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WHAT IS GHOSTWRITING?—PART 2

In part one, we covered the advantages of hiring a ghostwriter and how they can help you live your dream of becoming a published author. We covered advanced authorship for entrepreneurs and celebrities, as well as how authorship can increase a person’s self-worth and net worth. Plus, we wrote a section about the conditions for when a ghostwriter is a good choice for aspiring authors. Then, we explored four key areas concerning ghostwriting services—time, cost, writing experience, and references. For a thorough understanding, if you did not yet read What is Ghostwriting?—Part 1, explore the detailed material leading up to these final ghostwriting questions.

5. How Well Does the Ghostwriter Know Your Subject Matter?

Before hiring, interview several ghostwriters first to determine their knowledge level regarding your book content. However, if a professional writer is strong on research, their specific knowledge may not matter—especially if the manuscript is partly written or you will use previously written or recorded shows. Writers usually gravitate towards either fiction or non-fiction, so vet your ghostwriter accordingly.

Understand that just because you have hired a writer does not mean your book will magically write itself. Garbage in, garbage out. You must lead the writer as to how the material should be best presented to your market. After all, you are the expert and will be responsible for the final outcome. Be prepared to explain in detail the goals for the book, your market, as well as the information you want to impart. Although a ghostwriter who has written material on your subject matter is preferable, check their writing with duplication software to determine if the writing is original. Ask the writing candidate for a sample of their work, and read the material to see if the writing could be compatible with your voice.

6. Does the Ghostwriter Offer a Production Schedule Prior to Starting the Writing Project?

Once you select a ghostwriter who may be a fit, give them a test. Ask them for a production schedule before remitting the down payment—the final commitment. Well-organized deadlines and milestones are necessary for both you and the ghostwriter. Expect to arrange regular meetings with your ghostwriter to stay on track with the writing progress. You will continuously need to provide content, updates, clarify ambiguities, plus check in with the progress, in terms of the final deadline. Furthermore, you must provide the front and back matter such as the dedication, forward, acknowledgments, introduction, etc. Review the work after each chapter is written, especially the first two or three to verify that the writing style (academic, conversational, informative, etc.) is in line with how you wish to deliver the information.

7. Scope of Work—Editing Included?

Writers are different from editors. Some ghostwriter services will provide editing as well, but clarify if editing is included. This separate task is often performed by specialists. Some ghostwriters can do a light edit, but be prepared to hire an editor once the book is written and delivered to you.

8. Scope of Work—Sales Copy?

If a ghostwriter is multi-talented and able to write marketing and sales copy, right now is the best time to complete this part too! Since they are intimately familiar with the content of your book, they may quickly prepare the book synopsis, back cover copy, and review requests. If you can negotiate with your ghostwriter to include these marketing pieces, you save time and money in the marketing process later.

9. Will You Need a Book Proposal?

Once the book is written, with a light edit, you may want to write a book proposal to send to certain traditional publishing companies. Although book proposals are a separate task, I recommend hiring the ghostwriter for this as well. Considering your ghostwriter knows your book better than anyone, they may discount this service considerably. Yet, another option is to hire a book proposal specialist—which is expensive. If you are using independent publishing or print on demand, as your own "publisher" and will not need to submit a book proposal to a publishing house.

10. What About Copyrights, Royalties & Contracts?

Before officially hiring a ghostwriter, ask them for their contract. If they are surprised or confused … oops—next! Agreements must be as clear as possible. These projects are not easy or simple. Some ghostwriters may request co-authorship on the cover or ask for ghostwriter credit. Or, they may wish to be included on the copyright page, as well as receive your testimonial for their future marketing efforts. Some will even ask for a percentage of the book’s profits. I recommend, paying for the entire work in installments to keep the process clean.

Of course, in the contract be sure all rights and royalties are spelled out carefully and completely. In most cases, the ghostwriter is simply a writer for hire and will allow you—the hiring author—to retain all royalties and copyrights. However, in cases of “celebrity ghostwriters,” this will not be the case. The contact need not be complicated. Use a contract as a communication and “scope of work” tool—not an expectation of legal issues!

