Once you have created a viable product (a clean, well-written manuscript that is wanted/needed by a segment of the population), it is time to consider your publishing options. And today they are in-your-face plentiful. Ads for “self-publishing” companies follow you around everywhere you go on the Internet. And if you connect with one of them, they woo you relentlessly.
But the pay-to-publish company is not the only game in town and they can be as different as apples and strawberries when it comes to dealing with them.
Whether you choose to pursue a traditional royalty publisher on your own or through an author’s agent, produce the book yourself (become an independent publisher), or go with a pay-to-publish company, take it easy. Patiently research your options. Carefully dissect and compare your ultimate choices. Make educated/informed decisions, not emotional ones.
For the education you need before entering into the publishing field, read my book, Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising author. Available in print, for your Kindle, and audio at Amazon.com. Order a print copy here: http://www.matilijapress.com