The penniless writer series : how you can publish your book on a shoestring
Neil Mach
- Region:
- South East
- Notice Period:
- Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
- Type:
- author and social historian
- Fee:
- Expensed: the speaker would appreciate a reasonable contribution towards his travel expenses
- Category:
- Hobbies
- Updated:
- 21st August 2025
- 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: 10 | 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! The author has delivered speeches to audiences of various sizes and ages, ranging from theatres to living rooms, and from care homes to first schools.
Neil has given his entertaining slideshow presentations to community groups, Probus clubs, W.I. meetings, U3A groups, care homes, schools, colleges, and other neighbourhood associations big-and-small.
With over 20 books written, Neil is not only a published ethical author but also a multi-time NaNoWriMo champion. He describes himself as a ‘hippy grandad!’’
His home is located in Surrey, England, by the River Thames but he's willing to travel in the South-East and Thames Valley and has given slideshow talks in Leicester, Birmingham, South Kent, and North Bedfordshire.
In his popular 'penniless writer series' he guides new writers in ways they can achieve their writing ambitions with minimal outlay.
After retiring from 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 has made valuable contributions to various esteemed publications, newsletters, and blogs.
During 2021, he curated an exhibition that was highly acclaimed and delivered a talk on the ‘Coronation Charts’, which marked the beginning of pop charts in British music history.
In 2024, he arranged a temporary exhibition focused on Led Zeppelin in 1969. He later conducted presentations on the same subject.
Neil makes regular appearances on TV and is a frequent guest on radio and podcasts.
Don’t miss Neil’s fascinating 45–60 minute illustrated talk exploring the question, “What is Fantasy Fiction?” In this entertaining talk, the author explores the “need” for fantasy creation in humans and explains the fundamental definitions of the genre. He delves into questions like: What makes up the key element of fantasy? What is fantasy fiction? What is liminality? What is a liminoid experience? What’s the difference between myth and fairytale? What is the definition of magical? What is the difference between high fantasy and low fantasy?
If you need him quickly the speaker is often available at short (less than a week) notice.
The author 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, and ephemera with him to aid in triggering audience memories. He also provides his own equipment.
+++++++++++++++++++++++ Links:
https://www.facebook.com/author.neilmach
https://www.neilmachauthor.com/
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Significant podcast episodes:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/josiane-fortin7/episodes/80-Where-Fantasy-Authors-Ought-to-Begin-e1igc4n/a-a2ks2ah
https://www.spreaker.com/user/tomreaoch/neil-mach-author-so-you-want-to-write-fa
TV appearances:
The Repossible Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fStjDjkV9M&t=114s&pp=ygUJbmVpbCBtYWNo
The Self Publishing Queen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMmaTR7SSZ0&t=16s&pp=ygUJbmVpbCBtYWNo
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Neil Mach
- What is Fantasy Fiction? - with English fantasy author Neil Mach
- Rocking Surrey: History of Suburban Rock and Roll with music journalist 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
- Victory in Surrey: Reflecting on V.E. year in the County, 1945
- How to get a book started: How to Write Your First Book with author Neil Mach
- 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?
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