http://www.hogbaysoftware.com/products/writeroom

the shit

I write short stories for small amounts of money such as $50 or $100.

I don't have a physical book written by me in a physical library.

As apposed to your physical book that's currently taking up space in a non-physical library.

I've written a few dozen books (published and sold through traditional channels), all non-fiction. Used to write on computer topics, but these days the average computer book barely makes back its advance.

If you're not writing for sales, but still want a physical book to give friends and family, check out a print on demand service like Lulu. You can choose hardback or paperback, color cover, and it can even include full color pages inside, like for a poetry book with photos you've taken.

Cost is reasonable. A 100 page 6x9 paperback, like a novel, costs under $6 each for 20 copies.

If your book is good enough, you can sell it to local independent bookstores. Do a book signing.

I've had dozens of short stories published in books and magazines and thousands of non-fiction pieces, plus a dab of RPG stuff. About to have an anthology I edited back in the 90's reissued. To get a novel published, I think it helps to build some audience with short stories first. Of course, once you have publishers and agents interested, you still have to, ya know, finish that novel. I really thought I would have written a novel by now and I'm disappointed in myself that I haven't.