4 best self-publishing companies you should know of

In the recent years, self-publishing has become an increasingly popular medium for aspiring as well as established writers. Although it demands a lot of creative effort and investment from the author, it comes with its own set of significant benefits such as complete autonomy over the editorial process and marketing activities. Self-publishing can come across a lot to handle for a single person and in all fairness, this concern is justified. The good news is that there are numerous self-publishing companies that ease some burden off the author by offering services that a regular publishing house provides but at a price.

Here are some best self-publishing companies you can consider for assisting with your first or next book release.

Lulu
Lulu has emerged as one of the best self-publishing companies in just a short span of time. It has a wonderful team that is very responsive and offers much-deserved attention to every writer. Lulu has secured the record of publishing approximately 1000 brand-new titles every day. Likewise, it is one of the few publishers that not only takes care of the printing process and legal formalities but also gets you access to the finest editors and illustrators which saves both, time and money.

Book Baby
Finances can prove to be a big hiccup in the process of self-publishing, especially for new writers. If you are experiencing a similar situation, then Book Baby can be a great choice for publishing your manuscript at an affordable price. Furthermore, they offer additional services such as editing, cover design, distribution and publicity initiatives for the author. These services can be purchased individually or as a package.

Author House
If you are specifically intent to reach a wide audience for your book, then Author House can prove to be a reliable pick. They are known for marketing their books via major e-commerce players such as Amazon and Barnes & Nobles. Therefore, as an author you can be assured that your book will receive the right amount of exposure, encouraging sales. Apart from production, distribution, and marketing, they also render editorial services such as formatting, editing, and design.