The Thrill and Lifestyle of Authorship

Authoring a book is an incredible accomplishment but will cost time, money, sweat and possibly, some tears before the book is ready to sell! As a publishing coach, I have led some 100 books and their writers through independent publishing. Although the authorship journey is intense, the rewards are even greater. From writer to author, many people have increased their income, net worth, and self-worth several times over. With a fan base in place, writing a book can create a residual income stream while also marketing your brand. Although a complicated and daunting task, the rewards are amazing. Once you become an author, the effort, time, money, and frustration pale in comparison to basking in the sunshine of being a published author.

For additional information explore Wikipedia’s definition of a ghostwriter. When you are ready to hire a ghostwriter, visit Dream to Publish.

Furthermore, explore Deborah S. Nelson's article on The Dream to Be a Published Author and When Self-Publishing a Book, What Pitfalls Must Writers Avoid? If you are looking for a book coach, read the following article as well, What is a Book Coach?

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WHAT IS GHOSTWRITING?—PART 1

Have you ever wanted to hire a professional ghostwriter? What is ghostwriting actually? Ghostwriting involves the possibility of a professional writing your book for you. A ghostwriter researches, organizes, and writes your book in your name. Highly successful people without time or skills to write their own book, commonly use ghostwriting. They are inspired with important information to impart, or a dramatic story to tell.

Fulfill the Impossible Dream to Publish a Book by Using Ghostwriting Services

Do you dream of becoming a published author, but do not have the time or know-how? You likely do not want to incur the inevitable rejection of your manuscript by a traditional publishing house. Hop, skip, and jump over the money, time, and rejection game with the help of a ghostwriter (and a ghost publisher).

Understandably, you would not be the only one who suffered the rejection of a manuscript. Many best-selling authors were also rejected before landing publishing deals—as seen in Top 10 Most Rejected Bestsellers. Can ghostwriting help you? Most certainly! With your leadership, a ghostwriter does the heavy lifting while allowing you to continue to work on your day-to-day job. Now, busy professions and celebrities need not be distracted by the procrastination and time consumption involved in writing their book.

Advanced Authorship for Busy & Successful Professionals

With modern-day print on demand (POD) and digital publishing, you no longer need to endure the rejection that comes with submitting a book to a traditional publishing company. Democracy has finally entered publishing—writers may become published book authors without negotiating through the endless constraints of publishing houses. Combining self-publishing and ghostwriting is an advanced way to quickly publish and market your book to Amazon Books.

Increase Your Net Worth & Self Worth by Becoming a Published Author

Consider the small investment necessary for self-publishing using ghostwriting services combined with print on demand. Only one book is printed at a time with POD—and at a small cost. Therefore, with ghostwriting services plus independent publishing, you will be able to increase your net worth by branding yourself as an author. The investment for a small physical book—not an e-book—beings at about 10K.

Traditional publishing houses, by contrast, spend up to 300K for printing alone. Then, when distribution and sales processes start, even more budget is necessary. Therefore, publishing on Amazon Books using print on demand is a relatively small investment. If hounding publishing houses for a book deal does not seem doable to you, hire a ghostwriter and self-publish.

When are Ghostwriting Services Right for You?

Do you have the bandwidth or time to write a book? As a successful professional, you do not have the desire to learn a new career. Perhaps, you are a celebrity, speaker, or entrepreneur unable to interrupt your rising career to publishing a book. However, you know you possess special secrets and need to share them with the world. As a television or YouTube host, blogger, or speaker with previously recorded material, the book content is already done. Ghostwriting services provide you an expert who will reorganize and rewrite your information into proper book form.

Hire a ghostwriter to compile your material while you maintain your successful career without majors interruption.

10 Qualities of a Good Ghostwriter

1. How Much Time Does Writing a Book Take?

A long timeline is required to write a book. Writing a book can take years—no way around it. Yet, the time can be cut in half with digital publishing. You may expect the writing project to go on for at least 5 months—maybe up to a year. Indeed, this depends on the length and content of the book. In cases where the client offers a mountain of material, the ghostwriter will organize, edit, and polish the content. Furthermore, the ghostwriter will help you add front and back matter such as dedications, foreword, testimonials, etc. Depending on the length, difficulty, and initial direction provided, this process may take up to two years.

