Following is a list of some of the disadvantages the author should consider as he anticipates entering the process of finding the best means for putting his book in print.

1. The relative simplicity of the process of one’s book going into print, traditionally, means the publisher handles the complexities. These cost him money, for example, having the manuscript edited and formatted, the cover designed, book printed, advance paid to author, etc. are all expenses borne by the publisher, not to mention his operational overhead. Royalties begin only after the publisher has recouped all these costs.
2. Royalties are typically paid semi-annually.
3. From the moment a manuscript is accepted, it will most likely take two to two and a half years for the book will find its way to a bookstore shelf.
4. Add to this the length of time it takes for the publisher to recover production costs and the six months lag for the first royalty check and it may easily take three years before the author sees any money beyond the advance given. And it is not always reasonable to expect an advance in the first place.
5. The publisher, once the author has signed a contract, obtains major control of the book project. The editing, formatting, cover layout and design, how many copies are printed, how they are distributed, how long your book remains in print, etc.
6. The vast majority of all traditionally printed books are printed in quantities of 750-1250 and this same majority fails to sell 500 copies. Any profits from the sale of so few books will likely not produce any royalties at all for the author.
7. For first-time authors and other authors whose books are short of ever being best-sellers will discover that the publisher is unwilling to invest money into marketing. In this day of tight budgets (including large publishers) the vast majority of marketing funds are set aside for their most popular (and hence best volume sellers).
8. A recently scanned writer’s market book revealed that perhaps as few as one or two of the books a publisher publishes in any one year were unsolicited. The rest were either solicited from an established author or were submitted by an agent. (Note that one’s agent will receive up to 20% of your royalty for every book sold.)
9. Last year (2009) it is estimated that about 250,000 books were traditionally printed in the United States alone. This means about 4,000,000 to 5,000,000 manuscripts were rejected. Perhaps as many as 300,000 were then put into print by one or another self-publishing process.

While traditional publishing may seem like a great goal, it is not always in the best interest of the author to take that route.

Self-publication will be the topic for my next blog.

I sent it out several times, but only one publisher read the entire manuscript. And they very kindly sent me a personal letter which contained some valuable suggestions as to how I could make the book stronger.

The hard reality set in very quickly that finding the right publisher would be a long-term project. Eventually, I was introduced to other ways of breaking into print, such as, vanity presses, print-on-demand, and self-publication. But, they are topics for another time.

The process that had by far the greatest appeal to me was that of traditional publication. This is also, I believe, the choice of most writers.

So, what are the advantages of traditional publication?

1. The process is so simple. Send out manuscripts, following very closely what publishing houses are currently interested in, i.e., ones that publish books that match the genre of your book.
2. Once you have become a partner with the ideal publisher there is very little for you to do, except to work on your next masterpiece.
3. You will have a contract with the publisher clearly defining what he is going to do for you and consequently, you don’t have to worry about those aspects of putting your book in print.
4. You can hope for a modest advance and feel confident that when your first book is in print and becomes a best seller, future advances will be larger and soon you will be able to make a living as a full-time author.
5. You will receive royalties in the neighborhood of 10% of the cover price of each book sold. As an example, if the cover price of your book is, say, $15.00 and the book sells about 5,000 copies per year, the theoretical annual royalty would be about $7,500. If the following year you can repeat this process with your second book while maintaining new sales on the first book, your theoretical annual royalty would be $15,000. Project that out over a five-year period and you’re approaching $40,000 per year. That is not as much as an attorney, a doctor, or engineer will be earning, but it is certainly respectable. Especially since your write for the love of writing.
6. You will have invested very little of your own financial resources (copy paper, toner, a writer’s market book, envelopes, postage, etc.)
7. The publisher will take care of having your book edited, formatted, and cover designed by professionals. They will handle negotiations with the printer, cover shipping costs, make arrangements with a distributor.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the benefits of traditional publishing but it does cover what most people think of when they think of traditional publishing.

The limits of traditional publishing will be the subject of my next blog post.

What has your experience been with traditional publishers?

Author: David R Christensen

Prismatic Publishing recently had the privilege of publishing author A. K. Buckroth’s first book My Diabetic Soul – An Autobiography.  Here is the teaser from the back of the book:

So, you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes. Now what? Sure, life changes will happen – they have to.  But it is not a death sentence.

