I’ve been compiling a big book of classical music (all public domain, so no copyright issues) for a specific instrument, and want to publish it. I think there would be demand, as it fills a unique niche.
What’s my next step? Find a publishing company (and if so, where?) or print and assemble and promote it myself?
Has anyone out there had any experience publishing this type of material?
Self-publishing would work well for the book you’re planning to publish, since it caters to a specific market. When you self-publish, you get full creative control of your book, retain ownership rights and cater to your target readers.
In terms of marketing your book, several self-publishing companies offer marketing services to help promote. You can check out this site for book marketing ideas:
http://marketyourbook.wordpress.com/
For more information on self-publishing:
http://selfpublishingjourney.wordpress.com/
You will need to see a copyright attorney first. Although what you have may be in public domain, later copyrights may exist for arrangements of the material and you need to be sure the later copyrights are not being infringed upon. Chances are you will have to self publish, music publishers want a track record of the artist, arranger, or source before they will assume the cost of publication. Good luck.