Do it yourself

2009 Books Issue | Self-publishing is the bright spot in a gloomy bookselling environment. Here's the story of some who have tried it, and succeeded | Susan Olasky

David Parry/Press Association via AP

Greg Burns, owner of a small family farm in northwestern Pennsylvania, wanted to show people "that they can have an intimate relationship with the God of the universe and His Son and still practice sustainable, organic and environmentally sensitive farming methods."

John Nemo is a sportswriter who wanted to "tell stories about the games I loved in a way that pointed others toward Jesus Christ."

L. Dale Redlin is a retired Lutheran pastor who says his parishioners had long encouraged him to write a book: "I felt that displaying the jewels of Scripture in the framework of poetry may be spiritually inspiring to some."

Burn, Nemo, and Redlin all chose to self-publish their books.