(This topic is also on the ‘Writing for Children’ Group and the Forum)

The copyright on some children's short stories that I had published some years ago has reverted to me and I'd like to resell them, but I need to do a lot of work on them before I can do that. I’m currently negotiating permission to use the existing pictures, but may have to have new pictures drawn – which is prohibitively expensive.

I’m wondering, once I’ve done all that, whether to go the self-publishing route or the traditional publishing route. The excitement of controlling everything myself appeals to me, and also the possibility of having something like a PayPal account (I need advice here too). The downside of doing my own marketing, printing, etc, is that at present I have no ‘exposure’ on the ‘net and living in a small town (…yes, we’re moving…) doesn’t lend itself to physical marketing involvement.

I’ve put three of the thirty (plus) stories on my blog. If you have time I’d love you to read them and, bearing in mind that I’ll need to make some changes to them, give me your thoughts on which route to take. (I haven't added the pictures because the ones I have are not mine.)

Patricia I'm a big fan of self publishing, not that I've made any real money at it, but considering the type of books I've produced, it's all been huge fun!

I use www.lulu.com you get a professional product and you only pay for the copies you buy.  It doesn't cost anything to create an account and they have lots of help.

To keep costs down you do need to be able to create a pdf version of your book.  (Not difficult).

Re Paypal, anyone can open an account as long as you have a terrestial bank account.  Very easy.  It doesn't cost anything to send money and a varying scale to receive.

Artwork can be very, very expensive to commission.  You could try one of the many artist or graphic design sites and ask for a collaborator.  There may even be someone on Writelink who has artistic skills who would be willing to work with you.  Good luck!

Thanks for your comments and help, Sue. I'll have a look at www.lulu.com and also see what I need to do to open a PayPal account. Going the self-publishing and PayPal route seems attractive. Getting the artwork done is going to be the time-consuming and costly part of the project. I'm still hoping to get permission from Macmillan to use a lot of the original artwork.

Patricia, on Lulu you don't necesarily have to set up the pdf file yourself. If you follow their directions, they'll do it for you - free of charge. They usually have a free package to get your own ISBN, too - just have a look at the discussion between David and myself. Cutepdf is a good one to download if you want to set up your own pdf file. I use it once I'm happy with the layout of The Pages magazine, then the pdf file is put up on the site, as well as converted to a virtual magazine.

Bear in mind that if you use coloured illustrations within the book, the cost becomes prohibitive, but coloured covers are included in the price. You could check out the book we published through Lulu for charity, as an example. Just key in Another HairCut? on www.lulu.com/uk

As for Paypal, go to www.PayPal.com and set up through there. You need to add bank details and pay them a few pennies (literally), and the verification will be through them paying that back into your account. I have never had any problems with them. I had an email from them today, offering PayPal banners to put up on my website, come to think of it.

I hope to read your stories this evening. Sorry about the delay!