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Kindle is one of the most widely recognized brands across countries. Publishing your book via KDP will definitely offer you a huge audience platform, as around 80% of the e-book sales occur through the Amazon’s marketplace and among these, an estimated 42% account for self-published titles. Moreover, once your book is up for sale on Amazon, you still have an opportunity to update the draft which is not an option with other self-publishing companies.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • Top electric cars in the US
    Like your mobile phone or hair dryer, cars powered by electricity?! Sounds like a fantasy possible only in futuristic movies? Believe it or not, this is not only a looming phenomenon in the 21st century, but the choices of electric cars in the market are wider now than even a couple of years ago. In a range of sizes and prices, many car brands are jumping into the fray. Energized by rechargeable batteries using common household electricity, these cars provide a slick, silent ride. Definitely more efficient than its gasoline-powered counterparts, electric vehicles, although involves a high initial investment, are not so expensive in the long run, considering its advantages. With meager maintenance costs, some also come with an optional backup range-extending engine. The all-electric BMWi3 is powered by performance, design, innovation, and efficiency. Launching from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, it is one of the fastest BMWs. Also, the materials used in the manufacture of this model are not just beautiful, but sustainable too. Fun to drive, the award-winning Chevrolet Bolt EV has a battery that powers 200 hp and delivers 96 MPGe. This rides well with great acceleration that launches the car to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. The charming Fiat 500e has a delightful exterior and interiors that are brimming with well thought out features like the power sunroof, GPS Navigation System, visual LED illuminated indicators to show the current charge level during charging, amongst others. Very similar to its gasoline-powered sibling, the Ford Focus Electric that estimates a range of 100 MPGe in the latest model, has a 143 hp electric motor that drives the front wheels and a cabin packed with amenities. Currently available only to California residents, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric with a 124 mile range on 118 hp, has, apart from the regular features, a Proximity Key that enables power folding side mirrors to swing out to attention, illuminate the pavement below the door and even slides the driver seat backwards to accommodate your entry. With an incredible seven-year warranty, the Kia Soul EV boasts a large 8 center touch screen with satellite navigation, reverse camera and USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Also fitted is a Japanese-standard Chademo fast-charging socket, which delivers 80 percent charge in a little over half an hour. A classy 5 door design and spacious cargo area distinguish the Mercedes B-Class Electric from the rest. It possesses a premium cabin with multifunctional, electromechanical power steering, multi-color ambient cabin lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstered powered front seats and a truckload of other favorable features! Getting up to a 107-mile range, the Nissan LEAF is equipped with 9 range-maximizing features that help it go farther with every charge. The NissanConnect feature helps find public charging stations. Boasting up to 337 miles of range, the Tesla Model S is the all electric dream car that blasts off to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds flat. An air filter that can possibly protect occupants from bioweapons and pollutants is new indeed. Lessen pollution. Charge your electric car with a hydro/solar/wind-powered renewable source now. This is a new ride. Start a clean revolution.
  • Top 3 vegan-friendly cosmetics brands
    We live in a world where appearances play a huge role in our daily lives. Cosmetics, along with many other products, are widely used by people around the world in order to enhance their appearances. Though most people love using cosmetics as it makes them appear more beautiful, there are some people who refrain themselves from using makeup as these products are often tested on animals. Therefore, many companies are now turning cruelty-free to cater to the people who prefer cruelty-free products. Below are some cosmetic brands that are cruelty-free and still offer a great quality of products. Two Faced This is an Estée Lauder-owned cosmetic brand that is great for people who prefer makeup that is natural looking with a little edge. This brand of cosmetics offers neutral colors and comes in great packaging. Two Faced products are widely known for their pressed powder products. Two of the popular pressed powders are the Chocolate Bay Eye Palette and Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder. Apart from powders, one of their best product is their cruelty-free mascara called Better Than Sex. Other cruelty-free or vegan-friendly products offered by Two Faced are mentioned below. Face Born This Way Foundation Cocoa Powder Foundation Absolutely Flawless Concealer Eyes Instant Attitude Brow Bone Highlighting Pencil 3*Way Lash Lining Tool Lips Melted Chocolate Liquified Lipstick Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick Melted Metal Liquified Metallic Lipstick Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte Tilbury is a high-end UK-based brand that is founded by a makeup artist. The brand offers high-quality products and they are available on websites like Nordstrom. Some of their vegan products are mentioned below. Face Magic Foundation Wonderglow Primer Take It All Off Goddess Skin Clay Mask Eyes Full Fat Lashes Brow Lift Mini Miracle Eye Wand BECCA BECCA is another brand that is owned by Estée Lauder and is well-known for their beautiful highlighters. The makeup this brand offers is of high-quality and has a wide selection of products. BECCA specializes in base products that include highlighters, bronzers, primers, foundations, and blushes. BECCA has also come up with color correctors and everything is cruelty-free. Their vegan line of products is mentioned below. Foundation Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation Perfect Skin Mineral Powder Foundation Ultimate Coverage Complexion Crème Highlight + Color Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Lowlight Highlight Palette Pressed Shadow And Light Bronze Contour Perfector Bronzing Skin Perfector Primers Backlight Priming Filter Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector Eye Priming Perfector Lip Priming Perfector Ever Matte Shine Proof Foundation
  • Pros and cons of stackable washers and dryers
    Owing to the fast-paced lives we lead, we rarely get the finish our household chores, and our favorite book lies forgotten on the nightstand. However, one of the perks of living in the 21st century is that we have an array of home appliances that can make our lives easier. A stackable washer and dryer is one such appliance which ensures that there's no dirty laundry piling up. However, one important choice you need to make while shopping for a washer and dryer is between stackable units, side by side washers and dryers, and combo units. Before opting for either of these units, it is important to understand the pros and cons of them all. Make sure you compare the availability of features and specs that suit your needs the best so that you can choose a washer and dryer unit that eases your laundry chores. Here are some pros of the stackable washers and dryers.
    • One of the main advantages of stackable washer and dryer units is their space saving feature. Since the washer and dryer of a stackable unit are placed one on top of the other, you save a lot of space in your laundry area. This saved vertical space can help make the laundry area look roomy or can be used to place extra items in the area.
    • Stackable washers and dryers are great time savers as well since both the machines in the unit can be used simultaneously. This can help the user take care of washing and drying the laundry at the same time, hence saving time spent on laundry chores.
    Here are some cons of the stackable washers and dryers.
    • Stackable washers and dryers do not allow the users to have any overhead cabinet as it may be an issue when placing the units. A cabinet higher than the stackable unit may be too high and inconvenient to access.
    • Since stackable washers and dryers are only available in front-loading options, it can be a bit problematic if you want to add items to the cycles midway. This is not a problem with top loading machines as opening the door after pausing the cycle will not make the water spill out, unlike the front loading ones where this may be likely. If you miss adding an item to the load before starting the cycle, you will either have to stop the cycle midway and start it again or wait for the cycle to get over. You end up using up more water, energy, and time in either of the cases.
    • Stackable washers and dryers are mostly electric but sometimes the dryer may be in a gas variant which requires a gas vent. This may be a problem if you live in a condo or apartment where installing an external vent may not be possible.
    • The dryers in the stackable washer and dryer units are placed on the top. This may be inconvenient to those who are not tall enough when loading and unloading clothes. You may need to use a step stool in such a case. If you are someone not comfortable standing on such stools and have a problem reaching to the dryer, the height of these units may pose a problem.
    Make sure that you compare the prices for stackable washers and dryers in different stores and across different websites to ensure that you are getting the best deal. Irrespective of whether you are getting a stackable unit or a side by side unit, or even a washer and dryer combo, try to get models that are power efficient. This not only helps in keeping your utility bills from shooting high, you also do the most responsible thing a human can do by taking care of the earth.
  • 5 awesome health benefits of lemonade iced tea

    Lemonade iced tea is one of the most popular beverages. A quick sip of lemony iced tea can instantly freshen you up. Having lemonade iced tea is a great way to sooth stress and add a lot of healthy minerals and nutrients to your body. You can have it unsweetened or sweetened, although the version with added sugar is more popular among the two. However, to get the best health benefits of lemonade iced tea, you need to have the unsweetened version.

