Are you aware of your publishing options? Many new authors venturing out into the wild blue yonder of publishing do not. When they finally finish writing their amazing novel, fabulous memoir or incredible nonfiction book, they emerge from their writing room and announce to those within hearing range, \u201cI\u2019ve just finished my book. Now I need a publisher.\u201d<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll typically ask your friends if they know any publishers. You neighbor who wrote a kinky novel nearly twenty years ago might give out his publisher\u2019s name in case he is now producing granny memoirs. Yeah right! As a newbie author, you might attend writers\u2019 group meetings and learn the names of additional publishers. And you will surely hop onto the information highway at your fingertips and research publishers. This is all well and good IF you will take it easy and slow and use your noggin. <\/p>\n
Many new authors every year are courted and knocked off their feet by aggressive, smooth-talking representatives of pay-to-publish (self-publishing) companies. And far too many authors fall for their sales pitch without doing any further research. They are so eager to publish the book they\u2019ve poured their heart and soul into these last many months, that they jump eagerly at the first publisher to respond, even if it means they have to pay dearly for the privilege, even if they don\u2019t quite understand the contract, even if they have some reservations and their peers have issued warnings. <\/p>\n
I\u2019m not saying there is anything wrong with signing with a pay-to-publish company. What I\u2019m hoping to instill in you is the importance of further research. Before signing with any pay-to-publish company read Mark Levine\u2019s book, \u201cThe Fine Print of Self-publishing.\u201d (You can get the ebook FREE when joining SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network). See link below. Levine ranks and rates several of these companies and explains their contracts. He separates the bad guys from the good guys and believe me, there are both in this industry. Some may not be bad, but they may be offering you options and services that you don\u2019t need, for example or that you can get at more reasonable prices elsewhere.<\/p>\n
Here are your Publishing Options:<\/strong> Pay-to-publish company<\/strong>. They will accept just about any project and charge you to produce it for you. This is a great program for those authors who need a book in a hurry and who have a basic understanding of the publishing industry. It is also imperative that an author compare these companies and choose the one that is right for them. What do you pay for such services? Anywhere from $99 to thousands and thousands of dollars. Please take your time and know what you\u2019re doing before signing a contract with any pay-to-publish company. Keep in mind that acceptance by a pay-to-publish company is generally not any sort of recommendation for your book.<\/p>\n Self-publishing<\/strong> means that you establish your own publishing company. You get your ISBN, you hire a printer, you are in charge. <\/p>\n Something else you should know is that no matter which publishing option you choose, it is up to you\u2014the author\u2014to promote your book. This is true even if you land a traditional publisher, even if you purchase a promotional plan from your pay-to-publish company (which I do not recommend). Authors today must consider themselves the CEO of their books. You are in charge. You put a lot of tears and sweat into your book. Don\u2019t just throw it away by going with the first company that pops up during your Internet search. Study the industry. Study your various options.<\/p>\n My book, Publish Your Book<\/em> has a section that helps you to decide for yourself which option is best for you and for your project. Order it today from amazon.com or any other online or downtown bookstore. It\u2019s \u201cPublish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author\u201d by Patricia Fry (Allworth Press, 2011). http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a> <\/p>\n
\nTraditional Publisher<\/strong>. These publishers are always on the lookout for excellent manuscripts that will make them some money. They are seeking good books and enterprising authors to invest in. There are hundreds of large and small publishers looking for good projects. So don\u2019t kid yourself. You may hear that publishers aren\u2019t publishing anything anymore. Don\u2019t believe it. They are publishing viable products that are expertly edited and have a large or strong niche audience.<\/p>\n