What happens when you launch an Internet search using keywords, “publishing” or “book promotion?” You are barraged with advertisements—“let us publish your book for a fee,” “we can help you sell your book.”
Services that did not exist even five years ago are now vying for your patronage. There are so many companies—so much competition for your publishing or marketing dollars—that it is mind-boggling for the professional, let alone the new author.
What is an author to do? Tons of research. Here are my recommendations:
- Adopt a do-it-yourself policy. Study the ins and outs of the publishing industry so that you can make more informed decisions. Even if you decide to hire a marketing company, for example, stay involved. The more well-educated you are with regard to publishing and book promotion, the more potential your project will have for success.
- Don’t be in a hurry. Sloooowwww down. Take it easy. Rush, and you will make mistakes. You will miss opportunities. Most authors who later admitted they made serious mistakes, were trying to meet unrealistic deadlines.
- If a publishing or marketing service sounds good to you, kick into high gear with your research. Visit some of the author warning sites (a few listed below). Do an Internet search using keywords, “name of service or company” and “warning,” or “complaint.” Now a word about what you might find. One or two nitpicky complaints about a company might not be anything more than sour grapes—a misunderstanding. It happens—more now than ever before. But if you run into complaint after complaint coming from different sources, pay close attention. Reconsider this company or services.
There are some legitimate companies poised to help and support authors. And there are those running something akin to author mills or drive-through, quickie mart businesses whose principals are interested primarily in the fast buck. You need to know more than they do in order to protect yourself and your project.
I wrote Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author for those of you who are new to the publishing arena. It is a great starting place to gain that education you need before entering into this highly competitive field. The information, guidance and resources within this book could make the difference between the grand success of your project and failure.
Keep in mind that nearly 78 percent of books today fail—that is they sell fewer than 100 copies total.
Warning sites
http://www.sfwa.org/for-authors/writers-beware
http://www.todayswriting.com/poetry-scams.html (offers warnings for more than just poetry scams.)
More listed in Publish Your Book, along with hundreds of tips, ideas and resources. This book also features advice and anecdotes from two dozen other professionals and authors. Available at Amazon.com in print, Kindle and audio, as well as at many other online and downtown bookstores. Also here: http://www.matilijapress.com