2. Does the Ghostwriter Properly Price Their Services?

Recognize that when hiring a ghostwriter, this will cost you. Expect to spend, at the very least, $4,000 for a small, 20,000-word book. Writing a book is an understandably labor-intensive, detailed, and time-consuming project. A 6x9 inch (standard size) 100-page book contains roughly 20,000 words. You can ascertain a ghostwriter does not know their craft if they charge less than $0.25 per word. A natural English-speaking writer and college graduate, would not accept less than $0.25 a word—even for their first project. Do not expect your book to be finished if someone is charging too little. Cheap ghostwriters easily become exhausted and run off with your down payment.

A seasoned professional knows their value and understands the work involved, will charge between $0.40 to $0.50 per word. Well-known and experienced ghostwriters may charge up to $1 per word—which is not unusual. Flee from those who charge “by the page.” You will not know the actual price in these cases because a page could include 100 to 500 words depending on the size of the font and book. Therefore, “by the page” services are misleading and ambiguous—avoid these at all costs.

3. How May You Evlavaute a Ghostwriter's Experience?

Look for a ghostwriter with writing experience in the field of your book's subject. Do not hire someone who bites off more than they can chew. Although enthusiastic at first, those without solid writing backgrounds will easily give up. The reality is, writing a book is intense and comparable to having a baby. Seriously. During your first meeting with a ghostwriter, request links to books they have written. I recommend you read the first and last chapters of their works to understand their writing style and strength.

4. What do the Ghostwriter's References & Testimonials Say?

Inexpensive ghostwriters from foreign countries may quickly turn your book project into a nightmare. You must hire a natural-born English-speaking writer with at least three books under their portfolio. Ensure they do not take your deposit without producing by checking their references and testimonials from previous clients. With all of its twists and turns, the digital publishing industry attracts various scammers. Do not let unvetted ghostwriting services trample on your dream to publish a book.

For steps 5 to 10, read WHAT IS GHOSTWRITING?—PART 2

I also recommend reading SELF-PUBLISHING FOR DUMMIES—PART 1 and SELF-PUBLISHING FOR DUMMIES—PART 2 to further educate yourself about the digital publishing process.

Explore Wikipedia's definition of a ghostwriter. Then, read The Exhilaration of Being a Published Author.

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HOW TO BECOME A BOOK PUBLISHER IN 7 STEPS—PART 1

With digital publishing, the 21st century is the most exciting time for becoming a publisher. The publishing industry is transitioning from the old-school publishing model. With a new learning curve, everyone in digital publishing is on a level playing ground. Becoming a publisher or self-publisher is trendy. However, I recommend you learn the basics of self-publishing before you enter the fray. Take the first step by scheduling a complimentary half-hour consultation with me and learn how to keep 100% of your rights & royalties.

Digital Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

Understanding the history of the industry is helpful in becoming a publisher. Traditional publishing depends on offset printing, and this printing model is subsequently based on volume. The initial cost involved in the setup to print a book or magazine is quite extraordinary. However, with negatives embedded onto a thin metal screen for offset printing, you can quickly and easily print thousands of copies. The sales model is based on volume because a publisher must sell thousands of books just to break even. Printing one item alone is not realistic in offset printing because the set-up expenses are high.

Before the digital era hit, we learned how to prepare layouts using publishing software. Digital pre-press houses opened for businesses to properly prepare digital files. Instead of using a typesetting machine and hand-drawn art, sophisticated computers and software could now create digital layouts. In the past decade, the digital printing press has replaced the offset printing press. Becoming a publisher in the era of digital printing is a highly technical advocation!

Becoming a Publisher with Deborah S. Nelson

One of the benefits of digital publishing is you do not need to own or hire an offset printing press. As a publisher, your first task is to find or create top-notch material. Once you find the works, the next step is to prepare, produce, and market the printed product. This is normally what a publishing company does—bringing printed creative works to the market place.

Part of my job is outlining the basic steps to my clients for becoming a publisher. We inform clients as to the foundational business set-up such as obtaining a trade-name and opening a business bank account as well as focus on publishing-related information. Below is an overview of the steps for becoming a publisher. However, collaborating with an accountant on business and banking details such as self-publishing tax requirements, business name registration, and bookkeeping.

