Publishing Do’s and Don’ts
by Jerry Simmons
The fact that someone completes a manuscript does not make them a writer with something worthy of publication. There is much more to publishing than throwing content together and having copies printed. In fact, anyone who thinks they can simply write, print and become successful does not understand the marketplace. Writers who are serious about their craft need an editor and a publisher if they hope to have a chance at success.
Publishers are not printers and the large print-on-demand companies are printers, not publishers. They have utilized a technology and turned it into a multi-million dollar business, good for them. However too many serious writers get caught up in the idea these big printing companies are interested in what you are writing. Excuse me but they are not! They are interested in selling you services that merely add to their bottom line.
You cannot fault these folks for running a business however I do fault writers who say they are serious and then print with those companies. This past weekend I encountered a very nice lady at a writers conference that paid in excess of “several thousand dollars” to one of those POD companies and in the end came out with a $19 trade paperback and a $29 dollar hardcover with horrendous covers that has no chance of selling copies.
Disappointing is not strong enough to convey to you what this nice lady was feeling after we talked. Unfortunately if writers fall for the pitch and sign up for low price publishing they will be very unhappy. The market does not excuse poorly written, unedited, poorly produced content in any form and writing is difficult enough without someone to assist you with publishing.
Can You Survive Without an eBook?
Every indication is that the digital market is here to stay and according to the largest retail bookstore chain in the country will be the only reason book sales will grow. Any author with a print book who is hesitant to consider an eBook edition is missing a great opportunity. Certainly there are plenty of free and even cheap formatting programs available however the global market dictates a professional formatting for your manuscript.
Do not under estimate the assistance a publisher can provide when you consider an eBook. Published content, whether in print or digital is still content and must be handled by a publisher, preferably by someone with a lot of experience. Success comes at a cost and if you want your writing to have the best opportunity to succeed, then never shortchange your publishing options and or opportunities.
| Jerry Simmons is an author, digital publisher, and professional speaker. His career in publishing began in 1977 as a Sales Representative for Random House. In 1979 he joined the book division at Warner Communications, where he spent more than twenty-three years in sales and management. During that time the company expanded to become The Time Warner Book Group (became Hachette Book Group USA in 2006). |
Tags: editing, editor, pod, publish on demand, publishing
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