Independent Vs. Traditional Publishing: Why I'll Stay Indie!

As mentioned in the first of this series, I have had some interest from a mid-sized publisher for my blog Here She Comes.

Read first article here: Independent Vs. Traditional Publishing

At first, I was very excited that my work was considered worthy and still am. The publisher that expressed interest specializes in books with photographs and illustrations. They are located on the East Coast and focus on regional distribution. I would prefer not to have any illustrations for this project and I also don't wanted to be limited with where my books are available.

From what I have found, many small to mid-size publishers require the author to purchase a fairly large quantity of their own books, and though there are many authors out there who love being with their publishers, I have decided to stay independent.

I make Reality Books. This means I rely on other people's submissions to keep me going. I have three blogs up now with the intention of turning them all into books. The stories come in waves. Sometimes I get a lot; other times, I get busy and focus on other aspects of being an author. The stories will come in their own time and I don't want to feel pressure to have it done on someone else's watch. I want the quality of the entries to be worthy of the final product. This may take more time than a traditional publisher would permit.

I happened upon an article today that Penguin Books has now joined the self publishing game. Read the article: Here. They claim to respect the new wave of independent publishing and while that may be true, the truth is the Big Six are realizing their industry is being dramatically and quickly changed by the onset of authors getting fed up with all the rules being forced upon them. They know they now must be a part of this wave in order to stay competitive and in business.

When reading the interviews with the authors who have traveled both forms of publishing, it is clear that staying independent is the right choice for me. At least it is for now. I will admit, if one of the Big Six were to offer me a deal, that would be a whole other ball game and of course I would be a fool to decline.

It would give me the "credibility" that takes much longer to achieve when you go it alone. But I can guarantee that once I was able to make my living solely as an author, I would go back to self publishing. That's where the money really is if you have a decent following.

I would like to thank everyone for participating in the interview process and celebrate all the authors out there who help to entertain, inform and inspire!

Read all of the interviews:

Author Interview Sally Franz: Click Here,  Author Interview: Dorinne Davis  Click here,  Author Interview Geoffrey Hopf  Click Here ,  Author Interview: Betsy Balega Click Here,  Author Interview: Debra Ann Pawlak  Click Here

Visit http://www.arkstories.com/ to learn more about my works.

Independent Vs. Traditional Publishing - Author Interview: Betsy Balega

The questions posed to each author are at the bottom of the first part of this series. To see the article and questions, please click here:  Independent Vs. Traditional Publishing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Betsy Balega

http://www.betsybalega.com/

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/betsy

 

My publisher is O-Books of the UK. I was blessed to find them because my book, Being Mystic, is too New Age-y for a Christian publisher and too Christian for a New Age Publisher, such as Llwellyn. I searched, Googled and searched again, until I finally found the right publisher for my manuscript. The best thing is, unlike traditional publishers, who may make you wait six to eighteen months to get a reply, my proposal was read within twenty-four hours and a contract offered within seventy-two. At the time I signed my contract, February of 2010, each author received the same contract with no advance. 

Being Mystic launched June 16, 2011. I was fortunate enough to have a book tour with Chapters-Indigo of Canada.  I traveled throughout SW Ontario, on my own dime, and met wonderful staff and customers. It was a truly great experience. I took a diary with me and collected everyone's name and telephone number, to thank them personally and keep in touch. The notes may be used for a future book.

I have a free newsletter at my website, http://www.betsybalega.com.

I have a free podcast:, Tuning in with Betsy, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/betsy, since 2006, with over 90,000 listeners.  Now, whether they all buy my book is up to them. I am on Facebook, have a Facebook page for Being Mystic. Everyone who "likes" my book is automatically entered into a monthly draw to receive a free psychic reading.

O-Books has two wonderful marketing personnel, Catherine Harris and Sarah Dedman. They take care of sending out review copies to book reviewers and the monthly newsletter for O-Books, which details what authors are up to each month. As a result, I have been asked to contribute to several UK magazines, which I wouldn’t have known of otherwise. Catherine and Sarah do a great service for all O-authors.

