You've written the next big thing. It's better than Twilight and Harry Potter combined (absolutely no offense to J.K. Rowling or Stephenie Meyers is intended) and now you're ready to take it public.
Want some bad news before you even started? You just finished the easy part - breathing life into a great idea. Now? Well, now comes the grueling part. Publishing. Of course now you have to make that big decision...
Should you self-publish, Idie publish or go Traditional? Decisions, decisions. Well, perhaps I can answer a few questions for ya.
Self-publishing: This can be a financially lucrative avenue, considering you (the author) are willing to work your little fanny to bone on designing, marketing and distribution. Cause you will likely be the only one who's gonna do it. Depending on the printing house you choose, some will most likely distribute your titles for you, but they only have a select few book stores they deal with. The rest - the smaller book stores are your responsibility. You will spend A LOT of time on the phone and emailing. Benefits? You get to keep every cent you collect. Potentially negatives? You have to shell out about $2,000-$3000 to get your baby published. Click here for more information.
Here's some links for self-publishing:
Lulu
Createspace
Amazon
Indie (or Independent) publishing: Yea, I've had a bad experience with this avenue, so of course, I ain't gonna recommend it. BUT, this is an option to you. You have to go through the submission process just like with Traditional houses but you aren't required to have an agent. Once accepted, depending on the house, the author is responsible for all editing, just like with Self-pub, and if a typo skips by, you only got yourself to blame. The Indie publisher gets your book printed, marketed and distributed to a few select stores. Benefits? You get a tad more marketing than with Self-pub, cause the publisher ain't gonna make money less you do, so they will do some publicity for you. You're royalties are a tad higher than with Traditional, but not much more. Potentially negatives? You may have to promise to buy your own books. (How do you think some Indie publishers pay to have your book published?) They use a third party themselves. Just like you would do if you self-pubbed. Indie publishers are like middle-men. Now don't get me wrong. Not all Indie publishers are lying con artists who wants you to pony up the cash and then leaves you high and dry. Some are honest, hard-working and will do everything it takes to get your titles out there.
Click here for some HONEST Indie publishers
And now, Traditional Publishing: THE hardest one of all. First, you must have an agent to deal with Traditional houses. The vast majority will not accept submissions unless they come from an agent. Some smaller houses do, so do your research. Once you get your agent, he or she will start pimping your book out to publishers. If he/she finds one that's interested, then the negotiations commence. Most times you get an advance (on your future royalties), then a certain percentage of all sales. You get excellent marketing/publicity. You will probably do multiple book signings, you'll probably do some travelling for fun author events. See where I'm going with this? For more on the process of Traditional Publishing click above.
So, I hope this little piece helps you some. Of course, I suggest you do vast amounts of research before you commit to any avenue.
Also, if you'd like to be featured on my blog roll, leave me a comment!
Self-proclaimed Southern Duchess
