readers might wish to compare those different fonts to see which is easier on the eye. Personally, I found the Georgia to be a far more comfortable font style (this is offered in case McMullen was testing his market and wanted some feedback).I would certainly recommend this set to a would-be self-publisher. I answers questions most of us would never even think to ask, and the details (particularly in Vols 1 & 2) are worth far more than the cover price of the set. Just be forewarned that you'll find yourself thinking, "Haven't I read this before?" when you move into Vols 3 & 4.(NOTE: these comments refer to the set that was ordered on May 19, 2016 and printed on May 20, 2016)

Well, most importantly I have to say that I was able to use this to publish my own book an Amazon successfully. By the time I actually submitted my files to CreateSpace the only errors I received were non-critical (I could have gone ahead and finalized the draft with no changes and everything would have been fine). As it was I made a couple minor tweaks after receiving the proof and I was done. The guidance on how to create my own cover, which I had expected to pay someone to do, was worth the price of the book all by itself. So all the information you need is definitely here, and more. My only quibble is that the book is very repetitive. You do get 4 books in 1, and it's in a very large single volume - not the 4 book set that you might be expecting from the image. Not only do some of the volumes repeat advice from other volumes, but McMullen's style is somewhat repetitive as well - he likes to explain things a number of ways. That's probably great for some, and it wasn't more than a minor annoyance for me, but the book would benefit from a restructuring. I think it could be half the size and still be just as valuable, perhaps with more prominent use of checklists for those that just need a list of points to go through every time they prepare a new book. Some of the references to CreateSpace screens are a bit outdated as well, though that's to be expected. I was still able to figure out what to do, and as I said, I did use it to successfully publish my first book, so many thanks to the author for this resource.

I have just finished using Chris McMullen's Self-Publishing with Amazon (4 Books in 1) as my sole guidance for self-publishing and have successfully launched my first book in Kindle and Paperback formats! His book provided all the guidance and detailed instructions that I needed to get it done. Make no mistake, the process is tedious, but that is unavoidable unless you want to pay one of those services $1,500 to do what this book teaches you to do yourself. McMullen's book made it possible to get to a successful conclusion. Thank you for opening the door for first-time DIY self-publishers.

The auther describes everything essential and beyond to help publish on Amazon. Unfortunately, he relies on the reader's previous knowledge of Microsoft Word. Many of the terms he uses are unknown to me and I get lost immediately as he does not quite explain where to find the tools he mentions well. I eventually gave up and I am still lost as what to do with my manuscript.

In publishing my yet-to-released novel, I found this collection of books helpful in steering me past obstacles that cropped up. However, I did find some of the information overwhelming and complex, in that assumes we are all computer savvy. Not so. I'm 78 years old and do not have the advantage of being raised in an era when all this is commonplace. The computer industry pays only token acknowledgement to this age bracket.

I haven't been able to read the book. Perhaps my mistake, but I wouldn't have purchased if it was 4 books in one. I thought it was 4 separate books in a package. This book is thick and heavy. I prefer smaller and easy to handle books. This is bulky.Sorry.

The self-publishing book (four books in one) is the most comprehensive instructions on publishing through "Amazon KDP" that I know off that has ever been written. Studying this book is the equivalent to a semester in college on promoting a self published book. To all of you first timer authors, it is well worth it's price. You will not be disappointed.

As thick as a telephone book, this book at first skim looks like it will be a big help to a wary self-publisher. I'm taking notes as I gather the courage to begin the journey with Amazon. Thank you.

Great advice on formatting books for kindle and create space. Bought it for myself and friends.

This book is very help full to people that need help with self publishing their books.

It is too much. It tries to be everything you need and gives lots of advice about layout etc. However, the technical advice dates the moment he writes it. He would be better off having youtube videos for some parts and get to grips with what I wanted - namely, a walk through of getting published. Not a zillion word step by step. I liked the idea of a reference book, but it isn't four books, it's one giant book that overwhelms you. I'm not saying it's bad, I'm saying it didn't deliver what I was hoping for.