I sent press releases prior to each book signing. As a result, I was featured in local papers. Since returning from my book tour, I have been interviewed by one Canadian entertainment weekly in Calgary, the University of Saskatchewan, The Daily Trojan at USC, the Daily National in NYC, featured as the 'Author of the Month' by Mindi Anderson of Chicago, interviewed by Rob McConnell, host of the #1 Paranormal Radio Show in Canada, as well as two more radio shows in mid-November. Rogers Media did a magazine cover promo picture for me just before my book launch.

I will stay with O-Books because they believed in me when no one else did. John Hunt, the CEO, used his money and invested in me. I’ll return the favor. I’m a very loyal person.

Sales are going well. I have deliberately declined all royalties until later in 2012. The last time I checked Amazon.com Being Mystic landed on the Best Seller List. My writing is about Truth, not money.

Author Interview Sally Franz: Click Here

Author Interview: Dorinne Davis  Click here

Author Interview: Debra Ann Pawlak Click Here 

Author Interview Geoffrey Hopf  Click Here 

 

To  see more information about my books, please visit: arkstories.com 

Independent Vs. Traditional Publishing - Author Interview: Geoffrey Hopf

The questions posed to each author are at the bottom of the first part of this series. To see the article and questions, please click here:  Independent Vs. Traditional Publishing.

Geoffrey Hopf

Book: Doggieville

Website: http://www.doggievillethebook.com/

I first started out looking at publishers for my book. Most I found online were not even accepting unsolicited manuscripts. I found that to be very disheartening. I then started to look for a literary agent, thinking that would be my in with a publisher. That again proved to be slow and unproductive. I then came upon an article about how many authors I was aware of started out by self-publishing. I was amazed by the list. I then started to look more into the self-publishing route and found some interesting things. My personality is one that I am a get it done kind of person. I do have a problem with waiting and waiting, and if I really wanted my book out I felt I needed to get it out there. I know many other writers and authors and they know the importance of momentum. I was losing my momentum waiting to go the "traditional" route. After careful thought, I finally made the decision to self-publish. I took my time to research and finally found what I felt was the perfect service to assist me in self-publishing. From concept to having the finished product in my hand took four months. I know without a doubt going the other route would have taken a year plus.

I am happily using Createspace and have really enjoyed the self-publishing route. It is impossible for me to know how things would be otherwise, as I don't have anything else to compare it to. What I love is my publishing happens as fast as I can get my books completed, proofed and uploaded. After having my first book out for only two weeks, I decided to have a Spanish version. Within one month that book went live and for sale. If I had a traditional publisher, that would not have happened.

I use social media a lot. My book has its own page on Facebook and it connects with others on Facebook. I like using it as a means to notify and update my fans.

As of right now, I am enjoying my success so far going it alone. My sales have been good and I have booked interviews, readings, radio interviews and reviews all by myself. I do use a small PR firm but I know the cost of them is less than had I had a publisher. So to answer honestly, I am not looking for a publisher at all.

I have had only one rejection and that was by a library. Otherwise I haven't seen any rejections from media. 

The self-publishing route is a lonely road. You must be prepared to do it all. If you are the personality type that needs or feels you need support or someone to help, then self-publishing may not work. Self-publishing works well for those that are super energized, motivated and entrepreneurial. In the end, when you are successful as a self-published author the publishing houses then will take note and come to you. I have to applaud all authors out there who are risking everything and putting themselves out there. Just completing your book is a huge success, getting it published is another; everything after that is icing on the cake.