Step 1: Bowker Books—First Key to Becoming a Publisher

Your first step in becoming a publisher is to get your publishing company listed with Bowker Books. Sign up for an account with Bowker.com. Then, purchase an ISBN number or numbers depending on your number of projects. Include the name of your publishing company and other pertinent business information. Once registered with Bowker, your ISBN numbers will be associated with your publishing company and thereby, your published books. Your published books will also be listed in the yearly Bowker Books buyer directory. Book stores use this directory to make book-buying decisions. Bowker Books is the organizational arm of the book publishing industry.

Step 2: Shop for a Reliable Printer

Whether you are publishing books or magazines you will need to shop for a good printer. Lightning Source is a good book publishing printer for short-run projects—as well as for some bigger print jobs. If publishing magazines, research big web presses for an affordable method to print massive four-color print jobs. The relationship with your printer is critical. Will your printer consistently meet deadlines? How is their printing quality? Are their prices reasonable? Is your printer a good communicator? Research is essential in selecting the best printing company for each project.

Step 3: Looking for Works Worth Publishing

As a publisher, your main contribution is to discover creative works to publish and promote. Becoming a book publishing company involves reading manuscripts and scouting for profitable authors. Writer’s conferences are excellent places to find upcoming authors and network. Alternatives abound for locating new works from digital publishing. Keep your eyes and ears open to find talent. You may wish to publish your own works—which, with digital publishing, is becoming more popular. In that case, I recommend making an Intent to Self-Publish agreement with yourself which can be found on Publishing SOLO Magazine. If publishing other’s works, find an intellectual property attorney to legally specify royalties and copyrights.

COMING SOON: Steps 4 to 7 in HOW TO BECOME A BOOK PUBLISHER IN 7 STEPS—PART 2

For additional information, explore Deborah S. Nelson's article on What is a Book Coach?

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HOW CAN YOU MAKE MONEY PUBLISHING A BOOK YOURSELF? 12 GREAT IDEAS—PT 1

How Print-on-Demand Can Fulfill the Dream to Publish Your Own Book

“I’ve always wanted to publish my own book!” As a book coach, that was sad to hear–knowing their dream to publish was likely to stay unfulfilled. A dream to publish a book is one of the most common unfulfilled dreams.

Yet, as a published author, my life has taken a whole new direction. I want writers to know with on-demand book printing, those unfilled publishing dreams can be fulfilled! The exhilaration, honor, and privilege of self-publishing a dozen of my own books have been the greatest thrill of my life!

Now, do not misunderstand, learning on-demand book printing was no picnic. Mastering skills to self-publish a book demands blood, sweat, and tears. However, I can easily teach you how to publish your own book.

I worked in the printing, book publishing, and advertising industries for decades. While on “the inside” of a traditional book publishing house for years, I learned some surprising truths. As the “mean one” who speed-read hundreds of want-to-be-book manuscripts, I sent the rejection letters as well.

Since I received dozens of submissions daily, I created a form letter to respond to the submissions! As a writer, this part of my job affected me deeply. My heart fell, feeling that I played a part in causing unfulfilled publishing dreams. Therefore, when I saw that the publishing industry following the photography and music industries in “going digital,” I jumped right in!

Short Run Book Printing and the On-Demand Book Printing Digital System!

Have you heard of on-demand publishing, often called POD and also known as “on-demand book printing?” I discovered POD 16 years ago when I received a request for a quote on a short-run book project in my small marketing business.

I knew the traditional offset printing required would be far too expensive for this client. So, I called a colleague, who handled short-run book printing for a regular client. She kindly shared a new digital printing press, and on-demand book printing equipment in Denver, which used a digital file to print a completed book. Unlike offset printing, smaller runs were affordable. This was the first “digital printing press” of the time!

At this time, the printing industry had transitioned to using digital art files; making digital printing the next logical step. They completed the printing, binding, and four-color cover in one place. Impressive!

Normal book printing prior to digital printing took at least 7 steps. To those of us in the printing business, this printing press was like an espresso book machine. Plus, the cost was 25% of offset printing! Immediately impressed, I joined the digital printing revolution. I quickly learned to use on-demand book printing and never looked back.

