My last post in this series on publishing is to give you information about self-publishing, vanity publishing and print on demand (POD) as outlined by Jared Kuritz, Co-President of Strategies, presented on March 21st, 2009 at the Southern California Writers’ Association.
Self-publishing allows the author to have 100% control over every aspect of the book. That includes design and production decisions. The bad part is that you are responsible for all production and publishing costs too. A rough estimate on cost of 1,000 copies, is $9,000. Fortunately a second print run of 1,000 books will cost you around $1,500, since you’ve already dealt with cover design, interior design, etc. Unlike traditional publishing, and cooperative publishing where the author nets ($1.36-$2.04) and ($1.80-$5.70) respectively, with self-publishing, the author nets ($6-$11.40) on a cover price of $20.
As with any other form of publishing, PR & Marketing, are key to successful sales. Kuritz pointed out that if you decide to self-publish, you are strapped down to the U.S. Cooperative and traditional publishing give you more flexibility, in terms of traveling. As I mentioned in a previous post,
W.C. Jameson, mentioned self-publishing being more suited for poets and experts on a specific subject as they sell most of their own books through speaking engagements and therefore back of room (BOR) sales.
Vanity Publishing is generally expensive, around $20,000, and often, there are many problems, according to Kuritz. For example, Vanity Press, promise you distribution, but they generally just mean contacting the “.com” like amazon.com, etc. Anyone can do that. Often things are done incorrectly, the title is not on the spine of the book, or the ISBN # is in the wrong place, so you have to pay to get it re-edited and a new layout, after you’ve already spent $20,000.
Print on Demand (POD) should be used sparingly, according to Kuritz. It will cost you between $9 to $12 per copy to get 100 copies out. Distributors won’t accept (POD) books. Kuritz mentioned an example of where (POD) books can be useful. If you want to send your book to reviewers 5 months prior to it being published, then you can get (POD) copies. Also if you have speaking engagements prior to your book being published, then (POD) is useful.
I asked you for a 25 word synopsis of your book to share, and so far I have seven, including my own. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COMMENT ON THESE SYNOPSIS AND ADD YOUR OWN IF YOU WISH.
Thanks for submitting them, and good luck with publication.
Rob-bear: Many people live with chronic pain which is “poorly managed” — that’s an ethical problem. How do we come to a better ethical solution?
Kelli-Norgaard: “Most foreigners move to a new place, expecting adventures, but what they find is a place totally different from home. Then they get upset.Why?”
Shirley H.S.: As a Mennonite, I grew up with my nose pressed against the window of the world. From birth to college, 1948-1966, I became a conservative-rebel, proud-humble, deep-wide bundle of opposites ready to pioneer a new path.
Lady Glamis: Synopsis For Monarch:
Fighting for his life from terrorists in the South American jungle, a double-crossed CIA officer heads to the mountains of West Virginia, prey to an even larger battle: the one for his heart.
Jungle Mom: Synopsis: Jungle Mom invites you along as she experiences adventure in the Amazon jungle living among a primitive tribe. It’s a wild ride!
Cindy: A terrible loss and heartbreaking prophecy lead Shannon on a challenging course to return home and battle with the trials of her waning faith.
Gutsy Writer That’s me: Parents chuck the good life and move their defiant teenager and entitled siblings to a Caribbean island where they all learn about real life and gratitude.
Just wanted to tell you that I finally answered your question over at my blog. YOu´ll have to read a few previous posts in order to get your full answer.
They all look so interesting. . . can’t wait until some of these books come out. I am still trying to think of my 25 word synopsis. I’ll post it here when I figure it out.
Wow. Am I the only fiction writer on there? All those books sound interesting and engaging! Sonia, I really can’t wait for yours to get picked up. 🙂
Oh, and thanks for the link!
Really nice 25-word summaries. Great jobs writers. 🙂
I’ve always thought of self publishing as vanity publishing….interesting.
Another good post! Thanks.
I know this person that published his own book. He did all his own editing and photos etc. It was the worst thing I have ever read. Make sure if you do this you know how to spell and also you need to know that a sentence should not be an entire page long. He didn’t. I should send you a copy of this book. You would be shocked.
Wow!! I want to read all of these books!! Hope you all get published.
Just wanted to weigh in on one aspect of the post, particularly the POD (Publish On Demand) advice.
I went with a publishing company who acts as a publishing intermediary. For about $100, they work with the printer in processing orders for the book.
The book was assigned an ISBN number, was listed in the Ingram catalog, and can be order online at the major sites (B&N, Borders, Amazon) or through the local bookstore.
The only real downside is that, unlike "traditional" publishing, you can't walk into a book store and see copies on the shelf, unless you contact the book store itself. The upside is that the book stores I contacted agreed to do just that.
I don't agree that POD should be dismissed as a viable publishing option.
In fact, of the three listed here (self, vanity, and POD) I would put POD first. Self-publishing and vanity are cost prohibitive, and do not offer the author the aforementioned ISBN designation, listing on the major online sites, etc.
Andrew Scott Turner,
I’m glad you posted your experience with POD. Thanks.
Do the copies run around $9-$12 each?