Should You Self-Publish or Choose a Publishing Company?
Many writers cringe when they hear the phrase “self-publishing” but they really don’t need to. Here are some suggestions on how to choose a publishing service that works for you.
As a writer, or someone interested in finding a publishing company to help distribute your work to the world, you probably already know that self-publishing services often have a pretty bad reputation. Why? When an author uses publishing companies that specialize in self-publishing, they are often required to pay a fee for the service. After publication, the authors receive royalties. Many authors don’t want to pay for publishing services if they don’t have to.
However, it is important to remember that not all publishing companies are created equal. Some publishing companies have actually swindled unsuspecting authors into paying the publishing company to sign away the rights to their own work! When it comes to choosing a publishing company or to even self-publish, you really have to sit down and consider all of your options.
How to Start Deciding on Publishing Services
Deciding whether you will self-publish your written materials or hire the services of a publishing company can be a big decision. You have to keep in mind that this is your life’s work, so you’ve got to find the right publishing service. So, where do you start in your quest for the right publishing services?
The key is to speak with other authors. Ask the other writers you know which publishing companies they have worked with. What do they think of their publishing services? Would they be able to recommend a particular publishing company or publishing service? Which publishing companies do they suggest you avoid?
If you don’t have any other writers to discuss this topic with, your best bet is to do a little research on the different publishing companies out there. Choose a few publishing services you like and read more about them. Check out the books they have published and check out the quality. Contact the publishing company and ask for references. Be sure to follow up on these references!
The Cost of Publishing Services
As an author interested in publishing services, the issue of cost can be of great importance. If you are like more people trying to make a living, you can’t spend all of your money on the publishing company fees. When deciding on a particular publishing company, it is a good idea to examine the cost of the publishing services being provided. Does it seem reasonable? Does it seem extravagant? Remember in publishing services, as with anything else, you get what you pay for.
If the publishing company offers a really low-ball price, you might be risking low quality publishing services. For example, you might get less-than-stellar printing quality or very little after-sales service. Remember, in the self-publishing world, many publishing companies will overcharge simply because they can. Always read the fine print and never be afraid to ask which publishing services are including in the price.
What to Look for in Publishing Services
Before deciding on a publishing company, you really have to become familiar with which publishing services they will offer to you. First and foremost, the publishing company should be providing an ISBN number. Other publishing services that they should be providing would include sending the legally-required number of books off to the National Archive, listing your book with various booksellers, and promoting the book online. Many reputable publishing companies will also provide fulfillment services like printing and shipping.
Some publishing companies also include promotional packages in addition to the basic publishing services offered. Always find out what the actual publishing services are so that you know that you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
Does the Publishing Company Offer POD?
If you are going the self-publishing route, you will definitely want to know if the publishing company will offer print-on-demand, or POD, services. POD means that the publishing company will only print those books that are actually ordered. This can be beneficial for any writer or publishing company on a budget. And, because so many publishing services are computerized and digitized these days, POD can be a great money and time-saver.
What Feelings Do You Get from the Publishing Company?
The publishing industry isn’t just a business; it is a way of life. So, when it comes to choosing a publishing company, it is always good to go with your gut and choose a publishing company that you know. Are other reputable writers using their publishing services? Do you want to be associated with this particular publishing company?
Personality can also be a contributing factor when selecting a publishing service company. Do you get along with the people there? Are they responsive to your wants and needs as a writer? Though the personality of the publishing company may not seem like a big deal, it can really make all the difference in the long run.
What Other Publishing Services Are Out There?
Believe it or not, the publishing industry isn’t limited to just finding a good publishing company and self-publishing. You can even opt to use both a publishing company and do a little self-publishing on the side. It all comes down to the publishing company’s particular services and agreements – something you should always be well aware of.
As a writer, you may also want to look into offering your books, e-books, pamphlets, and other written work for sale on your own. Just remember to get a copyright to protect your work! One way to list your work for sale for the masses is to list it on your own in an online marketplace. This is something you can do on your own or your publishing company can assist with it.
PayLoadz is a great place to start offering your work online, as a supplement to the publishing services your publishing company may already be providing. You can list your published works – eBooks, manuals, and just about anything else – in the PayLoadz Marketplace at absolutely no cost. What’s great is that, just like with your publishing company, PayLoadz will also help market your products, connect you with affiliates, and boost your sales!
