In today’s world of internet domination, publishing has taken a new turn. As hard as it has become to get a book published by a publisher, just as easy it is to publish the book yourself online, using one of the numerous self-publishing services on internet. Although self-publishing companies are based on the same principle, it seems that each one has a different approach to publishing, so both the services offered and the costs involved vary. If you are thinking of publishing that book, you may want to review these ten publishers listed below.

1. Blurb

   Blurb is one of the most popular online publishers. It features an advanced software that lets you design your book by adding photos, artwork, and text. You can use ready made templates or design your own. Publishing costs start from as low as $12,95 per book, and you are not obliged to order large quantities; actually, you may order just one copy.

   For the aspiring writers, Blurb offers another cool feature; if you choose to have your book open to public, you may opt to have it sold through Blurb website.

   To get 20% off your entire order, use coupon code: BLURB20.

   Blurb

2. Lulu

   Lulu claims not to be a publisher, but a digital marketplace with a vision of empowerment and accessibility. The rapid growth of this website is built on its proven ability to grab hold of the user-generated content and provide an empowering outlet for creators of all types.

   Lulu eliminates traditional entry barriers to publishing, and enables authors to bring their work directly to their audience. First, they use Lulu’s tools to format their digital content. Then they take advantage of Lulu’s dedicated marketplace to make their published work available to as many, or as few, people around the world as they like, earning 80% of all creator revenue, of which millions of dollars has already been paid out.

   The only disadvantage of Lulu is that you are obliged to use one of their templates and layouts for your book, and not your own.

   Lulu

3. iUniverse

   iUniverse is not just another self-publishing service. It offers full editorial support to its authors, and provides editorial, marketing and self-publishing services authors would expect from a traditional publisher. This specialized author support comes in a variety of self-publishing packages, ranging from $599 to $4,200 depending on your budget.

   iUniverse

4. Xlibris

   One of the first online self-publishing companies and a pioneer in the field.  Although they offer full-colour print, Xlibris is oriented more towards traditional books, not picture books. Data Entry Service (conversion of your manuscript into digital format) costs $2,50 per page, and they offer other professional services to its authors, such as copyediting, indexing, and author alterations & corrections.

   A nice touch is that they have leather bound editions, and give you a money-back guarantee right until the end when you have to sign the author approval copy.

   Xlibris

5. Wordclay

   Dedicated to high quality affordable publishing, this young company is ideal for authors who are on a tight budget. Wordclay offers three different paperback formats, and they do only black and white prints. You can set your book’s price and earn royalty whenever it is sold through Wordclay channels or other retailers.

   Wordclay

6. MyPublisher

   Originally conceived as an online tool that would provide a better way to make foto albums, MyPublisher is highly recommended for foto-books, as their quality meets the high standards of professional photographers. It features various formats, from paperback to deluxe hardcover, custom jackets, leather or linen, thick paper, etc.

   MyPublisher

7. AuthorHouse

   Since 1997, AuthorHouse has published more than 40,000 authors, which in itself is the best referrence. They offer three different packages: Poetry Book, that starts at $399, Paperback & Hardcover and Children’s & Colour Book, that start at $599.Authors retain all rights, maintain editorial control and choose the exact selection of services that best suits their goals. AuthorHouse provides a broad array of tools and services to allow authors to make their own choices throughout the publishing process. They also provide a team of experienced professionals to guide you from pre-publication to marketing.

   AuthorHouse

8. CreateSpace

   CreateSpace is a self-publishing service for authors, musicians, and filmmakers. It is unique in that it offers the possibility to make your book in Digital Text Platform and in this format sell it in the Kindle Store. Another advantage of CreateSpace is that it is a subsidiary of Amazon.com, which makes it easy to sell your book on Amazon.
   
   

   CreateSpace

9. WEbook

   WEbook claims to be the largest online writing community in the world and an innovative book publisher. Once you join the community, you can start a project or collaborate with others on their projects. WEbook features an online text editor which is integrated with social media to make book co-writing easy.

   WEbook is unique among self-publishing companies in that it is completely free; however, the catch is that there are no guarantees that you will get published. There are 3 submission cycles during the year when you can submit your project to WEbook users to read and rate, and if your project makes it to the top 10%, it will have a good chance of getting published by WEbook.

   Authors and major contributors receive 50% of all profits generated from the sale of WEbook titles.

   WEbook

10. Shutterfly

    Finally, if you are only looking to publish a personal photo book or a family keepsake, Shutterfly will do the job well.  They offer customized editions for Recipe Book, Travel Diary, Wedding Book, Baby Book, Pet Book, and Scrapbook. Because of their accessible rates and high quality print, they are favorite service of many professional photographers. Shutterfly also offers cards and stationary, prints, calendars, and other photo gifts.

