Writing and Publishing News

Are you facing the excitement and intrigue of publishing a book? Do you hope to experience some level of success? Most of us do. Yet most books fail in the marketplace. What goes wrong?

Hopeful authors tend to spend too little time preparing for publication and too much money producing their books. In many cases, we also spend our money in the wrong places. Don’t let this happen to you. Here’s what most savvy authors would do differently.

In hindsight, many authors would have followed the path outlined below. If you are writing a book with aspirations to publish it, you’ll want to take this list seriously.

• Study the publishing industry with intensity. Truly understand the world of publishing, your options, the possible consequences of your choices and your responsibilities as a published author.

• Write a book proposal. This well-researched, well-organized, painfully truthful document will tell you whether or not you have a viable book, who your audience is and how to approach them, for example.

• Take your time when it comes to making any decisions. A rushed book will often fail.

• Call in the experts. If you’re not sure whether your book is a viable product, whether the contract you’ve been offered is good, whether your book cover design is going to sell books, etc., get professional advice. And be sure to have your book professionally edited!

• Create a marketing plan. Be prepared to shift from serious writer to dedicated, energetic, committed book promoter.

• Join one or more publishing organizations. I suggest SPAWN, of course. That’s Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network http://www.spawn.org. And check into your local, regional publishing organizations where you can participate in real time, face-to-face with real authors and publishers. Let me know if you need help locating one near you.

You wouldn’t go into any other type of business without first gaining an understanding of the industry, your customers/clients, the venders, the competition and the market. While writing is a craft, publishing is a business. If you hope to succeed as a published author, you must approach publishing as a serious business. And remember, your book will sell only for as long as you are willing to promote it.

For much more about writing, publishing and book promotion, including all of the aspects listed above, read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

I just returned from a two-day Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) affiliate retreat. Around fifteen leaders of publishing organizations throughout the U.S. converged upon Paradise Point Resort in San Diego this week where we discussed the state of publishing today and how we can help our members to more successfully navigate the shark-infested waters.

Of course, the most dangerous “shark” in those waters is our own ignorance, which is why these dedicated leaders give of their time and energy to run these organizations. Their primary purpose is to bring hopeful authors into the fold where they can learn about the publishing industry, their options, the possible consequences of their decisions and their responsibilities as published authors.

As most of you know, I am the president of SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http://www.spawn.org. SPAWN is a national—actually an international—organization for anyone who is interested in or involved in publishing. We provide information, resources and opportunities for personal interaction and guidance to help authors, freelance writers and others more successfully navigate the world of publishing.

IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Association)—formerly PMA—is also a national organization. http://www.ibpa-online.org

Both SPAWN and IBPA provide countless additional benefits and opportunities for authors.

All of the other affiliate organizations attending the retreat are regional in scope and nature. We had representation from publishing organizations in Northern California, the Midwest, Hawaii, San Diego, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay area, Arizona, St. Louis, New Mexico, Colorado and the New England States. But there are also publishing organizations serving Connecticut, Florida, New York, Canada, Michigan, Minnesota, the Great Lakes area and others. I imagine there are still others which are not IBPA affiliates.

Are you aware of a publishing organization specific to your geographic area? Do yourself a favor and attend a meeting or two or more. Get involved. Join and join in! If you are not aware of a regional publishing organization, do a search locally or through the internet and see what is available for you. As a member of SPAWN or IBPA you will have access to a list of most regional publishing organizations. Last year, after the affiliate retreat in Nashville, I profiled 24 such organizations throughout the U.S. in the May edition of the SPAWN Market Update (in the member area of the SPAWN website.) join SPAWN for $45/year and you’ll have access to this list as well as thousands and thousands of additional information and resources you can definitely use.

If you are interested in information about a regional organization near you, let me know. If you are aware of a regional publishing organization near you, let me know.

How does a regional publishing organization differ from a national organization such as SPAWN? First and foremost, most of them offer the opportunity to meet with other authors and publishers face-to-face. They have (generally) monthly meetings with speakers and networking opportunities. They also set up local events such as book fairs, book awards programs, workshops/conferences, etc. for authors and publishers. SPAWN, on the other hand, is online only.

Each organization offers different opportunities and benefits—while some have informative websites and newsletters, others might only focus on providing excellent meetings and frequent book selling opportunities. And, I might add, a publishing organization is quite different than a writers’ group or club.

If you are writing a book, especially if this is your first one and you are not sure about your skill level or the viability of your book, join a writers’ critique group.

If you are contemplating publishing your book or you have a published book that you are marketing, join SPAWN AND a regional publishing organization where you will receive guidance, information, resources and so much more on a national as well as local level.

The thing is, until you get involved in publishing, you really don’t know what sort of information you need. And this is why most books fail. It’s true; around 75% of published books (in 2007) sold fewer than 100 copies during the year. The authors of these books were not educated about the publishing industry, they did not understand their responsibilities as published authors, they were not informed as to their options and the consequences of their choices. One affiliate participant tells her members, “Do you want to spend $75,000 to produce a mediocre book or $5,000 to produce a viable product?” She says joining her organization (or any organization where you will open your mind and participate) will make the difference.

Here’s your assignment for this week—seek out your local regional publishing organization. Check it out either online or by phone. Show up at the next meeting. And, if you are not a member of SPAWN, fill out your membership application today. http://www.spawn.org Click on “Join SPAWN Now.”

If you are new to publishing (which I can’t stress enough is TOTALLY different from writing), order my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. This is your introduction to the publishing industry. It helps you to understand the publishing industry, write a more viable book, choose the best options for you and your project, create a marketing plan and so much more. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html