As authors we believe our manuscripts have million seller potential. Most of us believe we have already written that a million seller; the publisher just did not see the potential. It is their loss… well our loss too.
Never fear, there are companies out there now that will take your raw manuscript and turn it into that million selling paperback, or hardback if you prefer. Just send your manuscript and tell them how many books to deliver in about six to eight weeks.
Did I say deliver? Yes, I sure did! The publishing company is going to deliver them for me, you ask? Not exactly, read further before you look for a pencil and paper and get ready to write down the name of the company.
You probably wonder how soon you will get your first check. After all you do have plans to make. You will want to give notice at your daytime job and get ready for the world book tour and I am sure you are now waiting for Oprah to call.
Do not bother looking for that first check, just yet. Look for your checkbook instead as you need to write a check to the publishing company which is really nothing more than a printer. They are going to print your book. Of course, there is no charge for the expertise they bring to the table and you are paying exactly what it is worth. The check you must write pays for the finished product… the actual books.
The printer will deliver your books, wherever you want and you will pay the freight. The printer is not involved in distribution of your books. That part is up to you. Welcome to the world of self-publishing. If it sounds better, tell yourself you are partnering with the publisher. Either way, you pay, before the presses are turned on.
For those considering self-publishing, go into it with your eyes wide open. Consider very strongly the answers to some questions. First, if you lose all of the money you invest in printing and distributing your books will the loss change your style of living? If so, do not do it.
Next question, do you have the time, knowledge and energy to distribute and promote your book? If your book is approved for sale in the major bookstores, such as Borders, it will take months to get that approval and you really cannot start the process until you have a finished product to send them for review. Then it is up to the local stores whether or not they carry your book in their stores. They may elect to special order it on request.
All major bookstores require a buy back deal if they order for stock from you. That means, at the store's discretion you must buy back any unsold books, and you pay the freight both ways. Oh, they pay your invoices in about sixty to ninety days, so you may be buying back books before you get you get paid for sold books. You take all risks.
Why do you believe you will be more successful publishing, distributing and promoting your books when the conventional publishers are passing on your work? Still want to pay for having your books printed? Work with me here. I am not against the concept, just cautious about it.
You can make a profit as a self-publisher; I did it on a limited basis. How much profit did I make, you ask? Let's just say that I still have my daytime job as an accountant. Self-publishing is a lot of work, it takes time away from my writing and by now I would have starved to death if I had tried to make it on book sales alone.
Success is possible, depending on what you consider success to be for you. If you are hoping to retire on the beach in Hawaii from book sales, sure it is possible, but unlikely. Hopefully, there is a plan B for that retirement in Hawaii; perhaps a winning lottery ticket? I am still looking for the person who has a major self-publishing success story.