Author Interview: Dorinne Davis  Click here

Author Interview Sally Franz: Click Here

Author Interview Debra Ann Pawlak: Click Here 

Author Interview: Betsy Balega Click Here

 

To see more information about my books, please visit: arkstories.com 

Independent Vs. Traditional Publishing - Author Interview: Debra Ann Pawlak

The questions posed to each author are at the bottom of the first part of this series. To see the article and questions, please click here:  Independent Vs. Traditional Publishing

 Debra Ann Pawlak,
Author
Bringing Up Oscar,
The Men and Women Who Founded the Academy

USA Book News announced their 2011 book award winners and finalists yesterday--'Bringing Up Oscar' was the winner in the 'History: Media/Entertainment' category! That makes two awards for Oscar this year! Very exciting!

My publisher is Pegasus Books, LLC of New York. I received a 'nice' advance (according to Publishers Weekly) and Pegasus came highly recommended by my agent, Mr. Peter Riva. Previously, I had two books published (without representation) via small presses who offered no advances, so I was pleased with my contract--after all, everyone has to start somewhere. This contract only addressed Bringing Up Oscar, The Men and Women Who Founded the Academy but another Hollywood book in the series is currently under consideration.

My book debuted in January 2011. Hardcover and electronic versions are available with a paperback scheduled to come out in January 2012. Pegasus Books has been wonderful to work with. They took care of sending out advance reading copies and contacting major media outlets. I worked well with my editor, who not only answered my questions thoroughly and promptly, but helped worked through unexpected issues when they arose.  I could not have asked for better.

I do have a Facebook page called Hollywood:  Tales from Tinseltown. I update daily with interesting movie trivia from silents to sound, as well as book news when it is warranted. I love interacting with and getting to know my members. My publisher has worked with me in setting up book signings, interviews, etc.

I have been featured in USA News on a couple of occasions. Publishers Weekly also gave Bringing Up Oscar a fabulous review. The book was also named Runner Up in the nonfiction category of the 2011 Hollywood Book Fesitval. I have also written guest blogs for The Writer and Angela Hoy's Writers Weekly.

I have no intention of self-publishing at this time. For me, the support of a good agent and traditional publisher has been invaluable as I navigate through the world of publishing. There is just so much to learn from their collective experiences.

Money aside, writing this book has been a wonderful experience. My main goal was to present the thirty-six founders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and how they helped shape the film industry we know today. Most people have no idea how or why Oscar came about--even though a couple of names (i.e., Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks) are familiar. Their contributions to filmmaking have been mostly forgotten but these thirty-six people were at the top of their Hollywood game in 1927.  How they got there and what they did makes for a compelling and unique tale.  They should not be forgotten!

I was given the final cover for approval/input. I am not a marketing expert, but with Audrey Hepburn on the cover, I couldn't go wrong! I was not involved with the pricing.

Author Interview: Dorinne Davis  Click here

Author Interview: Sally Franz: Click Here
Author Interview: Geoffrey Hopf Click Here

Author Interview: Betsy Balega Click Here

 

Independent Vs. Traditional Publishing - Author Interview: Dorinne Davis

The questions posed to each author are at the bottom of the first part of this series. To see the article and questions, please click here:  Independent Vs. Traditional Publishing

Dorinne Davis

My field is sound-based therapy.

http://www.dorinnedavis.com/

http://www.thedaviscenter.com/

After sending my book to a publisher and waiting for six months for a rejection response back in the early 80's, a friend who had self-published suggested I find a book broker who would help me find a printing company.  I had a friend do the editing who had done this as a profession before retiring. Then we gave it to the broker who found the best deal for me. I formed my own company, got my ISBN numbers, found ways to sell and broker the book through the big companies like Barnes and Noble. This worked well so I did another book. By the time my third book was written, I wanted to go the traditional route. I had the manuscript into three companies this time. One was interested and I was waiting on their response during the month of September 2001. Well, 9/11 hit and so my book was not given a chance.  At that time, my topic was slightly different and a mother of a client of mine offered to 'take on' the project as she had been a Senior Editor at Lippincott prior to having children. She has some personal challenges and the book took three years to get printed. During those three years, I formed a company with my husband anticipating that I would write more books on the same topic and interest others in publishing with us. That went well until the divorce. Prior to the divorce though, I self-published my fourth book. It was easier to do than to get the rejections from the publishers.