In 1959 at the tender age of two years old, author Andrea Kae Buckroth was diagnosed with diabetes.  Now she takes you through her 50-yes, fifty years of living with this disease. Medically categorized as a “Juvenile Diabetic,” she has followed a difficult path. Her experiences of being ostracized as a child, facing adolescent peer pressure, pursuing young adult higher education opportunities with career beginnings, and advancing into menopause, have culminated in a progressive, successful and blessed life.

Andrea’s stories are true. Her experiences are real. Overcoming what may seem the simplest of life’s ordeals have often been encumbrances to this life-time diabetic. However, with perseverance and minute strategizing, they have been overcome with a positive attitude and a genuine love of life. This book portrays and encourages a conscientiousness to the develpment of your own blueprint to health.

Learn for yourself! Then learn some more! Take care.

Take this opportunity to learn about the experiences of one who has lived with diabetes from the tender age of two.  Author A. K. Buckroth is a remarkable woman.

Order you copy of My Diabetic Soul – An Autobiography today!

For more information about author A. K. Buckroth, visit her website and blog.

Connect with Andrea on Facebook.

I think a lot of writers that write books, begin the writing process without really thinking about what their publishing objectives are. They don’t think about questions such as: Why am I writing in the first place? Why do I want a traditional publishing contract? For whom am I writing this book? Who is my target market.

These are questions that should be answered prior to writing your book. Here are a few things to consider:

What are your goals and objectives?

• Why do you want to publish a book? (What is your Big “Why”?)
• Is this a hobby or do you want to earn a living as a writer?
• Are you going to print just a few copies for friends and family or do you want worldwide distribution?
• Do you want to become a household name?
• Who is your target market?
• Are you passionate about your writing?

How do you envision your writing career?

• Hobby – A favorite leisure time activity or occupation
• Job – A paid or unpaid position of employment
• Career – A life’s work or journey

It doesn’t matter if you view your writing as a hobby or a career there are times when you need to treat it as a job. If your goal is to earn your living as a published author it is even more important to treat your writing as a job. Life happens and it’s easy to fill your time with things that will keep you busy. Don’t let that happen. When it’s time to write, write! When it times to market your book, get out there and market.

Treat your writing as a business

• As an author you are an entrepreneur.
• As an entrepreneur you need to treat your writing as a business.
• As a business, have you written your mission statement and vision statement?

In my opinion, there has never been a better time to be a writer. The internet makes it easy to connect with your fans anywhere in the world. The world of publishing is changing and this change has resulted in a tremendous opportunity for writers to take control of their careers.

I’m going to end with a quote about the future of publishing:

“Let’s be clear. Everybody who writes is going to publish what they write. This is not one of those things that is debatable anymore…And it doesn’t really matter whether you think this is a good thing or a bad thing for the world of books and publishing – it is going to happen regardless of what any of us thinks”

- The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing – p. 27
- quoting John Feldcamp, Pres. of Xlibris Corp.

Take control of your writing career today!

I wish you much success.

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I wrote about this topic once before on a different blog and thought it was time to address this topic again. I believe the publishing world is changing and as a result, the way people receive information is no longer controlled by the major publishing houses. With the tools that are available today it can literally cost nothing to create content and make it available for others to enjoy.

With that being said the following disclaimer applies to the rest of this post:

This post is not going to deal with the quality of books that are self-published, nor discuss the possiblity or probability of financial success. This is just going to address whether or not one can be considered published by publishing their own book.

I once read a blog post that states “First and foremost, a self-published novel does not a published author make.” I find that statement most disturbing.

I don’t like the term self-publish because it causes so much confusion. I believe there are two different kinds of self-publishing – Print-on-Demand or POD and Independent or Indie Publishing. Both methods allow an individual to have relative control over the production and distribution of their book.

Now, let’s look at some basic definitions:

• publish – to issue (printed or otherwise reproduced textual or graphic material, computer software, etc.) for sale or distribution to the public. (It also needs to made available to the public – meaning people anywhere can purchase your book.)
• self - by one’s own effort
• independent – Not determined or influenced by someone or something else; not contingent

To be published, then, means preparing a work (book) for sale and then made available for distribution to the public.

The act of self-publishing means using your own efforts to prepare a book to issue for sale and then made available distribution to the public.

