Sonia Marsh - Gutsy Living

Life's too short to play it safe

Self-Publishing, Vanity Publishing, Print on Demand (POD)

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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.

Publishing with a Purpose – Part II Cooperative Publishing

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My first post was about traditional publishing. This post will outline what Jared Kuritz, Co-President of Strategies, presented on March 21st, 2009 at the Southern California Writers’ Association about a new trend in publishing: Cooperative publishing. Since traditional publishers have a 96-97% failure rate, Jared mentioned the need for publishers to increase the effort invested in each writer, and decrease the number of books they publish.

Many traditional publishers and distributors are now opening coops. Basically cooperative publishing is where both the author and the publisher share the costs and the profits. Mid-size publishers can’t carry the same risks as large publishers so many are now offering quality cooperative publishing.

The benefits of cooperative publishing are numerous. The publisher shares in the costs of production but this gives the author more flexibility in publishing and production decisions. The publisher is responsible for all publishing duties as well as participating in PR activities. The biggest advantage is the sales profit to the author which can range from 30-50%. The author also gets free books for PR and a huge discount for BOR (back of room) sales.

The main disadvantage of cooperative publishing is that the author shares in the production costs.
In general, the author pays for the design of the book, and the cooperative publisher pays for the printing, editing and distribution.

So if the book cover is $20, after the bookstore and distributor get their share, the author can expect to net between $1.80-$5.70 depending on whether the cooperative publisher has a 50/50 split or a 70/30 split with the author.

Jared Kuritz mentions that PR and Marketing are crucial whether you use a traditional publisher, a cooperative publisher or you self-publish. Jared also warns writers to be careful who they pick as a cooperative publisher. Chose a reputable publisher and ask if they also offer cooperative publishing.

Since this is a long post, and if you haven’t already done so, please share with us, your book synopsis in 25 words. I shall post it with a link to your blog at the end of this 3 part series on publishing.

Next post, I shall talk about Self-publishing, vanity publishing and Print on demand (POD.)

Why do you write? Publishing with a purpose: Part I Traditional Publishing

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The first question you need to ask yourself as a writer is, “Why am I writing?” says Jared Kuritz, Co-President of Strategies, during his presentation, “Publishing with a Purpose.” The answer to this question will help you determine your publishing needs.
Jared offers writers 4 reasons, and it’s important to select the one that best fits you.

1) For a personal reason. Is it an extension of journaling?

2) For posterity. For example a grandparent writing for his grandchildren or a CEO writing for his employees.

3) For professional reasons. To augment your existing business.

4) Writing for profit. To make a living at it.

Your answer to, “Why am I writing?” will determine your publishing goals.

Jared covered traditional publishing, Cooperative publishing, Self publishing, Vanity publishing and print on demand (POD).

This post will highlight the points Jared made on traditional publishing, that I found useful and interesting.

With the traditional BIG publishers, 96-97% of all books FAIL. What kind of a business can succeed with such a high failure rate? “It’s the Stephen Kings and J.K. Rowlings that carry those publishers,” Jared said. The pro’s are that the publisher absorbs all the costs, and the initial and ongoing publishing duties, for example sending your books to book events where you have decided to promote your own book. The con’s are that you, the author have no control over any publishing decisions, and that you have to buy books from your publisher for PR, unless you’ve negotiated say 500 or so books specifically for promotion in your contract. Otherwise any book you need, you’ll have to pay the publisher 60% of the cover price.

In general on a cover price of $20.00, the bookstore gets $8-$11 (40-55%), the distributor gets $3.40-$7.00 (17-35%), the publisher $4.40-$9.00 (22-45%), the agent ($0.24-$0.36) and the author nets $1.36-$2.04

I know most writers are aware of all these layers and how, with the traditional big publishers, authors are at the bottom of the totem pole. What I had not heard of myself is that many mid-size to small publishers are offering Cooperative Publishing. I shall let you know what Jared Kuritz, said about this new trend in my next post.

How would you answer, “Why am I writing?”
Another thing I’d love to have you share with us, and I shall post it with a link to your blog in my next post, is your book synopsis in 25 words. I worked on mine, and shall post it next time as it helps determine your publishing goals.

What does number 11 mean?

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Since turning 47, number eleven keeps popping up, and I find it comforting, like my own security blanket. I wake up almost every night at 2:11, 4:11, and finally get up at 5:11 when I make strong coffee. As the coffee brews, I microwave the milk in a Pyrex measuring cup, setting the timer for one minute and eleven seconds. Why? I attribute eleven to good fortune, an omen of sorts. Last year, I stapled a check for $1,100,000, to the right of my computer screen. I made it out to me, and Random House signed it. The date on the check is 9/11. Why? I plan on turning a day the world will never forget, into a day I shall always remember.

