Self-publishing a genealogy book can be an exciting and rewarding experience, offering you the chance to share your family’s history, preserve important stories, and create a lasting legacy. Whether you’re compiling an extensive family tree, documenting personal stories, or providing a historical account of your ancestors, self-publishing offers the flexibility to control the entire process from start to finish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate self-publishing your genealogy book.
1. Organize Your Genealogical Content
Before you begin the publishing process, it’s essential to ensure that your genealogy book is well-organized. Start by compiling all of your research, family stories, historical facts, photographs, and any other materials you plan to include. This could include:
- Family Trees: Visual representations of your family lineage.
- Personal Stories: Narratives that highlight key family members and their lives.
- Photographs and Documents: Scanned images of birth certificates, old letters, and other historical documents.
Consider breaking your book into chapters or sections based on family branches, locations, or specific time periods to make it easier for readers to follow.
2. Choose Your Book Format
Next, decide on the format of your genealogy book. There are several options available, including:
- Paperback or Hardcover: These are traditional print formats, often chosen for keepsake genealogy books. Hardcover versions tend to be more expensive but are highly durable and present well.
- E-book: An increasingly popular choice, especially for digital sharing or distribution. You can format your genealogy book as a PDF or EPUB for e-readers.
- Photo Book: If you have a lot of photographs or scanned documents, a photo book might be a good option. Many self-publishing platforms offer photo book services.
Consider your audience and budget when choosing a format. If you plan to print and distribute physical copies, calculate the cost and determine how many copies you would like to print.
3. Design and Layout
Designing your book is a crucial step in making it visually appealing and easy to navigate. You can hire a professional graphic designer or use self-publishing tools that offer templates for layout and design. Here are some aspects to consider:
- Cover Design: Your cover is the first thing potential readers will see. Make sure it reflects the content of your genealogy book and incorporates elements such as family crests, photos, or historical motifs.
- Typography: Choose clear and legible fonts that match the tone of your book. Use consistent formatting for headings, subheadings, and body text.
- Images and Charts: Include family trees, photographs, and maps in a clean, organized layout. Make sure the resolution is high enough for print quality, and images are properly cropped.
Many self-publishing platforms have online design tools to help with these elements, or you can opt for services that specialize in family history books.
4. Select a Self-Publishing Platform
There are many self-publishing platforms available, and selecting the right one depends on your goals and distribution preferences. Some of the most popular options include:
- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): One of the most accessible platforms for both print and e-book formats. Amazon offers global distribution, which can be an excellent way to reach a wide audience.
- Lulu: Known for its flexibility and wide variety of print options, Lulu is a great platform for genealogy books. They offer print-on-demand services, so you can print as many or as few copies as you need.
- Blurb: If your book includes a lot of photos or is designed as a photo book, Blurb is an ideal platform. They offer high-quality printing and a variety of customizable formats.
- IngramSpark: Great for authors who want to distribute their books to bookstores and libraries. They offer global distribution but come with an upfront fee.
Do your research and select a platform that fits your needs in terms of pricing, print quality, and distribution options.
5. ISBN and Copyright
To protect your intellectual property and give your book a professional touch, you will need an ISBN (International Standard Book Number). This unique identifier helps track sales and ensures that your book is listed in databases. Many self-publishing platforms offer free ISBNs, but you can also purchase your own if you want full control over your book’s rights.
You should also consider copyrighting your genealogy book to protect it from unauthorized reproduction. In most countries, a copyright is automatically granted when you create original work, but registering it can offer added protection.
6. Publish and Market Your Book
Once your book is ready and the design is finalized, it’s time to publish! Upload your files to the self-publishing platform you’ve chosen, and follow the necessary steps to make your book available for sale.
After publishing, you can start marketing your book:
- Social Media: Share updates on your genealogy research and the book’s progress on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
- Family and Friends: Reach out to family members who may be interested in purchasing or sharing the book.
- Genealogy Communities: Join online genealogy forums and groups, where members may be interested in your research and your book.
- Local Bookstores and Libraries: Consider sending copies to local bookstores and libraries for distribution. Some bookstores may allow local authors to hold signings or displays.
7. Keep Improving Your Genealogy Book
Once your book is published, gather feedback from readers and look for areas where you can improve. If there are any gaps in the research, errors in the content, or suggestions for better formatting, take the time to revise and publish updated editions.
Conclusion
Self-publishing your genealogy book is a fulfilling way to preserve your family’s history and share it with others. From organizing your research to choosing a publishing platform and marketing your book, each step helps ensure that your family’s story lives on for future generations. With patience, dedication, and the right tools, you can successfully self-publish a genealogy book that will be cherished for years to come.