Therefore, “self-publishing“ ones own book for sale or distribution does a published author make.

Just because your book is now available for sale does not mean that it is the same quality as a book put out by a traditional publishing company. It doesn’t mean that you will be successful as an author. It doesn’t mean that your book will be respected traditional publishers and other industry professionals. It does, however, make you a published author.

There have been several authors who got their start by taking control of their writing careers and self-published their own books. Some of these authors later signed traditional publishing deals. I believe that everyone has the right to have their words read by their fans. I believe that authors should write books for their fans (target market) not a publishing company or agent.

It is your responsibility as an author to make your books as professional as possible. This includes tasks such as professional cover design, formatting and editing. Having your indie published book well-written and appear as professional as possible and your marketing abilities will be key in determining the financial success or your book and the probablility of securing a traditional publishing deal in the future – if you so desire.

I know I have some strong opinions and feelings on this matter but I would love to hear your opinions regarding this topic. I believe the author that writes for their fans should use whatever publishing method that works best, to get his/her work to those fans. I completely support those who take control of their writing career and self/indie-publish.

How do you feel about self/indie-publishing?

How do you perceive those who do publish their own books?

The other day I ran across page one of my first book. It was written about 35 years ago. It began as follows: It happened once, years ago, in the town of Bellshire, England. The excitement of Christmas and the dreams of children caused many a hushed conversation among parents. At the Williams house it was no different; in fact there is a very serious topic of discussion being debated at this very moment, now that the children are tucked in bed. “Phyllis has simply worn that little teddy bear to pieces,” stated John, Phillis’ father. “But isn’t that more evidence that we shouldn’t replace it? It means so much to her,” replied Alice, Phillis’ mother.

Thirty-three years later, the book was published. In the meantime, the author completed two writing courses and undertook a long program of reading and writing stories and books for children. In 2008, the finished book was in print. It begins as follows: One Christmas Eve, a long time ago, a little toy bear named Tivoli lay crumpled on a bed. For an entire year five-year-old Kirsten had dragged Tivoli, last year’s Christmas gift, everywhere she had gone. And most of last year seemed to be clinging to his fur.

I hope you can at least sense the differences. My first attempt began from an adult point of view. The real problem isn’t whether or not mother and father should purchase their daughter a new teddy bear, but as becomes obvious in the final version, the teddy bear has a problem. He is worn out. When, later in the book, he realizes his dilemma, he decides on a solution and embarks on a dangerous quest. It is through the difficulties he faces and his determination to conquer obstacles that provides the growth in him that makes the book worth reading over and over.

With the advent of the computer, the world said farewell to the typewriter (and pencil, too, when it comes to preparing the entire text of a manuscript.) The door is now open for the writer who only daydreamed in the past to take on the challenge of preparing a manuscript. There are now several avenues the ambitious writer can follow to make sure his writings make their way into the hands and hearts of readers everywhere. The newest of these possibilities is independent publishing and if you have discovered Prismatic Publishing and Simplie Indie, you have found great resources to aid you as a writer and also a great resource to provide books if you are an avid reader.

Author: David R Christensen

Let’s talk about marketing the books we’ve written, but first:

Most people, I believe, who desire to read a book do one of the following:

1. Find one off their own bookshelf which they have enjoyed in the past.
2. Head for the nearest Brick & Mortar bookstore…browse, and select.
3. Head for the local library and, again…browse and select.
4. Pull out their cell phone or book reader…download through the internet, or
5. Select a book from the many on-line bookstores.

It is a little known fact that more books are now published in some other way than through traditional publishing. These alternative ways of getting one’s writings within reach of the reading public are as follows: POD (print on demand), e-books (books available as a download directly to your computer), self-published, or independently published.

In a nutshell, POD books are, by the individual copy (book will be printed only after purchased by a reader) and are quite expensive. The high cost and limited supply tend to suppress the potential mass market appeal for the books. They will never show up at a Brick & Mortar bookstore because they are so high priced and available in such limited supply.

Next, e-books. They are relatively low in cost, but require the reader to change the way they think about book reading. The rising generation may well adapt to the idea of books being stored in a computer memory and reading them via LCD screen, but it is commonly felt that there will always be a tendency to hold in high esteem a tangible, page containing book. We’ll have to see how this concept plays itself out. It is also thought, that if a reader loves something they are reading via e-book, their next action will be to purchase a soft- or hard-bound copy to keep on the book shelf in their home.

