You are now in the enviable position of almost seeing your labors come to fruition. Getting your book printed has never been easier...and for some, never more confusing.
Self-Publishing
This is a popular, rapidly growing, almost daily-improving option. Due to technological improvements, self-publishing can now be easily and professionally done on your computer. Binding choices are limited to spiral or comb binding if using your computer (and this is something you can do yourself for a very small investment) but many books do not require perfect binding.
You can also take your manuscript to a local printer who will then format it, do the layout, possibly some design work and then print it for you. The printer will most likely want your manuscript on a CD with the font embedded, or at least in PDF format. You will be provided with a POD book (print on demand). You can order as many copies as you like (usually the more you order the cheaper the cost per book). It's worth your time to get bids on your job if you have several printers available.
Internet Publishing
There are a number of internet sites that also provide book printing services, such as lulu. These sites often allow one to do one's own formatting and layout. Some even provide a free book cover selection. Many also offer a variety of fee based services, including providing an ISBN, for those who are not do-it-yourselfers.
When using an internet site, it is highly advisable to order only one copy of your book to start with to double check for errors and layout problems. Once your official order is placed, there is no recourse or refund if there are problems with your work.
Some internet sites even provide a venue for selling your book.
(An internet site that publishes your book is not an ebook publisher per se, although they can do ebooks. Don't be confused on this. Ebook publishing is another, entirely different option that will be addressed in another article.)
Vanity Presses
A vanity press, and there are many, is another option for getting one's book into print. It is important that you read your contract very carefully if choosing this mode of publication. Also, it's imperative that you look at other books the company has published. Proceed with caution.
Vanity presses will do any number of jobs for you, from editing, layout, formatting, cover design, even distribution...at a price. Shop around, for this is an expensive way to proceed. There are lots of these companies - some reputable, some not.
Subsidy Presses
These are much like vanity presses. They charge for publishing your book, but are generally more selective and may do a bit, a very small bit, of marketing for you. This does not make a good option if you are publishing your book for family or friends only. A subsidy press will only consider your book if it is being published to be sold.
Conventional Publishing
Sadly, most conventional publishers will not give authors the time of day unless they are represented by an agent. These companies usually do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Many small presses do accept unsolicited manuscripts, however, so if you are looking to publish a niche book, or even a mass market one, this is another resource for you.
An excellent source for locating publishers is Writers Market, which is issued yearly in paperback and is also available on the web.
Be patient. Never rush the final product.
In the words of Winston Churchill, " Writing a book was an adventure. To begin with, it was a toy, an amusement; then it became a mistress, then a master, and then a tyrant."