Traditional Book Publishing vs. Digital Book Publishing

When trying to land a deal with traditional publishing in the old days, we wrote a book or book proposal … sent by snail mail to a publishing house. We were also commanded to include a self-addressed self-stamped manila envelope for the manuscript’s return. Consider that this entire process consumed from 1-3 years, and always included rejection letters. Then, if accepted, the book would require another 1-2 years to publish. In all, 3-5 years will go by until you could see your book in print!

It is possible to publish an edited & proofread manuscript, and for sale at Amazon.com in a matter of months. Instead of frequenting bookstores for book signings, your books are sold online, In fact, more than half of books are purchased online, with a small percentage bought in brick and mortar book stores.

Top on Demand Book Printing Companies–Amazon and Lulu Self-Publishing

Printing a large number of books, like with traditional printing, is not necessary with off-set printing. With print-on-demand, your book resides on a digital file and once a reader places an order, the book is qued up for printing. The basic model of print-on-demand printing is that your book is only printed when someone makes a purchase!

I recommend on-demand book printing with Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Lulu self-publishing for your book project. However, if require on-demand photo book printing in four-color, try Blurb books. As a self-publisher, you also have the choice to use off-set print companies that specialize in short-run, four-color printing. With on-demand printing, once an order is placed, the book will print and ship within a few days. The retail price in your online store, less a commission, is your profit.

12 Profit Motives to Publish Your Own Book with on Demand Book Printing

1. Internal Self Confidence

You may expect a surge of self-confidence when you become a publishing author. This is a different type of confidence that we normal—not the “fake it until you make it,” self-confidence, but well-earned and genuinely real. Your circle of influence has seen you articulate your truth, expertise, and even your heart. Just think how genuine self-confidence can stimulate a boring social life; or give a stalled career new momentum, or heal injured self-esteem. Plus organizing your expertise, skills, and personal story lights up your personal and professional image with a new brand!

2. Want a Big Raise?

How about giving yourself a raise once you become published? Let me suggest a few ways to give yourself a raise! Include a free autographed copy of your book when you provide a product or service to clients. For example, a published book entitled: “Do it Yourself Wiring for Room Additions,” is given to new electrician’s new clients. Another way to give yourself a raise is to increase your rates by 10-20%. The timing of this is important. Wait a few months after most of your clients own a copy of your book. Or, invite all your big-time clients to a book signing event, and ask them to bring a friend! Be prepared with books, business cards, and brochures to sell extra services at that event.

3. Offer Consulting and Speaking Services

Once you become a published author, in the eyes of the world and business you become an authority. Therefore, you may earn extra when you offer consultation services For your experience, guidance, expertise, clients will pay up to $200 an hour to save time, money, and a learning curve. With a published book in your field, your knowledge can save clients and novices thousands of dollars and frustration.

4. Speaking Engagements

The Best-selling author achievement is not always the goal post to reach in the realm of self-publishing. Considering that speaking engagements call for fees from a small amount per hour to unfathomable fees. However, when you speak for free at a local event, ask the host to offer your books for sale at the event. Depending on the size of the event, you could earn a few hundred dollars in a short amount of time. The important thing to know is that most speaking agencies require published authors as their speakers. Now you can be a speaker, and create an extra income stream.

TO BE CONTINUED.

Increase self-publishing profits with eight more great ways through on-demand book printing.  Click on the link below:

PART TWO: Points 5-12 of Twelve Great Ideas for Ramping up Self Publishing Profits

For additional information on self-publishing, read Deborah S. Nelson's article, The Day My Writing Became Real, and Wikipedia's description of print on demand.

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SELF-PUBLISHING FOR DUMMIES—PT 1

When it comes to self-publishing, it seems we are all dummies. Some 15 years ago I was a key player in a small traditional publishing company. Shortly after I left, I discovered print on demand. Of course, knowing the pitfalls of traditional publishing, positioned me to understand the far-reaching implications of print on demand publishing.

I knew democracy had arrived to the book publishing world! A decade passed, and now I am a publishing coach helping multitudes to write and publish their books using print on demand and other methods. Many of my clients are arriving from the academic world, where the law of the land is “publish or perish” where “self-publishing” has previously been embarrassing, and now, has finally become acceptable.

