I started this blog just four years ago. I\u2019ve published nearly 650 posts since then on all variety of topics related to publishing, authorship and freelance writing. When I go back and look at entries posted in November and December of 2005, I notice the similarities to what I write today and I am aware of the changes that have taken place over the years in publishing.<\/p>\n
The main changes seem to revolve around the opportunities in this field. Because of the opportunities, more people are getting involved as authors, as publishers and as printers, editors, publicists, agents, workshop leaders\/teachers, book shepherds\u2026 <\/p>\n
Go in search of an editor or a publicist, publisher, POD printing company or agent and you will find listing after listing after listing of them. Seek out a pay-to-publish company and dozens and dozens of them will appear before your eyes. <\/p>\n
And what about books? Everyone who has ever produced a book or even thought about it is writing a book for authors. <\/p>\n
Not only that\u2014there are many people establishing companies based on eclectic skills and creative concepts through which they are offering services of all kinds for authors. You\u2019ve probably come across some of them in your search for help with your publishing project. <\/p>\n
Is this good for the hopeful and struggling author or not? Of course the answer to this is as confusing as is the array of services being offered to authors. The answer is a definite \u201cyes and no.\u201d Sure there are some amazing professionals out there with the skills to guide you toward publishing success. And there are some definite Johnny and Jill-come-latelys who do not have the knowledge and understanding of the industry to successfully advise or assist any hopeful author. There are three categories of people in this slot.<\/p>\n
1: The non-expert\/non-professional who are simply misguided into thinking that, just because they published a book they know the ropes. <\/p>\n
2: The eager beaver who has expertise ONLY in finance, marketing or editing a magazine, for example and who see an opportunity to build a business within the publishing field.<\/p>\n
3: The out and out scam artist who only pretends to have something of value to offer authors.<\/p>\n
Of course, the author loses in each of these situations.<\/p>\n
What can you do to protect yourself from being scammed (or misled) by someone in any of these categories? <\/p>\n
\u2022\tStudy the publishing industry so you understand what it entails, what your options are, the possible consequences of your choices and your responsibilities as a published author.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tBefore signing with or hiring any individual or company, do some serious research. How long have they been in business? Who are their clients\/customers? Just exactly what do they offer?\u2014get samples. Ask for references and follow up with them.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCheck warning sites for any negatives about this individual or company. Also do a Google search to discover what others are saying about them.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tIf there is a contract involved, make sure you understand it completely. Hire an intellectual properties or publishing attorney to look it over if you have any questions.<\/p>\n
Most of all, take your time as you navigate through the process of studying the publishing industry, writing a book proposal, hiring and working with an editor, locating and approaching an agent\/publisher and\/or choosing a publishing option.<\/p>\n
Start the new year being proactive and intelligent on behalf of your book project. Read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book<\/em><\/strong>. http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/rightway.html<\/a> <\/p>\n Contact me if you have any questions or need direction with regard to your next step within the publishing industry. PLFry620@yahoo.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I started this blog just four years ago. I\u2019ve published nearly 650 posts since then on all variety of topics related to publishing, authorship and freelance writing. When I go back and look at entries posted in November and December of 2005, I notice the similarities to what I write today and I am aware […]<\/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