Comments on: Guidebooks: Is Self-Publishing For You?

By: Cheryl Probst

Cheryl Probst — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:58:18 +0000

One of the beauties of GuideGecko is that you can have print, e-book or both for not too much extra work. There are many places out there which also offer both options, but I chose GuideGecko because it specializes in travel books.

Good luck with your latest book!

By: pelu awofeso

pelu awofeso — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:12:14 +0000

I am encouraged by this post, Cheryl. I have self-published two books in the last 5 years:a guidebook to Jos, a touristy city in Central Nigeria, and a travel book on Nigerian Festivals. I can say that,yes, I have also had to do almost everything myself (except the editing); but then, it’s been marginally worth the effort too. I’m currently travelling around Nigeria and simultaneously working on a third travel book. I and am interested in exploring the e-book format but almost everyone I’ve asked seemed unsure of the best approach.I will look at GuideGecko now

By: Cheryl Probst

Cheryl Probst — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:32:11 +0000

Rebecca, you’ve mentioned several things that would make wonderful niche books. Why not do a book on each area that interests you? That way you’ll still satisfy your desire to be a generalist. Or you can include some general information in each book. I specialize in off-the-beaten path places in Beijing, as I prefer places where you don’t have to elbow your way through the crowds. But I still include some mainstream sites, such as the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace.

For the Forbidden City, I suggest times to go when the crowds won’t be as thick and then to tour the side buildings, which get few visitors as most people just walk straight up the middle to the main halls, where you can only see in the doorway IF you can get that close. And at the Summer Palace, which can be equally as crowded, I suggest walking around Kunming Lake for visitors who have the time on a nice day. It gives you a whole different perspective of this beautiful park.

As a one-woman guidebook company, I know I cannot be all things to all people. And I wouldn’t want to be. I don’t want to write about everything, just things I enjoy. I know there are people out there who also like to visit less touristy places after they’ve done the must-sees, and i target my book to them.

By: Rebecca Sebek

Rebecca Sebek — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:33:43 +0000

I lean towards being a generalist. Drilling down my niche challenges me!

When it comes to the UK, I’m all about the “arts and music scene.” Love the International Fringe Festival in Scotland. Of course, the shopping is fantastic as well. Then again, I do love the “historic haunts” like Edinburgh Castle and Mary King’s Close. Pub crawls are a blast…Decisions, decisions, decisions…

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Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:48:59 +0000

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Dave&Deb Travel Duo and Trisha, Jennifer Raezer. Jennifer Raezer said: Travel Writers – Is Self-Publishing Guidebooks for You? @cherylprobst Answers http://bit.ly/3bDDHk (via @TravelWriting) #traveltuesday [...]

By: Jennifer @ ApproachGuides

Jennifer @ ApproachGuides — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:01:29 +0000

Hi Cheryl,

Thank you for your informative article! My husband and I have written a series of cultural travel guidebooks (ApproachGuides) that we are selling as PDFs, but had not looked into self-publishing a paperback copy. I am browsing through GuideGecko’s website now!

I also love your comment about your guides being “highly opinionated”! We have tried to do the same — making sure that our voice is heard in the guides and staying away from hotels, restaurants, etc. which the large travel guide companies do so well.

I will connect with you on Twitter – I look forward to hearing more!

By: Cheryl Probst

Cheryl Probst — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:37:12 +0000

Rebecca, doing your own guidebooks is indeed fun, but, as you noted, a lot of work. I would suggest picking out a niche area instead of a generalized country/countries. What do you like to do best when you visit Scotland? Tour castles or cathedrals? Eat scones? Buy plaid fabrics to make your own kilts? Or pick out an area the mainstream guides give short shrift to and concentrate on that. You’ll find many people who share this interest with you and would be interested in buying a specialized guide.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:49:28 +0000

I did not write a guidebook, but I would like to write one for Scotland and possibly for the entire UK because it’s one of my favorite countries. I enjoy going off the beaten path as well. It’s more fun and you discover things you may not have if you stick to the typical “touristy” travel. Self-publishing can be daunting because you do everything from writing to marketing, but you do have complete control.