    Lemonade iced tea can be made using green tea as well as black. Historically, the original recipe called for green tea. However, over time, black tea has come to be used popularly in homemade iced teas as well as in the commercially-made ones. In addition to lemon, you can add other ingredients  such as mint and ginger to increase the health benefits of your iced tea. Adding these will also make the drink more flavorsome. If you are not keen on using ice, you can just chill the concoction overnight or over a couple of hours and have it later. You can make pitchers-full or just for two-one serving. Check out some of the popular health benefits of lemonade iced tea.

    • Lemonade iced tea is refreshing and keeps you hydrated. Unlike carbonated beverages, it does not make you crave for more and does not add to your calorie intake. Without the sugar, lemon iced tea calms the nerves and helps you relax.
    • Tea, in any form, is good for your general health. Loaded with antioxidants, it helps your heart and skin. The antioxidants work against cell-damaging free radicals.
    • Lemonade iced tea has the added benefit of lemon. The astringent property of lemon helps in fighting gum problems and improves the health of your teeth. Also, the vitamin C content of lemon aids in fighting infections and illnesses such as common cold and sore throat.
    • If you use black tea in your Lemonade iced tea, it will have a good proportion of manganese. Manganese helps in improving your metabolism and strengthening your bones. Also, if your diet meets the minimum daily requirement of manganese, you body's ability to heal wounds also increases.
    • Whether you use green or black tea while preparing your lemon-flavored iced tea, rest assured that you will be helping your heart to stay strong. Tea helps to lower LDL cholesterol, which is known to be bad for the heart. Instead of having unhealthy soda-based beverages, you should have lemonade iced tea so that you reduce the risk of cardiac attacks.

    The best thing about lemonade iced tea is that it can be had anytime, irrespective of the season. Easy to make and versatile, lemonade iced tea is the best healthy beverage you can find!

  • Everything you need to know before buying spa hot tubs 
    Hot tubs are a great way to relax and rejuvenate. However, buying a hot tub can be a mammoth task with so many options available in the market today. Exploring ongoing hot tubs sale is a great way to get to know the different models available for your needs. Here are four things you need to know before buying a hot tub for your home. Location Before buying a hot tub, you need to know where you want to place it. Make sure you have enough space in your bathroom or backyard to place the tub. The place must be strong enough to hold the weight of the tub and should have access to electrical points. It would be good if you can carry a rough sketch of your bathroom or backyard while shopping. Get the site surveyed by the dealer. Most of the hot tubs are placed on a 4” deep reinforced cement pad. Load Hot tubs are available in different sizes and shapes. Depending on additional features, the hot tubs are called spa hot tubs or Jacuzzi. If you are planning to spend your time in the hot tub with your family, then you need to buy the standard family size tub. If you plan to have spa parties, then you need something that is larger than the family size. Hydrotherapy If you are investing in hot tubs to get relaxation from pains, then you will need a Jacuzzi that comes with jet pumps. These push the water in the tub, thereby swirling, streaming and pulsing to deeply massage your body parts. These tubs come with ozone filters that kill the bacteria in the water to make it safer for you. Maintenance Before buying spa hot tubs, ask the seller about the maintenance details. The filter bags that hold the debris needs to be cleaned once in every two weeks. Also, the tub needs to be covered when not in use. When you have some basic idea of what to look for when buying one of your first spa hot tubs, your shopping becomes easy.
  • Get rid of yellow nails with these home remedies
    When the nails become stained with yellow tinges, it looks very unappealing particularly when you allow your nails to breathe in between polishing sessions. Fortunately, treating as well as preventing the yellow stains on finger and toenails is quite easy. All it requires are a few easily available items and sensible caring of the nails. Lemon tea tree oil Buffing out the nail stains can help you get rid of them since it can strip off the uppermost layer of the nail. But this treatment has the risk of weakening the nail beds which indicates that you will have to be extra careful. You must gently buff the stain from the nail with the help of lemon and tea tree oil as it is rich in anti-fungal and bleaching properties to help the stain to loosen up. You can apply the essential oil directly on the nails and then use the buff very carefully. Lemon and soda paste You will need some hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and mix them to form a paste. You can also add some lemon essential oil for bleaching the nails. The solution is very suitable for removal of yellow streaks from the nails caused by toxic nail colours and diet. But since this is a relatively harsh treatment for most girls, it is recommended to limit it to once or twice in a week. Lavender and extra virgin olive oil This remedy is not just effective in removal of the stains, but it can also moisturise the cuticles and heal your nail bed. Mix up lavender and extra virgin olive oil and soak your fingers in it to offer much-needed rest for your hands. It is useful for the removal of all sorts of stains from the nails. You may also use apple cider vinegar as well since it can help in eliminating fungal infections from the nails. Conclusion Along with these, regularly soak your finger and toenails in warm water mixed with rock salt which will make your nails soft and void of infections. With these few easy to follow tips, you can bid farewell to the undesired yellow patches on your nails.