In reviewing the expanse of the blog, I am amazed at how far the book publishing industry has come and how many changes have taken place in four years. Back then self-publishing was still considered a very questionable elective by the establishment, what we now call legacy publishers, as well as many authors, academics, and perhaps even readers. In four years that has all changed. For more on this topic, read my February 28, 2011 post titled "When Self-Publishing Lost Its Stigma." Now some legacy publishers have reluctantly and belatedly established their own self-publishing imprints.

Four years ago few people had heard of an e-reader. There were no i-pad Tablets (introduced in April 2010) or Nooks. Kindles were new and no more popular than Sony Readers. Most books were still purchased in bricks and mortar stores, and Borders was considered a major chain. Today 25 percent of adult Americans own an e-reader; the sale of e-books has surpassed the sale of hardbound trade books; and Borders is bankrupt and sadly has closed its many doors.

One continuing, unresolved, book industry phenomenon is the law suit between the Author's Guild and Google, which remains unsettled and awaiting adjudication, having been initiated in 2005. In this blog, I have tried to keep authors up to date on this evolving situation that will, when finally concluded, eventually have an important impact on authors, publishers, copyright protection, libraries, and the entire industry.

The aim always of the information I have written has been to help authors be prepared for all that is involved if they decide to self-publish a book. I have concentrated on the importance of copy edited and copyrighting, traditional book promotion, developing author platforms and brands, virtual book promotion (including hosting web sites and blogs, online press releases, using social media for seeking exposure and disseminating books, online book reviews), autograph parties in bricks and mortar stores, publicity and interviews, and the benefits of sharing books or giving some away. There are posts in this blog devoted to each of these subjects.

I have featured established authors who chose to self-publish instead of accepting contracts from legacy publishers, and I have told the story of some Dorrance authors and how they have been successful. I have paid tribute in memoriam to Steve Jobs, Barney Rosset, and the last living Code Talker who was a Navajo and a Marine and whose story Dorrance published.

Some of the most frequently read blog posts through the years were: “26 Things to Know about Self Publishing a Book” (December 31, 2008), “The Long Tail and Self-Publishing” (March 30, 2009), “Marketing Books with Blogs”(March 31, 2010), and “Self-Published Authors Drive E-book Sales”(May 18, 2012). My intent has been to serve as an advocate in assisting authors in their desire to connect with readers, and I hope, to some degree, I have succeeded in that effort. No one can ever know about or care about your book as much as you. So do all you can to stay involved and to prepare for what comes next.

My authorship of this blog has now come to an end. Please know that it has been an honor and privilege. Good wishes to you all.