I'm not an expert on the publishing world, but I've seen a few trends develop over the years. I think with budget cuts and the large number of writers wanting to get published, the big publishing houses seem to be more and more difficult for new writers to break into. Luckily, there are some other options out there.
There are a number of small publishing companies popping up all over the country. Their size restricts them from publishing as many works as their corporate competitors, but it seems to be a great way for new writers to get some recognition. I've heard that even if they can't use your work they may offer you assistance with who might. Plus, it may be a great way to get some feedback on your work.
Another choice is self-publishing. Places like lulu.com and other self publications are making it easier for people to get their work out there. Of course, you have to put the money up for the copies you want, but there are lots of places you can sell your book. You get to take charge of all the different aspects of your book by doing this. My mother-in-law Pat wrote about self-publishing on her blog. It is very informative.
This is also my chance to shamelessly plug her book.
This is a wonderful book about growing up in the Texas Panhandle during the 40's and 50's. I loved it not just because we're related and I live or have lived in these places, but also because it gives us a glimpse into life during a different time. It's full of neat stories about her childhood and is a great example of a self-published book. The other neat thing is people can order it straight from Lulu.com, how's that for marketing!
What are your thoughts on publishing? Anybody worked with or know of some of the small publishing houses? What about self-publishing? I'd love to hear what you all think.
6 comments:
I've been published in several books where the author has self-published with places like that. The drawback is the marketing but many authors have managed to do very well with it! Another good friend of mine is on her second one and has sold over a thousand of the first and has orders for the second but then she owns a store and was able to get into direct marketing.
I'm standing in line for the traditional publishing route! I'd like to try that first, kind of like hoping to make it to the Olympics! But your MIL's book looks super neat! Her reader base may not be big, but at least she has found the joy in telling her story, and sometimes that's all that matters!
I have a friend who went with vanity publishing and I wouldn't recommend it. The writer has to pay for so many copies of the book before they get any profits and the publishers are very shady about the marketing efforts. The books are only sold online, too.
Not a good system.
Thanks for the publicity, Kara. And my experience with Lulu.com has been WONDERFUL! It was just what I needed for my kind of book. It has been so much fun. I keep a pile of them in my car and give away more than I sell, but that is part of the fun too. It helps encourage writing your stories--which is the business I am in--teaching other women to write their stories and, hopefully, share them with others.
The marketing on the self-publishing is I guess the hurdle you have to overcome somehow. That is good to know about vanity, Jill.
I'm kinda holding out for the traditional publishing route, but there are some things that I may end up publishing myself down the road.
Pat your book is touching many people and I know it encouraging them to write!
Kara,
Thanks for this interesting post. I have already laid out money for a self-publishing project and am unhappy with it. They don't seem to want to give the money back, surprise surprise!
I am curious about some of the small publishing houses you referred to here. Do you have a list of them? Maybe you could do a post about some of them.
My project is a book of devotionals on Proverbs. I have some of them on my blogs - Family Fountain or Bible Fountain.
Anyway, I linked here from Jody's site and I like your blog.
Warren
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