In addition to having my writing published in magazines and on web sites, I also write books and recently began my own publishing company called Sacred Oaks Publishing. I started this company mainly to self-publish my books, but I will also be publishing a few other writers as well.

About My Publishing Company

Technology has made it easier for authors to self-publish their work. Print-on-Demand (POD) is one of the big changes in the publishing industry that makes self-publishing a less expensive, and less risky business. Books are not printed until an order comes in, hence the title POD. Also, computer programs make it possible for many authors to design the layout of their own books, and for the artistic types, also to design their own covers.

Interior and exterior book layout is a learned skill, however, and there is much involved in this process, the least of which is time. Many self-publishers contract out to have their books formatted and the covers designed. I hired a wonderful cover designer, Kitty Werner, for my novel Arlyn and the Purloin Bane. I didn't know how to accomplish the artwork and layout that I knew I'd needed for this title. I will be doing the covers for my other books where the design is simpler and I can use my own photography as part of the design.

I've enjoyed the whole process of starting my own company, creating the web site, formatting the interior of the books, and learning to do cover design. Over time, I hope to grow this business and increase my formatting skills so I can also offer this service to other writers. The marketing aspects of book publishing harkens back to my freelance days of selling my work. I'm learning more about desktop publishing for creating press kits, and this work provides the experience I need to provide these kinds of services to others. In addition, I volunteer through the Taproot Foundation doing copy writing, grant writing, and newsletter creation to get more DTP experience and to give back to the community.

About the Name Sacred Oaks Publishing

California is well-known for the beautiful and majestic oak trees that dot hills surrounding the many valleys throughout the state. They are especially plentiful in Silicon Valley, where they grow to massive sizes, not only in the hills, but along the streets in the suburbs of Santa Clara Valley, where Sacred Oaks Publishing is headquartered. Oak trees have long been revered by many cultures from the people of Bronze-Age Europe to American Indians and present day people. In addition, oak trees are considered sacred because of the healing powers of its tannin. Oaks provide many uses today, but one of the most important is their timeless beauty and magnificence, the way they symbolize protection, longevity, sturdiness, and determination. Sacred Oaks Publishing is geared toward embodiment these traits as well.

Sacred Oaks Publishing
PO Box 53106
San Jose, CA 95153

I recommend the books below to get you going in self-publishing.