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Oceanbooks, that's what, our new venture for Bay of Plenty writers wanting to independently publish books as print on demand (PoD), or e-Books.

The e-Book revolution is hitting the world like a tsunami. Kiwi writers, who operate in a particularly complicated and competitive market, need to be on full alert.

This book is a locally written ‘great beach read' by Lee Murray.

Oceanbooks Limited has presented its steering committee with a steep learning curve.

Actual conversion from print-ready manuscript to e-Book or PoD is simple enough.

Setting up systems to support shareholders with ‘how to' instructions is not.

Sometimes our lively discussions have come perilously close to a shouting match.

Step by step, stage by stage, we're getting there and planning for a launch in 2012 during New Zealand Book Month, a nationwide celebrating throughout March of New Zealand writers and readers.

If you're curious about how self-publishing works, you'll find excellent tutorials at www.lulu.com and www.publishme.co.nz

These are only two of hundreds of print wanting to bring out the book in you. Oceanbooks has its own unique perspective: Bay-based and Bay-biased.

Our ‘test pilots' for this daring foray into fame and fortune are already part of Oceanbooks.

Finding Samson by Bryan Winters explores this Iron Age superhero's exploits and his fatal passion for Delilah.

And A Dash of Reality by Lee Murray is a great beach read set right here in Mount Maunganui that also offers free advice for the novice runner.

Both are now available online at Amazon Books (www.amazon.com)

Hard on the heels of this initiative came an invitation to take part in a debate organised at the National Office of the New Zealand Society of Authors by the Auckland Branch.

I went up to represent Oceanbooks along with Treasurer Suzanne Singleton, current President of Tauranga Writers.

There was a real buzz as self-publishing pundits like Richard Webster and Jocelyn Watkins joined experienced writers such as Thomas Lodge and James George, who concentrated on the quality of text.

Richard is NZSA's chosen rep on the forum presently organising New Zealand's presentation as Nation of Honour at the 2012 Frankfurt Book Fair. Jocelyn Watkins was also present.

She runs courses for amateurs keen to enter self-publishing as professionals.

In considering pros and cons, the pros definitely took precedence.

The general consensus was that the essential priorities are high standards and marketing know-how.

Ensure your content and format are topnotch – get your manuscript assessed, edited and proofed.

Employ relevant expertise for layout and that all-important front cover image.

As for marketing, whatever you're selling you're always selling yourself.

Make a name through social media such as Facebook and Twitter, and opt for ongoing promotion.

Take any opportunity to get your name out there, and the title of your book.

Maggie Tarver, Director of NZSA, who chaired the meeting, was recently interviewed on this topic by Radio New Zealand. Find what she has to say on the subject here.

And find out more about Oceanbooks by sending an email to jenny.argante@gmail.com