The penniless writer series : how you can publish your book on a shoestring
Neil Mach SpeakerNet Sponsor
- Region:
- South East
- Notice Period:
- Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
- Type:
- author and social historian
- Fee:
- Expensed: 20
- Category:
- Hobbies
- Updated:
- 9th August 2026
- Tagged:
- Creative Writing | Writing Workshop | Self-Publishing | Aspiring Writers
The penniless writer series : how you can publish your book on a shoestring
This ethical author and seasoned public speaker, who has many book titles to his name, shows his audience how to publish their book on a piddly budget!
Don’t assume you’re unable to publish because you’re penniless. You bet you can! And Neil will show his audience how to do it! Futhermore, the book will be the best looking one on the shelf!
You’ll love this engaging presentation on how to publish a book for free (or almost free.) See Neil’s other talk in the penniless writer series if you haven’t written your masterpiece yet!
Are you thinking about spending thousands to get your manuscript published? Stop!
** Hold off spending your hard-earned cash until you see this important presentation **
Neil’s 45-minute slideshow explains the distinctions between hybrid, vanity, traditional, and self-publishing.
Please note: there are no-strings-attached to this author appearance! Neil isn't ging to make a sales pitch and he won't try to sell you a book!! He'll just share his advice, his insights, and his experiences.
Neil sheds light on:
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The pros and cons of trad publishing
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The pros and cons of hybrid publishing
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The pros and cons of vanity publishing
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The pros and cons of self-publishing
Neil will help his audience plan their book publication, leveraging free resources and tools to create a top-notch book at a low (no) cost.
Neil explains:
How self-publishing works and he discusses the free options that are available
He explains Ebook and print formatting and describes how to format a book’s interior for free
He explains how to use free print-on-demand services
He'll describe the steps you’ll take to obtain a book cover for your publication at minimal cost
Neil’s humorous and engaging slideshow reveals valuable strategies — sometimes learned ‘the hard way’ — from twelve years in publishing.
This presentation is ideal for book clubs, writing groups, writer’s workshops, or any community association.
Neil has given presentations at conventions, schools, universities, writers’ gatherings, community centres, and assisted living facilities. He caters to all groups: big, small, and creative writers of all ages.
Views: 521 | Enquiries: 0About Neil Mach
Neil Mach is considered highly skilled in the art of public speaking.
It doesn’t matter how big or small your audience is, this speaker has delivered his entertaining illustrated presentations to audiences large & small, from theatres to living rooms, from care homes to first schools!
Neil has given his amazing presentations to community groups, Probus clubs, W.I. meetings, U3A groups, care homes, schools, colleges, and neighbourhood associations big-and-small for over five years.
With over 20 books written, Neil is a published ethical author and he describes himself as a ‘hippy grandad' and 'community historian.'
His home is Staines by the River Thames but Neil is willing to travel in the South-East and the Thames Valley and has given his slideshow talks in Leicester, Birmingham, South Kent, and North Bedfordshire.
After retiring from over 35 years in public service, Neil became an internationally recognized author/journalist in the music industry. He founded the ‘Rock Pen’ school to nurture aspiring music writers and made valuable contributions to various esteemed publications, newsletters, and blogs.
During 2021, Neil curated a highly acclaimed exhibition on the ‘Coronation Charts’, which marked the beginning of the pop record charts in British music history. In 2024, Neil arranged a temporary exhibition that focused on Led Zeppelin in 1969. He later conducted presentations on the same subject, and wrote a book on the 'history of suburban rock 'n' roll'.
Neil hosts his own podcast show (now in its fifth year, with over 125 episodes broadcast) and he makes regular appearances on TV and frequent guest appearances on radio and podcast.
If you need him quickly Neil is often available at short notice (less than a week).
Neil is aware of the financial constraints of small community groups and associations, so he offers his illustrated talks for free, but he'd appreciate a reasonable contribution towards his travel expenses.
Neil brings mementos, artifacts, costumes (!) and ephemera with him to aid in triggering audience memories. He also provides his own equipment.
What audiences are saying...
"Grateful thanks for your entertaining and informative presentation on Wednesday. It really was enjoyed and much appreciated!"
- Mole Valley Stroke Club
"Thank you so much for your talk today. It was just what we wanted..."
- Wadhurst Probus
"Lots of great feedback today Neil. We’d love to have you back..."
- Time2Meet, Carshalton
"I just wanted to thank you again for your talk. I had some great feedback, everyone found your talk interesting & entertaining..."
- NHS Retirement Fellowship, Reigate
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Links:
https://www.facebook.com/author.neilmach
https://www.neilmachauthor.com/
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Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Neil Mach
- The Fiction of Romani Culture: Exploring the way Gypsy people are depicted in literature
- Reflecting on 1969: Britain Thrusts into the Space Age
- Surrey Farmland Girls - Triumph on the Land: the story of the Women's Land Army
- Clickety click - life in ‘66: the year that Britain became the envy of the world
- Standpipes and Sex Pistols: Remembering the long hot summer of '76
- The penniless writer series: why you should start writing your book today.
- How we lived on the brink... Life in Britain during the Cold War 1957-1967
- What is Steampunk fiction?
- The Only Way Is Up : How 1988 shaped the contours of world history
- The year that changed its mind —1936
- 1946 - the wonderful year of beginnings
- Discoveries from 1960s children’s television. Lessons learned from Sixties children’s telly!
- Surrey's Flying Buckaroo - The Adventures of the Kite Wrangling Frontiersman Samuel F. Cody
- Who Remembers Toast Toppers? A Community History of Forgotten Edibles and (In)edibles
- The fun and promise of 1972 — the longest year in history
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