Elevate was well-received recently, so in the last two weeks I’ve been busy, taking care of a number of things to bring Elevate closer to my Malaysian readers. I’ve written these little journeys in 3 blog posts. Follow the links below to learn more about the mini-journeys as a self-published author:
- Part I: Book distribution and printing
- Part II: How to get an ISBN from PNM
- Part III: How to copyright your book
Discussions with distributors and printer
My printer for Elevate is Sinaran Bros, a well established printer in Penang. They started, more than 40 years ago, as a book publisher having a huge office-shop in Chulia Street. I remember passing by their office in Chulia Street when I was a small girl, perhaps around 1980s. What I remember most is their unique signage.
In its hey day, it used to be one of the top in Malaysia, apart from Pustaka Antara. It decided to focus into printing business in this 21st century digital economy.
Why?… you may ask… The publishing industry has witnessed tremendous transformations in the industrial revolutions, from heavy reliance on big machines and human resources to desktop to laptop/tablet self-publishing and print-on demand (POD) in 21st century. Many publishers closed down their businesses; existing publishers outsource printing work to printers.
Encik Rahmat at Sinaran Bros showed me photos of their hey days. I saw a black and white photo of enormous printing machines manned by 2-3 men, another photo of 10-12 staff (mostly women) at tables, a photo of Tunku Abdul Rahman visiting Sinaran Bros and also a photo of the then renowned cartoonist, Encik Halim Teh (Keris Berpuaka).
Technological advances accompanied by reduced public budgets have not only led to downsizing of quantity (staff, space and facility) but also demands changes in business models, to one that is leaner and more agile. In trend are personalisation and smaller bite-sized work than mass production.
Sinaran Bros is now located at The Promenade, Bayan Lepas offering digital printing. If you’re going there, their entrance is facing Kapitan Restaurant. Take the elevator to the Sinaran Bros office at Level 3.
My discussion with them went well. They are very supportive and empathetic towards new authors like me. That has helped get the book out again – they are currently being re-printed.
I am also in talks with distributors in KL to get Elevate on the bookshelves of Kinokuniya and MPH, and for online purchase. It seems a little tricky – Wish me luck… and watch this space.
Next, in Part II, learn how you can get an ISBN from PNM.
In the following post, I share tips on how to apply for Dana Penulis (Writer’s Grant) from PNM. Good luck!
#PNM #DanaPenulis #Elevate #presentation #TipsforWriters #ISBN #Malaysia
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