Category: Self-Publishing

Choosing a Publisher, Self-Publishing

Self-publishing – Authors become the Gatekeepers

In a recent blog post, literary agent Nathan Bransford wrote of on-demand printing and distribution:

“No warehouses, no catalogs, no print runs. Online vendors, as we’ve seen, will sell anything. In this scenario, does the Author of the Future, especially one with a built-in audience, really need a publisher? Well… yes. Maybe.”

Bransford goes on to argue in favor of the author/publisher relationship, stating that the role of the publisher lies in the dirty work – copy editing, cover design, distribution, marketing, etc. We know that writing and publishing is often the easy part – the real execution comes in getting books effectively into the marketplace. That is where real self-publishing options stand out. Be prepared to pay for the services you and your publishing consultant determine best suited for your goals. In the long-run, you’ll thank your self. And so will the readers who have the privilege of enjoying your work.

Bransford: “But publishers would have to be extremely author-friendly — they would be providing a service, not relying on their traditional role as gatekeepers and distributors. Publishers won’t be able to rely, as they have traditionally, on the fact that authors need them in order to reach their audience, just as authors won’t be able to rely on publishers losing money on most of the books they publish.”

Keep your eyes and ears open. Self-publishing is on the way.

– Karl Schroeder


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Choosing a Publisher, Self-Publishing

Self-publishing Advantage 2

2 – Authors only have to purchase books they know will sell…

Wholesale definition: Printing costs are different than wholesale pricing. As an author, you’ll find printing at set costs, but what is not taken into consideration are the additional costs you’ll incur to retail and distribute books, including order fulfillment and shipping costs to your readers.

This is what distinguishes a printer from a leading full-service self-publishing option. Make sure yours allows the flexibility to set your own book prices and distribution discount. And ask, what are your per book costs and minimum orders. Its never too early to ask these questions.

– Karl


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Choosing a Publisher, Networking, Self-Publishing

Self-publising top 10: Advantage 1

1 – Authors are required one-time only upfront investment…

Yes, quality self-publishing services will require a one-time upfront investment. While not as important as your book pricing structure, distribution, and royalties on the back-end. Upfront service prices deserve a quick look.

Here are a couple of red flags.

1. HUGE DISCOUNTS! PUBLISH NOW AND SAVE XX%!!!
There are more than enough self-publishers offering HUGE savings. Always. That usually indicates that the savings aren’t real. Instead, packages and/or services are artificially inflated. This is true in any business across every industry. You’ve worked hard. You deserve what you pay for. I was born in Vegas. Ever been? Be wary of the bright, flashing lights.

2. GET PUBLISHED FOR FREE!!! (the opposite end of the spectrum)

Business 101. Nothing is free. It’s worth taking a look at the contract and asking, what am I really getting here. Not a good time to fall to instant gratification. You’ve worked hard and deserve a publisher that works for you in return. Again, make sure your get what you pay for. Well worth it is the time researching a publisher that will partner with you to publish your book as successfully as possible.

A quality self-publisher will value you, and upfront prices will stand by that.

– Karl


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have fun and keep writing…

Choosing a Publisher, Self-Publishing

Self-publishing Advantages – Fill in the Blank…

I sat down today to a quick brainstorm outlining the advantages of partnering with a top notch custom self-publisher, but came up just shy of double digits. Help!

Self-publishing Advantages top 10 list:

1 – Authors are required one-time only upfront investment…

2 – Authors only have to purchase books they know will sell…

3 – Authors have the control to set their own book profit or royalty percentages…

4 – Authors set their custom wholesale book pricing…

5 – Authors set their book’s retail price…

6 – Authors can work with a design team on their unique custom book cover…

7 – Authors are in control of the editing and proof process, publishing nothing they don’t expressly approve…

8 – Books don’t see print caps and never go out of print…

9 – Authors keep exclusive rights to their work

10 –

– Karl



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Networking, Self-Publishing

Exploring Affiliate Options in Self-publishing

With the inevitable, ongoing explosion of print-on-demand, there are more authors than ever before dipping their feet into the self-publishing game. In fact, the term dipping feet may be an understatement considering the volume of new, developing, and somewhat esoteric information involved in self-publishing. Some authors come from the traditional arena and have a degree of knowledge and understanding corresponding with their experience. Other authors may have independently published books in the past, consider themselves savvy, and are now seeking the advantages that come from joining forces with a full-service print-on-demand self publisher.

The great majority, however, are new authors, anxious to learn, but not possessing much history or background in the industry. They often rely upon the information they read on the internet, hear from friends/associates, or receive from their publisher. In fact, the term self-publishing has expanded in scope to include publishing content in blogs, forums, online newsletters, even videos.

You may find yourself somewhere along that continuum or in the process of researching publishing options for your own material. Have you considered that your expertise can benefit other writers while at the same time earning you additional income? The process is called Affiliate Marketing and a great opportunity offered through various self-publishing leaders.

Affiliates can often earn up to 10% or more for each author they refer. Here are the nuts and bolts:

It’s perhaps the easiest and fastest way to share your knowledge as an industry thought leader while at the same time expanding your own platform and earning extra income in the home based internet business, and you do not have to develop your own service. Instead, generate revenue by simply referring authors to recognized, professional custom self-publishing services through the credibility your experience provides. What’s more, you get to see the investment that comes from seeing authors reach their publishing goals.

– Karl



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