Is it Really Free to Self-Publish a Book?

The cost to self-publish a book is wide-ranging. This depends on various factors, but you may expect costs to be from “free” to $15,000. Of course, the "free method" will require massive “sweat equity.” Including any hidden extra fees, what will it really cost to self-publish a book?

The following aspects influence the cost of self-publishing a book.

How much work the self-publisher will do themselves. Who will design and prepare the book cover? Will you, as a self-publisher, do your own content editing and proofreading?

Price of Publishing Services. The cost of the published work will increase dramatically if you hire inexperienced subcontractors and overpay them.

Publishing Tasks Done out of Order. This will increase the cost significantly. Certain tasks must be redone if chronological order is not followed. A good book publishing coach will save you more money and time than the cost of the coach.

Physical Requirements of Book. These include the length of the book, size of the book, type of paper, type of book cover, as well as whether the book is printed in four-color, or black and white.

Additional Publishing Venues. Will you be publishing an e-book, Kindle, or audiobook? Will you need promotional sample chapters. If these are done in the proper order they will be inexpensive. When done out of order, the costs can be significant. Read: Real Costs of Self-Publishing a Book.

What is the Definition of Self-Publishing?

Self-publishing refers to the author arranging for the printing and distribution of the book. Self-publishing is done without the involvement of an established third-party publisher. The author becomes the contractor for the services required to publish the work. Therefore, the author is responsible for controlling the entire process, including cover and interior design, pricing, marketing, formatting, and distribution.

How Hard is it to Self-Publish a Book?

The answer to this question lies in evaluating your skills and abilities versus the requirements needed. Examine the five main areas below to determine your proficiency. Listed below are the five basic skill areas needed to publish a book.

Self-Publishing a Book is a Massive Project

The Big Picture. Are you organized? Do you tend to plan ahead, stay on budget, and on time? Can you easily see the big picture? Give yourself a 5 for highly proficient; and a 4, 3, 2, 1 for little to no proficiency.

A Trained Eye. Are you artsy-fartsy? Can you see if an item is straight or centered? How is your eye? Do you have an eye for design and layout? Rate yourself a 5 if you are experienced in, and love to design, or a 1 if you have no design skill.

Technical Savvy. Do you know how to use online services such as Fiverr, graphic arts programs, DropBox, creating online accounts, and buying online services? Give yourself a 5 if proficient; 4, 3, 2, or 1 according to your technical knowledge level.

Extreme Detail. If you are able to see a speck of dust 9 feet away? Do crooked pictures disturb you? Were you good at spelling bees when you were in school? If you see detail easily and often, give yourself a 5. Otherwise, give a 4, 3, 2, or 1, if you do not give a dime about detail.

Faith & Patience. If you tend to be a calm, collected, and patient person when things do not go right, able to find new solutions, give yourself a 5. However, if you are impatient, not open to learning new skills, and easily frustrated, give yourself a 1. Rank yourself at a 4, 3, or 2 if you are in between these two levels.

Scoring: Rank on a scale of 5-1 with 5 being the most proficient and 1 being the least proficient. Add your scores, then divide the whole amount by 5 to determine the level of difficulty for you to publish a book yourself.

What is a Self-Publishing Coach?

A coach coordinates, schedules, and budgets services and activities to create a published book. Most writers are unable to accomplish technical tasks, so they hire specialists. Unfortunately, writers often hire novice workers who are often overpriced.

As an example, picture a book publishing coach much like a general contractor who is creating a building. Realize that a book project needs a full-time effort for months or years, depending on the length of the book. Therefore, a good book coach will make the book more professional as well as save the writer time and money.

Click here for SELF-PUBLISHING FOR DUMMIES—PART 2.

Deborah S. Nelson is the publisher of PUBLISHING SOLO MAGAZINE and the owner of the Dream to Publish Tools, Courses, Book Coaching Boutique.

For additional information, read Wikidata's definition of a publisher.

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Print On Demand - Publishing SOLO Simplifies With BOOK BLUEPRINT"

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New Self Publishing Curriculum by Publishing SOLO.

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Once Upon A Book: Print on Demand & Self Publishing Explained

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