Self-Publishing for Genealogy Societies Workbook: A Guide for Board Members and Society Leadership Kindle Edition

Self-Publishing for Genealogy Societies Workbook is a practical, step-by-step guide designed specifically for genealogy society board members, officers, and leadership teams who want to publish their organization’s research—without financial risk, technical overwhelm, or professional publishing experience.Written by Thomas MacEntee of GenSocSoup, a nationally recognized genealogy educator who has worked with hundreds of societies, this hands-on workbook shows how volunteer-run organizations can transform existing materials—obituary indexes, cemetery surveys, local histories, research guides, and more—into professionally published books using modern print-on-demand self-publishing platforms.Why this workbook matters nowMany genealogy societies are rich in content but face shrinking budgets, rising costs, and limited volunteer time. Traditional publishing models are expensive and risky. This workbook demonstrates how today’s self-publishing tools remove those barriers—allowing societies to publish with zero inventory, minimal upfront cost, and global distribution.What you’ll learn insideHow to identify which society projects are ready to publishHow print-on-demand works for non-profits and volunteer organizationsHow to choose the right platform (Amazon KDP, Lulu, or Blurb)Realistic pricing, revenue, and cost models for society publicationsHow to address common board concerns and build consensusQuality standards for genealogy publications (indexes, citations, design)How to use AI tools responsibly to save time—not replace expertiseSimple marketing strategies to make your books discoverable on AmazonA clear, month-by-month publishing workflow your board can follow Workbook format = actionable resultsThis is not theory. Each chapter includes checklists, decision frameworks, and planning exercises that help boards move from discussion to action. By the end, your leadership team will have a clear publishing roadmap tailored to your society’s resources and goals.Who this book is forGenealogy society presidents, treasurers, and board membersHistorical and genealogical organizations seeking new revenue streamsVolunteer leaders responsible for publications, archives, or outreachSocieties ready to preserve local history while increasing sustainabilityThe resultA repeatable, low-risk publishing program that preserves your society’s work, serves researchers worldwide, and creates long-term income—without storing books in someone’s garage.Take the first step.If your society has ever asked, “How can we share our work, reach more researchers, and generate revenue without raising dues?”—this workbook was written for you. Read more