Readers > Zines > Resources > Self-Publishing Booklist
Self-Publishing Booklist
Are you interested in learning more about the practical details of publishing on your own? This list includes books and zines about self-publishing; graphic design, layout, book design, and typography; distributing and promoting your work; and the sticky legal questions surrounding copyright and fair use.
The library also has lots of practical books about using computer programs for self-publishing and design. You can search for books about computer design, layout and desktop publishing programs by using the subject search in the library catalog, and typing in the name of the software program. Some examples are:
And, we don't want to sound like a broken record here, but you can always ask for help finding the books you need at the reference desk, or by calling or emailing the library!
Distributing and promoting your work, marketing and general self-publishing
- Abel, Jessica and Matt Madden
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(2008)741.51 A139d 2008An everything guide for comics creators, with a chapter on computer-age and old-fashioned methods for reproducing your comics work, and an appendix on minicomics.
- Caputo, Tony C.
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(1997)070.593 C255hAdvice on all aspects of the business of independent comics production — printing, trademarks and copyright, contracts, sales and distribution, marketing, and other subjects.
- Doran, Colleen
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(2007)741.5952 D693m 2007All the basics for aspiring Original English Language manga artists and writers — tools, layout, story development, marketing, and more!
- Granton, Shawn
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(c2008)ZINE 741.51 GRANTON 2008A short, basic introduction to the tools and techniques you can use to create and publish your own comic book. Includes lists of comic and zine events, bookstores and libraries that stock independent comics, and other resources.
- Guigar, Brad J.
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(2008)741.5 H847 2008Despite its title, How to Make Webcomics has a whole chapter on self-publishing your own (paper) comic book, with advice and opinions on layout and design, choosing between D.I.Y. and a print-on-demand service, distribution, marketing, and deciding on a price for your comic.
- Kalmar, Veronika
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(c1997)070.572 K14sA detailed guide to do it yourself zine publishing, with particular emphasis on practical matters like planning a budget, finding a distro, and zine publicity.
- McKenzie, Alan
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(c2005)741.5023 M156h 2005This book focuses on comics creation, storytelling, and technical aspects of drawing, inking, lettering, and coloring; but it includes a brief and helpful chapter on self-publishing, and another on publishing online.
- Todd, Mark and Esther Watson [with contributions by more than 20 creators of indie comics and magazines]
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(2006)ZINE 070.572 TODDZine history, tools and methods for making your own zine, why you might want to write a zine, photocopier tricks, promoting your zine, and many other subjects are discussed in short essays by experienced zinesters.
- Wrekk, Alex
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(2005)ZINE 070.572 WREKKA general guide to making and distributing zines, with practical information on topics as diverse as photocopying tricks, zine ettiquette, making your own envelopes, and how to start a zine library.
Layout, book design, typography and general graphic design
- Bringhurst, Robert
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(2004, 1996, 1992)686.224 B858eA brilliant guide to typographic style, with a discussion of the history, theory, and practical application of typography.
- Conover, Charles
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(2003)686.22 C753d 2003A general textbook for creating complex print design projects.
- Craig, James
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(2006)686.22 C886d 2006This classic text introduces readers to the history and practice of typographic design with clear illustrations and examples.
- Evans, Poppy
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(c2006)741.6 E92ep 2006A thorough introduction to desigining books, periodicals, and other print publications.
- Evans, Poppy
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(2004)686.2 E922f 2004Measurements, standards, and lists of all the tools, materials, and procedures graphic designers use. Type, paper, bindings, copyright and trademark standards, packaging styles, proofreading, postal standards, and more!
- Green, Chuck (Charles K.)
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(2007)741.6 G795g 2007The basics of graphic design, presented in brief "recipes" instructing readers on how to design different elements of documents and publications.
- Heller, Steven, and Mirko Ilic
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(2004)741.6 H477h 2004A coffeetable book celebrating hand lettering in comics, advertising, book design, and other graphic media. It's not a how-to, but the copious illustrations and critical text offer inspiration for artists and designers.
- Hochuli, Jost, and Robin Kinross
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(c1996)686 H685d 1996This classic text introduces readers to basic book design concepts and provides examples from Hochuli's large body of successful book design work.
- Lee, Marshall
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(c2004)686 L479b 2004The "unchallenged bible of the publishing industry," covering every aspect of book editing, design and production.
- Skolos, Nancy
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(c2006)741.6 S628t 2006A creative how-to text focusing on the integration of text and image. Hundreds of helpful examples throughout.
- Smith, Keith A.
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(1994)741.64 S653s 1994A careful and complete guide to planning and designing visual content for books.
- Smith, Keith A.
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(1995)686.2 S653t 1995A companion to Structure of the Visual Book, instructing readers in the organization of words and text in the book format.
- Strizver, Ilene
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(2001)686.22 S918t 2001A basic textbook with a brief history of type and printing, and practical instruction in design concepts, tools, and techniques.
- Wilson, Adrian
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(1993, 1967)686 W746dA classic text in book design and production, written largely before the introduction of computerized typesetting but still relevant for independent designers, artisan printers, and anyone intersted in the theoretical aspects of book design.
Copyright and fair use
- Bielstein, Susan M.
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(c2006)346.0482 B587p 2006The basics of using copyrighted and public domain art and images.
- Fishman, Stephen
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(2008, 2006)346.0482 F337pA step-by-step guide to locating completely copyright-free material, with advice on how to determine if a work is copyrighted, and getting permissions when it is. Also includes tips for finding copyright-free images, music, writings, and more.
- Wilson, Lee
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(2005)346.0482 W7492f 2005A careful introduction to the legal concept of fair use (but written for the layperson), with examples of how the law applies in different circumstances.
