Here we go again! I’m getting more and more emails from brand new authors who have either already started making costly mistakes or who are on the verge of doing so.
Is it the economy that is prompting people to suddenly bring their writing to the forefront in an attempt to supplement their dwindling incomes? Or, with so many layoffs and business failures, are these people just now finding the time to write. Either way, many hopeful authors are debuting their magnificent manuscripts. And many of them are making some dreadful choices.
Unfortunately, some writer types are missing the publishing gene. They know how to write. They can complete a project. But they have no idea how to proceed beyond that. And, even though most writers must do some measure of research in order to produce a nonfiction or fiction book, they don’t seem to have the ability to appropriately research the publishing industry. They don’t know what their publishing options are, the possible consequences of their choices and their responsibilities as a published author.
This amazes me. As you know, I’ve been in this business for over 35 years. I’ve been trying to help hopeful and struggling authors through the necessary processes for about 20 years. During that time, I’ve seen hundreds of other seasoned authors (and some less so) jump on the bandwagon in an attempt to educate and inform new authors. There are many, many books for authors as well as newsletters, organizations, websites, courses, conferences, workshops and blogs. With just a little effort, a new author can learn the basics. Yet, I continue to find myself in the position of consoling damaged authors who have leapt eagerly into the clutches of less than scrupulous outfits.
Why do so many authors find themselves in bad situations? Here’s why: They leap before they look. They seek the easy way to success. They do a surface Internet search and believe the hype of the first companies to appear. They feel they did the hard work—the writing. Now they want to coast and rely on someone else to take it from here—to create a success from their amazing project.
Hey guys, you already know that writing is hard work. It can be grueling. But I’m here to tell you that experiencing success with your published book is 10 times or even 100 times harder. And success comes to those authors who are willing to learn, to work and to sacrifice.
What are the steps to successful publishing?
• Education. Study the publishing industry and keep studying.
• Participation. Be involved and savvy every step of the way.
Think about it, if you want to become a parent, would you start seeking services to help you feed the baby, cuddle her, bathe her, shop for the necessities and eventually discipline her? No. Parenting is a hands-on activity and you should look at publishing in the same way. Sure, you will seek out expert advice, but you, the parent, will apply it.
You, the author, must understand how the publishing industry works. You need to know your options and the possible consequences of your choices. And you must take responsibility for creating the measure of success you desire.
Success can be yours. There’s no doubt about it—of course, this hinges on your reasonable expectations based on the book you are producing.
I’m going to go out on a limb and offer the following warnings to new authors:
• Do NOT sign with the first publishing service that woos you. You need to know that there are right around 100 such services. Some are better (more author-friendly) than others. And, of course, there are other options for authors. You do not have to pay to have a good book produced.
• Do NOT hire a press release service—at least not without truly understanding what they offer and what your alternatives are. It has been my observation that the author is much more apt to have better results sending press releases than an impersonal service—especially if the author educates him/herself as to the process.
• Do NOT even consider signing with a distributor unless you understand your major role in marketing your own book.
• Do NOT sign any contract that you do not fully understand. Do not rely on the company representative to explain the contract. Get the assistance of a literary attorney. I’ve known several people recently who have been burned by the promises of personnel at such companies.
• Do NOT consider publishing your book until you have had it professionally edited and you’ve written a book proposal (a business plan for your book).
For emphasis on these points and in order to educate yourself with regard to the whole publishing industry, purchase my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. This is a book that you will want (need) to read from cover to cover and you will keep it close as a reference tool for years to come.
The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book,
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
Forum Bebe…
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