    UPDATE:
    Labor Day Sale from September 1st to 7th: Free Shipping & 50% off!

    Shutterfly

Technorati Tags: self-publishing, writing, publishing, online publishing

It’s been said that all truths are utterly simple. In that sense, each one of these books contains an essential truth within it. The message, wise and simple, is best conveyed in children’s language, yet with such profound depth that makes one wonder if these books may have actually been written for grown ups to dwell on.

Either way, these top 10 children’s books make unique and original gifts for both kids and adults.

1. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
   

   

   There is a lesson in this little book and its simple yet powerful message will make a strong impact on any reader, young or old. It is a story of a rare and unique gift: the unconditional love. More controversially, The Giving Tree provides a fitting commentary to the behavior of mankind towards nature in this day and age. Great food for thought.

   

   Click here to view the video on YouTube.

   This movie is narrated by Shel Silverstein. It was made in 1973.

2. Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr Seuss
   

   
   Instead of reviewing this book, I will just give you a quote:

   “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”

   Need I add more? To read Oh, the Places You’ll Go! in full online, click here. And I can also recommend SeussVille – A fun and creative website dedicated to Dr Seuss, with online resources  and a playground for kids.

3. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
   

   
   One of the most famous works of children’s contemporary literature, this little gem of a book is full of invaluable insights into human psyche.

   The Little Prince was first published in 1943, only a year before his creator’s airplane vanished without a trace over the Mediterranean Sea, during a reconnaissance mission. Today, more than a half century later, this wonderful fable of love, loneliness and search for meaning, continues to inspire children and people of all ages.

   To read the full book online, click here.

4. Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
   

   

   Jonathan Livingston Seagull stands out from the other gulls in his flock. He doesn’t live to eat, but eats to live and pursue his one great passion: flight. But his search for soaring hights and perfect flight only alienates him from the other seagulls, and eventually he gets expelled from the flock just for daring to be different. That’s when the real journey begins.

   Written by Richard Bach, who is known for his passion for flying and reflecting it through insightful metaphorical context in his writing.

   This video clip is from Neil Diamond’s adaptation.

5. The Missing Piece by Shel Silverstein

   Like a person searching for his soul mate, the circle goes through life feeling incomplete, and longs for the day when it will finally find the part it has been missing. The search for The Missing Piece takes it on an adventurous journey of self-discovery.

   This is a beautiful fable that gently probes into the nature of quest and fulfillment. I believe it is about a boy’s search for love.

   .

6. The Missing Piece Meets the Big O by Shel Silverstein
   

   The second half of this beautiful story tells how the missing piece becomes whole, all on its own. That is one long and often lonely journey, sometimes difficult and sometimes fun. In any case, it’s one journey worth embarking on.

   .

   The Missing Piece Meets the Big O explores the female principle of emotional contentment and personal self-realization, so in that sense you could say that the story is about a girl’s search for love.

7. The Three Questions by Jon J. Muth
   

   
   Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy. Nikolai is a boy who is searching for the answers to The Three Questions: “When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do?” His friends–a heron, a monkey, and a dog–try to help, but to no avail, so he asks Leo, the wise old turtle. Leo doesn’t answer directly, but by the end of Nikolai’s visit, the boy has discovered the answers himself.

   There is only one important time, and that time is now. The most important one is always the one you are with. And the most important thing is to do good for the one who is standing at your side.

8. Ambrosia by Dan Manalang
   

   
   This beautifully illustrated children’s book addresses the delicate issues of racism and prejudice in a manner that is easy to understand and relate to. Furthermore, it explores the values of diversity and tolerance in our modern society and stresses out the importance of embracing our differences.

   Ambrosia is a colorful short story that employs the power of the metaphor to put across an important lesson: the things that truly matter comes from within.

9. The Fall of Freddie the Leaf by Leo Buscaglia
   

   
   A profound story that compares the annual changes in leaves on a tree to different phases of life, to explore the issues of death, loss, and letting go.

   Each leaf leaves the tree differently: some drift down quietly, and others fiercely resist the tug of the wind.

   Watch The Fall of Freddie the Leaf movie here:

   .

   Visit The World of Leo Buscaglia

10. Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud
    

    
    Words hurt and words heal. This book explores the power of kindness and the impact of a smile. It teaches that we can find happiness by spreading it.

    Have You Filled a Bucket Today? uses clear analogy that puts across a powerful concept in visual form. Any child can understand it, so why wouldn’t we?
    .

Technorati Tags: books, children’s books, reading, educational, homeschooling, inspirational