Tag: choosing a self publishing company

Jodee Speaks

Self-Publishing Analysis Paralysis

Today I want to blog about decision making, or the lack thereof.  What brought this to mind was receiving an email from an author I have been in contact with for a full year now.  Her manuscript has been done for over a year, and she has spent the past 12 months shopping self-publishing companies for the “best deal.”  After a year of research, she still hasn’t made a decision!  She could have had her book published and in her hands nine months ago.  She could be earning her investment back by now, but instead she is stuck with analysis paralysis.

I don’t imagine most authors would take this long to make the decision, but if you find yourself unable to move forward because of all the different self-publishing companies and various packages, options, and promotions,  know that you are not alone. Many authors suffer from “analysis paralysis,” also known as over-thinking a situation so a decision or action is never taken.

While it is important to research self-publishing companies and the various options available before choosing a package and company, it is also essential that you find the courage to choose a company and begin the publication process. At some point, an author might need to take all the analysis and logic out of the equation and make a decision based on the rapport he or she established with a particular company during the analysis phase  or choose to go with a company that has values that match his or her own.  Perhaps a company such as Outskirts Press which is grounded in family-values would be a good match for you.

Choosing a self-publishing company is like any important decision in life; you can analyze and analyze and analyze, but eventually you have to make a decision, and sometimes that decision is based on something other than logic.

I’d love to know, what made you choose your self-publishing company?

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in   sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services   for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department   is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants;   together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the   book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your   career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist   seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you   on the right path.
Jodee Speaks

It’s a Jungle Out There

There are many full-service self-publishing companies ready to assist you with publishing your book, and I don’t envy the author who has to navigate the vast array of publishing packages and optional services. As you are comparison shopping, one area you want to be certain you are comparing apples-to-apples and not apples-to-oranges is your per book author cost and your per book royalties. To make sure you understand what the different companies are offering, make sure your per book pricing and royalties comparisons use these same parameters:

  • Same Trim Size
  • Same Estimated Page Count
  • Same Distribution (i.e. Amazon only, all major online retailers, offline retailers etc.)
  • Same Quantity of Author Copies

These basic guidelines will help choose the company that is best for you.

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in   sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services   for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department   is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants;   together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the   book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your   career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist   seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you   on the right path.
Wendy Speaks

There is No Such Thing as Free Lunch

Have you heard the cliché “There is no such thing as a free lunch”? Everything has a cost, even if it appears to be free. This true for self publishing as well as all other areas of life.

While there are companies who say they publish your book for free, there are still costs to you. For instance, you may have to buy large amounts of merchandise after the book is printed, or you will have to spend vast amounts of time marketing your own book. In addition, a “free” publishing company could harm your reputation has an author if your book is not of professional quality.

Authors who want their books to be taken seriously need to invest in their projects. This means you’ll at least need a good copy editor and possibly an experienced graphic designer. Depending on your skills and goals, you may also require marketing services. Not all self publishing companies offer these extra services.

Authors should invest in their books by choosing a full-service self publishing company that offers a variety of production and marketing services as well as excellent customer service. This will ensure that you have access to skilled professionals who will help make your book a masterpiece.

I’d love to know, what additional services do you plan to use when self publishing your book?

ABOUT WENDY STETINA: Wendy Stetina is a sales and marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the printing and publishing industry. Wendy works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; and together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction, or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Wendy Stetina can put you on the right path.
Cheri Speaks

Self-Published Authors Have Input

One of the  many benefits of self-publishing is the amount of control the author maintains during the publication process. Unlike traditional publishing, you can call all the shots. However, it is important to note that not every self-publishing company offers the same privileges and options. When choosing a company, find out how much author input is allowed and if there are any additional costs for customizations. For instance, most companies charge for custom covers or interior design, but you don’t have to buy custom options to have author input. Even standard templates give you the opportunity to change and adjust based on your needs and desires. This is privilege that most traditionally published authors don’t have, and it is one of the main reasons writers choose self-publishing.

I’d love to know, what customizations are you considering?

Cheri Breeding ABOUT CHERI BREEDING: Since 2005 Cheri Breeding has been working as the Director of Production for Outskirts Press. In that time, she has been an instrumental component of every aspect of the Production Department, performing the roles of an Author Representative, Book Designer, Customer Service Representative, Title Production Supervisor, Production Manager and, Director of Production. She brings all that experience and knowledge, along with an unparalleled customer-service focus, to help self-publishing authors reach high-quality book publication more efficiently, professionally, and affordably.