Not only does it help defray costs, it builds lasting friendships...something money can't buy.

Publicity can be elusive to a solo author. This is where teaming with other authors can prove both beneficial and fun. A group of POD published authors from an Eastern region of the country teamed to go on a book signing tour together. With careful planning they set up signings at multiple bookstores in several states. They cut personal expenses by traveling together and sharing hotel rooms.

A group of Florida authors formed a coalition for promotional purposes that includes a website to assist aspiring writers and authors. It is the Florida Writers Association. http://www.floridawriters.net. The president and founder started out as a POD published author.

In Colorado, seven POD published authors set up a workshop and book signing event at a Barnes and Noble store. The seven who attended were diverse. Their books included psychological suspense, fantasy, American historical fiction, a memoir of child abuse, a biblical historical novel, a book on fly fishing, a children’s novel set in the Civil War, a contemporary adventure, and a Great Depression historical novel.

In every one of these instances, the POD published authors came from a mix of publishers. Offering to do a workshop on POD publishing for writers groups sponsored by bookstores is usually welcome because many writers are unfamiliar with it and anxious to ask questions.

You gain experience with others; the pressure is less and this in turn will build your confidence in the public forums. The biggest plus is the friendship that evolves.