For me self-publishing wasn't about going to a company that allowed you to publish any book on a pay as you print basis.  My experience with self-publishing was before this phenomena was created. Social media wasn't in existence either. However, I do use it now for the same books I published earlier and to spread the word on what i do.

I like the personal touch that small publishers have but think mid-size publishers can get you more clout when trying to promote your book.

Haven't tried high profile media yet with my upcoming book but didn't have too bad an experience with my third book. I did get to be on a few TV shows.

When first starting, my advice is to self-publish.

Author Interview: Sally Franz: Click Here 
Author Interview: Debra Ann Pawlak Click Here
Author Interview: Geoffrey Hopf Click Here

Author Interview: Betsy Balega Click Here

Independent Vs. Traditional Publishing

I am an independently published author. My company ARK Stories is run by my mother Ann Werner and me. Ann writes fiction and together we put out Reality Books.

Our decision to self publish with our first joint effort, The Virgin Diaries stemmed from a few things.

We had a difficult time finding a literary agent and we wanted full control. Ann published her book The People Next Door in 2000 with iUniverse. She had some sales but her experience with them was less than thrilling. The percentage of royalties is quite small, on par with traditional publishing and she still had to do all the heavy lifting with marketing.

With the new wave in the publishing world and more specifically with eBooks, the landscape has changed dramatically. When choosing to independently publish, the authors have all the control with content, formatting, covers and pricing. We have recently discounted our paperbacks for the holidays. Something you cannot do with a traditional publisher.

Recently, I received some interest from a good, mid-sized publisher for my blog; Here She Comes. A Tasteful and Titillation Exploration Of The Female Sexual Response. I researched the company on the Internet as well as contacting someone who currently has his book published with them. He reported that he is very happy with the look of his book, the cover and interior but he does all of the marketing. He also explained that if he sells 500 books, he sees $17 in profit. They also hold the rights to his eBook.

Now that I have two books on the market and the benefit of a much higher royalty, I started to wonder if I really wanted to go with a traditional publisher.

Pros: Placement of paperbacks in brick and mortar locations. Slightly more prestige as the mainstream media gives more merit traditional publishers and they often send ARC's (Advanced Reading Copy) to the bigger newspapers for review. In some cases authors receive a cash advance, though if their book doesn't do as well as hoped, they will either get a smaller advance for the next book or nothing at all.

Cons: Your percentage of royalties are significantly less, you still have to market like a demon and you don't have as much control.

I decided to put out the call to both kinds of authors to see what their experience has been. I have received more replies than I expected. Some indie, some traditional and some who have done both. I wanted to see for myself what others have to say and also share so that the other writers out there, especially the ones who don't know which way to go, can make a more informed decision based on other people's experience.

Some of the interviews surprised me and once I finish posting this series, I will let you in on which way I will proceed.

The Questions:

Indie Autors
Why did you decide to self publish?
When did you self publish and which company did you use
What has your experience been? Do you utilize social media? If so how?
Would you prefer to go with a small to mid-size publisher?
Have you been rejected by high profile media outlets who you've pitched because you are self published?
What is your advice to a new author investigating the choices out there?

Traditionally Published Authors:
- Who is your publisher and what kind of deal did you get? (If you got an advance, you don't have to disclose the amount unless you want to) but let the readers know if it was small or large. Please tell us if and how many books you were contracted to write at the time of signing.
- How long have you been published with them and what has your experience been?
- Do you utilize social media? If so how? How much does your publisher market your book for you and how?
-  Have you been featured in any high profile media publications or web sites as a result of your publisher or being published?
- When your contract is up, will you stay on or self publish and why?
- Have you sold enough books or gotten the recognition you've wanted enough to justify the smaller royalties?
- How much control did you have with the book cover and pricing?

To see more information about my books, please visit: arkstories.com 

So You Want To Publish Your Book! What Do You Do?

People often ask me about publishing their book independently. They ask me for advice. They want to know if it's difficult. It's time consuming to answer each person individually so I have decided to blog about it.

