Title: Break in or break away...Traditional, POD, Small Press or Self Publishing...Any way you slice it, you pay for a piece of the literary pie!
Length: 1,421 words
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Break in or break away...Traditional, POD, Small Press or Self Publishing...Any way you slice it, you pay for a piece of the literary pie!
by Jill Terry, authorjaterry.com
Copyright 2004, Jill Terry

I recently read an article about a publishers symposium held in New York, where traditional publishers gathered and discussed the future of the industry; where it was headed and how they could better line their pockets. It seems that the 'big boys' in their ivory towers, not believing they have yet attained enough control, have decided that the best way to get further on top (if there is such a place) and stay there, is to research book clubs and reading groups to see what they are reading and what's hot in the literary marketplace. Once determined, they plan to hire authors on a per book basis, outlining exactly what it is they want written, then pay the author to produce said book. Forget about the authors creativity and love of the craft...we're talking money here!

While this appears to be a good strategy, I'm curious to see how it plays in the big scheme of things. I, too, was approached by my publisher with a synopsis for a story that he believed would be a good seller. I took the challenge, wrote the book and am happy to report that MACUMBA, will be released this October by Aventine Press. Admittedly, writing this novel was great fun, but it wasn't like sitting down and creating a story that was already inside of me. Maybe I'm an exception to the rule...maybe other authors thrive on this type of challenge, I don't know. But I do believe that overall, writing a novel is born of the need of pure creative release and a genuine love of the craft; not writing on demand for the sole purpose of monetary gain.

So, as an author struggling for name recognition and a small piece of the literary pie, needless to say, this tweaked my tail! Just who do they think they are, and where do they get off dictating to authors what the content of their novels will and will not be? Well, lets face it, they are a force not to be reckoned with...or are they?

In case you haven't noticed, many traditional publishers, as well as brick and mortar bookstores, (yes, bookstores) are jumping on the POD bandwagon. Why...because they can produce more books at less cost. The idea of having books readily available to print on a per order basis, instead of large quantity print runs, is suddenly appealing to a much broader spectrum. So, for any of you authors out there who have published your books using this method and had them turned down for reviews, snubbed by those who believe that books produced by this printing method cannot possibly be of any 'real value' in the industry, or frowned upon in any way...there is new light shining on the horizon!

How many of you dream about walking past your favorite bookstore and seeing your novel displayed in the front window, or even displayed on the shelves for that matter? Most of us, I would venture to say. I'm still amazed at the number of authors I talk with, who honestly believe the only way to succeed in this business is to be picked up by a traditional publisher, and that 'paying' to have your book published is just not how 'real authors' do it. Well, I'm here to tell you, that no matter which route you take on your road to being published, you're going to pay one way or another.

You can choose a publisher that uses the POD method of printing, who charge fees for various services, (many of which claim to do more than they actually do), and take a percent, (albeit usually small), of all sales; but in the end, you have a published novel with it's own ISBN and LCCN number, a listing in Ingram's books in print catalog, and a book that is readily available for purchase at amazon and most well known bookstores. This can run from a few hundred dollars well into the thousands.

You can dive headlong into the journey of becoming your own publisher, which takes a great deal of time as well as money, but in the end you retain all of the profits from your book sales. If you search the internet, you will find hundreds of books written by self published authors, all willing to share their secrets...for a price mind you. But hats off to them for taking on such an ambitious endeavor.

Small press publishers are virtually in every town across the country and eager to jump into the book publishing business whether they have any experience or not. This is not to say that all small press publishers are inexperienced, far from it, but I've heard my share of horror stories from authors who spent thousands of dollars to have their books published, only to have them produce a flawed book, (falling out or missing pages, not properly formatted, misaligned cover photos, etc.) or on a more serious note, I know of a few small presses that went out of business and left the author high and dry, with or without their published novel. This is certainly the exception to the rule, but these things do happen. Just be careful and do your homework before signing with a small press. Ask for a list of authors whose books they have published then contact them and ask about their experience. You'll find that more often than not, an author is more than happy to give you the information you're seeking.

Finally, if its the traditional method you prefer, then be prepared to search and retain a literary agent, (because as you know, most traditional publishers won't give you the time of day unless you are represented by an agent). You will need to query the agents and submit copies of your manuscript for evaluation if they are interested. Some charge reading fees, most however do not. If they decide to represent you, plan to give them at least 15% of your book sales as this seems to be the norm. One thing to keep in mind, if you succeed in retaining an agent and get a book deal with a traditional publisher, it can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years to see your book in print, then you have approximately three months to meet the publishers sales quota that they have set for your book before it's pulled off the shelves and deemed out of print. "But I deserve to be paid an advance by a traditional publisher to have my book published." Of course you do, we all do, but I personally know of five romance authors who signed contracts and received advances from a few of the top selling romance publishers in the industry, only to be sued for the amount of their advance because their books didn't meet the publishers sales expectations. Were they warned this might happen? Told to hold on to that advance just in case they had to pay it back...I think not!

Any way you look at it, all of these options cost money to pursue, so one way or another, you, as an author, pay to have your novel published. It may not be pleasant, but it's the nature of this beast!

But don't be discouraged...there are so many options available these days that not having your book published might be more difficult. Just remember, no matter which road you choose, educate yourself, do your research first. Ask questions even if you feel they might be inappropriate; no matter who you're dealing with, there are no inappropriate questions, and if you truly are dealing with professionals, then they will be more than happy to answer your questions and provide you with references as well. Remember, this is your baby we're talking about...the one you've labored over for months, possibly years. Don't trust it with just anyone. And one more thing to remember that some authors tend to overlook or simply don't realize; No matter how your book is published, you are still responsible for promoting your work and getting it into the hands of the readers. There's no doubt that you can pay someone to pretend they have an interest in your work, but only you can make it happen.

Believe in your dreams and make them your reality.

Jill Terry, Author - Poet
www.authorjaterry.com