Third, self-published books. Typically, they are the result of a writer finishing his/her book, hiring someone to design the cover, edit, format, etc. and then taking everything to a printer, who prints as many copies as the author chooses. These books may or may not have an ISBN or bar code. All too often several boxes of their “master pieces” sit in the dark corner of the basement or garage. There was no thought at all about how to get the books into the hands of a potential reader/fan base. I know of authors that writes a book and admits that his/her subconscious must have somehow been convinced that the world would somehow know they had written a “master piece” and find them—perhaps even mob their house in search for the written word they were destined to possess.

Lastly, independently published books. This method of putting out books is comprised of a working agreement between a writer and a publisher. The primary costs of producing a book are borne by the author. But, the publisher contributes significantly in the cost factor by arranging the production of the book (cover design, editing, layout, printing) with established business partners. The result is a more professional book at a lower cost. The publisher, as a rule, has an online bookstore. He is actively networking and promoting the books and authors with which he has labored. He makes available to the author his experience and expertise which aid the author in producing a polished, marketable book on a par with the quality the public has come to expect at any Brick & Mortar bookstore.

The trend, as I see it, is in the direction of and in favor of the writer that chooses to take the independent-publishing approach. It is my intention to present in future blogs an in depth exploration of the current trends with books and their readers. The cold, hard truth is that there has been in recent years a literally “explosion” of books that hit the market. There is no way that the Brick & Mortar bookstores can handle them all. Bookstore shelf space is very limited, especially when considering the number of titles produced each year (in excess of 750,000). If a book store carried only five copies of each book, the size of the book store would need to cover several acres in floor space.

So, join me as we dig into the alternative ways books are made available and see if there is a “best” way for you to proceed and thereby maximize the chances for you to obtain sales of your books in an amount that will provide you with sufficient funds to keep your books available to your future fans.

Just as a hint of what is to come in future blog posts, we will deal extensively with the writers opportunity to market his/her own books. Your first reaction to this idea may be, “I’m a writer, darn it. Don’t suggest I go out and “sell” my books.” That position may in and of itself spell failure on your part. Look around yourself…right now. Everything within sight got to you because someone was willing to perform some salesmanship. Think about it.

Author: Bill Walker
Contributing author: David R Christensen

I would to like hear what you have to say about the ideas presented in this blog. Enjoy living.

Author: David R Christensen

• Know that it is worth purchasing, reading, and enjoying.
• Convey this message to everyone with whom you converse, through your body language as well as your enthusiasm.
• Picture those you meet as already having an interest in purchasing your book(s).
• Realize that you, for the moment, have removed your author’s hat and have put on the hat of a business person–entrepreneur.
• Carry with you a few copies of each book you have written: in your purse, snap case, brief case, or just in your hand
• Carry a box of your books in the trunk of your car. You never know when someone will want copies for friends or family members.
• I have followed these simple guidelines and sold books to total strangers, at least they were when we first met–not now!

What are you doing or what have you done in the past to market your book(s)?

How did it all work out?

Author: David R Christensen

While visiting family this past week, I noticed these 15 commandments posted on the wall. I asked my uncle to email them to me so I can share them with you. He couldn’t find the book/magazine from which they originated. If you know who the original author is please let me know so appropriate credit can be given.

1. Thou shalt think like a professional, starting now.
2. Thou shalt begin and keep going till you’re through.
3. Thou shalt take your efforts and desires seriously.
4. Thou shalt call it work.
5. Thou shalt write for yourself, not the market.
6. Thou shalt not wait for visits from the muse.
7. Thou shalt not ask whether you are good enough.
8. Thou shalt not intimidate yourself by comparing your writing with a published and polished work.
9. Thou shalt not worry whether your idea is new enough.
10. Thou shalt not talk your idea away.
11. Thou shalt not self-censor at all during the first draft.
12. Thou shalt not risk writer’s paralysis by looking for the precise word or being afraid of sounding dumb.
13. Thou shalt not believe that if writing is hard, you must be no good.
14. Thou shalt not set yourself up for failure with impossible goals.
15. Thou shalt not believe in writer’s block.

I hope you find these useful as you pursue your writing. Now is a great time to be an author.