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You’ve finished writing your book (see part 1), but what good is it if it sits in your computer? The next logical step is to put it out there in eBook form (or as a paperback) so that others can appreciate your work. There are a few different ways to do this.
Creating an Ebook
Reason for a website - Let’s say that your friends and relatives are interested in reading your book. You could send the file containing your manuscript to these individuals separately, or you could do a mass emailing to all concerned. Unfortunately, this means that every time there is an interested reader, you must plop yourself in front of your computer so that you can send them your book. It’s much more convenient and less time-consuming to set up a place where everyone can quickly locate your work. Others can then type in an address, and they instantly have your manuscript. The first step towards this is to set up a website or a blog.
Website 101 - There are many sites on the Internet that can assist you in facilitating this. Some are free, while others charge a fee for their services. It might seem strange that a site would allow you to set up your book or other ideas on their site for free, but, of course, nothing in life is truly free. Once your eBook is up and running, you will probably see advertisements alongside. Advertisers are always looking for ways to increase their sales. The more your story draws interest, the more likely others will see the ads attached to the website. In other words, the website owners use your eBook to draw attention to their ads.
In contrast, when you pay for a website, you have more control over others attaching distractions to your work. You can also put together a more attractive-looking package to showcase your work by paying an extra fee. As the old saying goes, “You get what you pay for.”
Self-Publishing - You also have the option of sending your manuscript to a self-publishing company. They, in turn, would not only set up a website (or webpage) for your eBooks but also produce a final copy of your work, which looks a lot more professional. The paperback version will undoubtedly incur a fee, so understand that the expense depends on your need. Depending on the package you choose, the amount you spend could run from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. Those interested in reading your book would have to pay (at retail) to download this ebook version or purchase a paperback or hardcover copy.
Self-Publishing Companies
Outskirtspress.com Lulu.com Authorhouse.com 
Independent Publishing - Some companies allow you to use their platform to create your book from scratch. For some, this can be a Herculean task. In contrast to self-publishing, where they will build the book that you want (usually at a high cost), independent publishing means you must:
Once you’ve completed the book, the independent publishing company will make as many copies as you need for your use (at wholesale cost), and they will also sell your book directly to your adoring fans.
Independent Publishing Companies
KDP.Amazon.com Lightningsource.com 
Dealing With Traditional Publishing Companies - In general, we all want to be published by a company that will place our work on a bookshelf and circulates our precious work worldwide. This endeavor takes the most work but is also the most fulfilling. Every editor has their preferences for guideline submissions. You might have written War and Peace, but publishers will instantly reject it if you submit your masterpiece improperly. Even when you follow all guidelines, you might get that disappointing rejection email. Don’t look at it as a bad thing. Anything that you thoroughly love takes time. Work hard, have patience, and you will succeed.
And that’s about it. To all those that love the written word, please remember: Words enable you to take flight. The skies may only reach a certain height, but the regions that your imagination can attain are limitless.
Congratulations and good luck.
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LLOYD A. GREENThoughts, news and reader updates. 
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