How to self-publish a song book.

Subject: RE: How to self-publish a song book.
From: EBarnacle
Date: 28 Feb 12 - 11:58 AM

When Mark Lovewell and I were doing Songs of South Street--Street of Ships, back in the '70's, the work was arduous.

Now, Dick Greenhaus and I are planning to scan the actual book in, complete with art work, renew the copyrights, make necessary changes and publish it.

It is much easier now than it was then. The hardest part is the initial entry and layout. If you have a music conversion program and wish to enter the music that also speeds things up.

Subject: RE: How to self-publish a song book.
From: Will Fly
Date: 28 Feb 12 - 09:38 AM

There is always the possibility of you producing the book yourself - either completely or semi-completely - and the entire production would then be in your hands and under your control. So - for example - b&w and even colour laser printer costs have consistently fallen over the years. You could do short runs of 35 double-sided pages yourself whenever you chose to. Colour cartridges for laser printers aren't cheap, but they're longer-lasting than inkjet. Printing speeds per page are generally high.

Having done your print run, there's the question of binding and covers. I used to use a local, commercial spiral binder system - very cheap - which incorporated a clear plastic sheet on the front and a card on the back. It created a very effective and inexpensive book and, being spiral bound, lay flat - which is perfect for songbooks.

Just another approach... :-)

Subject: RE: How to self-publish a song book.
From: Tootler
Date: 28 Feb 12 - 09:18 AM

Looks like you want a print on demand publisher. There are plenty of them. The main problem will be finding a reputable one. Google print on demand and you should get plenty of links. There is also a Wikipedia link which gives a few names.

Happy Hunting.

Subject: RE: How to self-publish a song book.
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 28 Feb 12 - 08:20 AM

If you're in the UK, you could do worse than contact Azimuth printing... or take a look online:- Azimuth Print   I dealt with Mick who was very helpful in arranging the printing of my booklet. (Not music related) I am sure they could be of service to you.... nothing to lose by getting a quote. Best wishes, Mike.

Subject: RE: How to self-publish a song book.
From: theleveller
Date: 28 Feb 12 - 08:17 AM

Only done it online

http://www.whipstaff.co.uk/

but it would be a simple matter to take it and get it printed. The set-up costs for a small run might be the biggest cost but I suggest you find a small local printer. A friend of mine does this with his poetry.

Subject: RE: How to self-publish a song book.
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Feb 12 - 07:45 AM

I've done several songbooks, some based on poems that I've adapted for singing, or my original songs and songs by others. As with CDs, sales are highly dependent on being booked at concerts and festivals.

One does need to get permissions from all other composers and graphic artists if you plan to use their work in the songbook, unless the work is beyond copyright (check copyright discussion threads). Even if the work is beyond copyright, I credit the composers and artists if known.

I can generally get a songbook, 70 pages or so, printed at a local copy center for about $10 and offer it for sale for about $20. If you can print in volume, 100 or more, the price per copy should go down a couple of dollars.

It's a lot of work, depending on your skills, but can be very satisfying when you're done.

Here's a link to my website where you can order my songbooks: click here for songbooks!

Happy to answer more specific questions.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: How to self-publish a song book.
From: GUEST,bernieandred
Date: 28 Feb 12 - 12:59 AM

CD sales are really slowing down & I'm thinking about printing a song book of original & public domain songs, with lead sheets, photo's, anecdotes etc. to sell at gigs. Anybody have any experience of doing this? Costs etc?