What's the best self-publishing site?

Question

In order to get published you have to be published, or at least that's what I'm being told...so what is the best self-publishing site I can go with in the hopes that the next book will be picked up by a standard publishing company?

(I've read about the Publish America scam and I've also been to lulu.com, are there others I should check out?) Thanks!

Answer 1

It's not true that you have to be published to get published.  Sure, it helps, but plenty of writers got their start without it.

Unfortunately, anything you get self-published will (a) go unrecognized by more conventional publishers and (b) cannot be resubmitted to a conventional publisher.  Many self-publishing companies don't bother to tell writers this fact (I work in a literary services agency and I see it all the time).

Lulu seems to have the greatest respect for their authors.  When you think about it, it's a great deal--you pay nothing to get your work printed and you have total design control.  The marketing, however, is up to you, and that can be tricky.  I've done short projects through Lulu for a definite audience and they've done very well.  First get your audience.

Answer 2

Whoever told you that is wrong.  It helps to have previously published works under your wing, but it's not a must.  Self-publishing will not help you in getting traditionally published.

However, Lulu.com is, indeed, a great self-publisher.  I've compiled a personal artbook through them.  

Answer 3

Yeah, I would say lulu.com

it is very trusted but it costs you money.