Yesterday, I told you that you have publishing options. Today, I\u2019d like to outline what the most common three are.<\/p>\n
1: Traditional royalty publishing<\/strong>. There are hundreds and hundreds of publishers large and small out there eager for a book that will make them some money. Many of them specialize\u2014so make sure that your project meets their specs. Do they publish fiction only? Is their focus on spiritual works? Maybe they only produce books for kids, for seniors, for aviators, for cat owners or for parents with small children. <\/p>\n While there are a number of creative options among traditional publishers today, most generally, they want to see a query letter first. If they like the sounds of your project and you make a good impression, they may ask to see your book proposal. (It is becoming more common for publishers of fiction to ask for a book proposal, as well. A book proposal for fiction is a little different from a book proposal for nonfiction.)<\/p>\n If the publisher decides to publish your book, he will issue you a contract that might include an advance of from $500 to $2,000 and he will outline his proposed royalty\u2014generally somewhere between 3 and 15 percent. The publisher will invest in your project\u2014pay to have it produced. He may change your cover design, title and ask you to do an extensive rewrite. Or he may simply make a few suggestions for a slight rewrite and produce it pretty much as is.<\/p>\n Some publishers require that you work with a literary agent. Most do not.<\/p>\n Find a legitimate agent through the Association of Author\u2019s Representatives (AAR), http:\/\/www.aar-online.org<\/a> <\/p>\n Find the right publisher through Writer\u2019s Market and by checking out other books like yours and contacting those publishers.<\/p>\n 2: Self-publishing<\/strong> means that the author establishes a company through which to produce his own book. The author makes all of the decisions, puts up all of the money, handles all of the details (getting the International Standard Book Number, bar code, etc.) and he reaps all of the profits. <\/p>\n 3: Pay-to-publish<\/strong> (also erroneously known as \u201cself-publishing.\u201d) This option includes companies such as iUniverse, Authorhouse, Trafford, Tate, Infinity, PublishAmerica. While these companies might each offer different contracts, the premise is similar. You pay them to produce your book and handle all of the details. <\/p>\n To some authors, this seems like an answer to their publishing prayers. But if you go into an agreement with one of these companies without a clear understanding of the contract\u2014with unrealistic expectations\u2014you could be extremely disappointed in the outcome. <\/p>\n Whatever option you choose, make sure that you do your homework. I still want you to study the publishing industry and write a book proposal. If you have a manuscript worth publishing, then put forth the effort to make sure it has the best chance possible in this highly competitive world of publishing. <\/p>\n This brings us to the next major step\u2014book promotion. Did you know that no matter which publishing option you choose, promotion is up to the author? I\u2019ll explain more about this in tomorrow\u2019s blog post.<\/p>\n Just let me say that I always recommend that authors maintain an intimate relationship with their book projects from start to finish so they are more prepared for the huge and ongoing responsibility of promotion. <\/p>\n Who is Patricia Fry? <\/strong> Two of my self-published books were picked up by Allworth Press this year. Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author<\/em> is scheduled for publication in July of 2011. I\u2019ll make the big announcement here. They will also reproduce my book The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book<\/em> with a new title and many updates: Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for Enterprising Authors<\/em>. (No publication date, yet.)<\/p>\n My articles have appeared in hundreds of magazines and newsletters over the last 35 years. In recent years, I\u2019ve written for Publishing Basics, Book Promotion Newsletter, Writer\u2019s Digest, Writing World, Writing for Dollars, PMA (IBPA) Independent, SPAN Connection, Advanced Christian Writing, Freelance Writer\u2019s Report <\/em>and many others. <\/p>\n I teach 7 online courses for writers and authors: http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/courses.htm<\/a> I teach these courses on demand, so sign up whenever you are ready to start.<\/p>\n Visit my websites to learn more about me and my work and to locate valuable resources to help you in your publishing journey. Yesterday, I told you that you have publishing options. Today, I\u2019d like to outline what the most common three are. 1: Traditional royalty publishing. There are hundreds and hundreds of publishers large and small out there eager for a book that will make them some money. Many of them specialize\u2014so make sure that your project […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
\nI am the author of 34 published books, most of them related to publishing and book promotion. I established my publishing company in 1983, before it was fashionable.<\/p>\n
\n http:\/\/www.patriciafry.com<\/a>
\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"