I pour coffee and hot milk into my favorite dark blue coffee mug; the one with “Michigan Mom,” written in lemon, yellow cursive. This is the mug my problem son gave me in a cardboard box last Christmas. It has been 361 days since I last hugged my son, but the counting stopped yesterday. He is home for the holidays now legally an adult.

Sitting down on my swivel chair, I feel popular today; the way I assume a cheer leader must feel. Thirty-seven people commented on my blog post and my self-confidence is soaring. People care about me and each comment receives my undivided attention.

A loud clanging sound breaks my concentration. Not used to hearing the front door open this early, I forget that my son is home for the holidays. Dressed in gray sweatpants and a Michigan T-shirt, his face hasn’t changed, but his body looks trained for a body building contest.

“Morning,” he says in a voice deeper than the last time he was home. “Any coffee for me?”

“Yes, I made extra,” I say.

His movements are loud. Cabinets open and slam shut. Fridge door closes hard.

“Sleep well? Not too cold?” I ask.

“Not bad. The shed’s a little cold, but Cookie keeps me warm,” he said.

With both hands cupped around the mug, he sits on the leather couch, in darkness.

“Want the TV on?” I ask.

“I never watch TV,” he says.

Is he waiting for me to come over and talk to him? Does he think I’m a selfish mom for spending time looking at my blog comments rather than talking to him?

My shoulders are hunched over, as though hiding my face will lessen my feelings of guilt.

“Want a refill?” I ask, bad conscience lifting me out of the swivel chair. I pick up my mug, making sure “Michigan Mom” faces him as I head towards the leather armchair.

So I want to ask him, “Do you have a girlfriend?” or “What are your grades?” but fear coming across as the inquisitive mom bombarding him with questions. Instead I decide to break the ice by talking about myself first and then, who knows, he might open up and tell me a little about his life in Michigan.

“I just got an e-mail from a German friend Inge,” I say. “She invited me to spend a weekend in San Francisco,” I continue. “She’s earned enough frequent flier miles and invited me to be her guest. Isn’t that nice of her?” I add. After a long pause, my son turns towards me and says, “Why would anyone want to invite you as their friend? You’re no fun and not entertaining.”

Eleven years have passed and the blow hurts even more today. Perhaps there’s more to the number eleven than I know.

I wrote the above short story for my memoir class.
Do any of you see eleven whenever you look at a clock, or is it just me? Does anyone know what it means?

Do Schools Kill Creativity?

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“We don’t grow into creativity, we grow out of it.” Would you agree?

This morning I listened to Sir Ken Robinson’s presentation on the educational system. I urge you to watch it, if you haven’t already. Not only do I find his speech thought provoking, but he also has an incredible sense of humor.

He claims that, “Creativity is as important in education as literacy and that we should treat it with the same status?”
Do you agree?

Picasso said, “All kids are born artists.” The problem is, how do we remain artists as we grow up? It’s our fear of making mistakes and being wrong that causes our loss of creativity as we grow older.

Sir Ken gave the example of a six-year-old girl who hardly ever paid attention in class. One day, during a drawing lesson, she finally sat still. The teacher asked her, “What are you drawing?” the girl said, “I’m drawing a picture of God.” The teacher responded, “But no one knows what God looks like.” To which the little girl said, “They will in a minute.”

Sir Ken claims that we run our companies in the same way as our educational system. “We stigmatize mistakes, and we run our education system this way, where mistakes are the worst thing we can make, and the result is we’re educating people out of their creative capacities.”

As a writer, I’m teaching myself to become more creative. Classes are offered in creative writing and now I wonder if that’s because we lost our creativity in school and as adults, we’re trying to get it back. Just as Picasso said, “We’re all born artists.” We just have to remain artists as we grow up.

Sir Ken points out something very interesting. Every education system has the same hierarchy of subjects. At the top are mathematics and language, then the humanities and at the bottom, the arts. Even within the arts there’s a hierarchy. Art and music are generally given a higher status than drama and dance. There isn’t an education system in the world that teaches dance everyday, the way we teach mathematics. Why not? Dance is very important as is math. Children dance all the time if they’re allowed to. We all have bodies. As children grow up, we start educating them progressively from the waist up, and then we focus on the heads, and then only one side of the brain.

If you’re a teacher, have children or grandchildren, and even if you look back at your own education, what do you think about education killing creativity?

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