First and most importantly: It's easy to self publish. It's difficult to "make it" as an author.

In the last two years, the self publishing wave has continued to grow and evolve. eBooks are changing the face and rules of publishing in many ways. Before I go into that I will begin with how to get started.

Do a Google search of self-publishing and you'll find a plethora of information. You have numerous choices. Createspace, Lulu and Smashwords are a few of the more popular options. I use Createspace. I do not utilize their editing, formatting or cover art. My mother and I created our own publishing company, ARK Stories, and she handles our editing and formatting. Ralph Faust is an artist who does all of our cover art and logo artwork. Each author must decide which route to take. Because we do all the heavy lifting ourselves, the cost is minimal. We pay for expanded distribution, which means our books are available internationally on Amazon as well as other online booksellers. Recently, we have also started to utilize Smashwords. They allow for customers to purchase your eBook for any application such as NOOK or iPad. You will have to investigate each one and decide which you will go with.

Once you have a book that is ready for purchase, the next phase of marketing begins and frankly, it's the most difficult. Social media opens a lot of doors but it needs to be worked day in and day out. You must be focused and have a plan. The plan may change but you always need to be researching and looking for your audience. When Twitter is used correctly, you can target followers by following them first. For example, if your book is available on Kindle, follow people who follow Kindle. Most follow back. Get personal with them. Engage people, ask questions, reply, retweet and  blog, blog, blog. If Twitter mystifies you, Google "Twitter Tutorial" and you will have a much better understanding of what you are doing.

Facebook is also a great way to market but is less targeted. It is important to be yourself. If all you do is post what you're selling, you'll quickly be ignored. It's a delicate balance of engaging and making people aware of your work. No one wants a hard sell.

Finding reviewers of your genre is extremely important. It is time intensive. Look online to see bloggers who review books, read their review policy and if your book falls into their purview, have a professional and friendly pitch. It's best to include a photo of your book and preview chapters. Be prepared for an honest review. Reviews are opinions and not everyone will love your book. Some may not like it at all and as much as that can sting, it's part of the process. Even Stephen King gets bad reviews.

Also look for bloggers who blog on your topic and see if they are interested in featuring you as a guest blogger or doing an interview. The more you can get your name, your book and your brand out in the world, the better chance you have of attracting people.

Create a website. Wordpress is a great free way to display your books and blog. It's free but it takes time and patience to navigate. It's not intuitive. You have to play around with it. If you don't have the time, you can find someone to help set you up for a fee. These people are all over social media. Find one you feel comfortable with.

Everyone wants to make it big. You are not the only one. There are a few independent authors who have hit the big time quickly. They are anomalies. Most authors must be patient and accept the fact that it's usually a long road.

Media is interested in what's hot. They are bombarded with proposals. Your book could be the best book ever written but if you are not a name, most of the time you will be ignored. You need to build your own buzz.

Research other authors who write your genre and see what they do. Follow them on Twitter, read their blogs. They have found a way to success and have information that you can apply. John Locke and Amanda Hocking are two who found huge success within one year. Locke signed an unprecedented deal with a big publisher allowing him to keep all the rights to his eBooks. He is helping independent authors immensely with this deal.

Realize that there are literally tens of thousands of people who are jumping on the self-publishing bandwagon. You are an ant in the mix. It's up to you to figure out creative ways to reach YOUR audience. There is no surefire way to success. This picture has been circulating on Facebook and it fits in perfectly here.

If you are looking to hit it big quickly and expecting that right after you publish, the pot of gold will immediately fall into your lap, you are setting yourself up for major disappointment. It really depends on how much you want to be an author, no matter the financial outcome. If it's your passion, you stick with it. It took Dustin Hoffman ten years to finally find his break as an actor. He never gave up. I am sure he was met with people in the industry, as well as friends and family, who discouraged his efforts but he believed in himself and stayed the course.

If you would like to check out my works, please visit Arkstories.com.