In today’s world a lot of information is easy to get, it right at your fingertips on the same device that brought you here. The internet will help you research and get you the background you need on almost any subject.
So why is it that people who choose to go the route of using a vanity press and paying to have their book printed can’t understand why people don’t want to take them serious?
A traditional publisher, regardless of promotion they do or don’t do, will make the book easy to get for bookstores. This is huge. Being able to order from Baker and Taylor or Ingram is very important. As is having the discount set the same as other publishers.
I’ve heard people say things like ” I can bring the books right to the bookstore” , “I can discount”, “I’ll take returns”. But the truth is it doesn’t matter most times. Because there is still something else missing. A reputation, a history, a track record.
The traditional publishers, big and small have a reputation. Among other things it includes not complaining when a bookstore won’t carry a book.
Some other things occur because of the same problem.
“Why won’t the local radio and TV shows have me on?”
“Why won’t major publications review me?”
“Why doesn’t the local library want to do a reading?”
The list goes on.
Why? Because they want someone with a name that people recognize. Even with a major house behind you getting noticed is hard. Trying to do it with a book from Authorhouse any other vanity press is going to be a lot harder.
People published with the traditional publishers have payed their dues. Many received countless rejections before getting published. It takes work and dedication and a willingness to wait.
I’m not saying no one should self publish or go to a vanity press.
I AM SAYING: ” Don’t be shocked when you have trouble getting noticed”
Here’s irony: I went to my local library and introduced myself to the events coordinator. I gave out a business card and a copy of my last book, pointed out that my speaking services were free and that I’d work around their schedule. So, of course, when they scheduled an event recently, they called a self-published author. He got a nice write up in the local paper. Not that he shouldn’t have, but…
Those Bastards!!!!!!
Give me a name and address. There seems to be some ass that needs kicking.
No, no. If they get hurt, who’ll invite me when the next event comes along? Can’t burn bridges until I’m making Dan Brown money…Then everyone will get what’s coming to them…
Dan Brown Money?
Does it have little da Vinci paintings with secret codes?
Every one will get what’s coming to them…… I’ll be going into hiding.
If done right, it can start a career. Vince Flynn put his first book out by himself. He got an interview on a Sunday morning show on a one of the local stations and was smart enough to contact all of the local stores to give them a heads up.
At the B.Dalton I was managing, we moved about a dozen copies. On his own, he managed to move about 4000 books. B.Dalton/BN sold enough in the area that BN bought copies to sell in other markets.
I am not saying all authors are the same as Vince, but he came up with a good plan for himself and it worked.
There are a handful of authors who have made this work. Matt Reilly and Brian Wiprud come to mind as well.
But for every one author that makes it there are about 5000 who won’t.
And I’m talking about vanity presses. The place where you pay big money and they “Publish” your book. Extra fro editing and press kits etc.
Self Publishing is a different thing completely as it means setting up your own publishing house.
Of course self publishing is every bit as hard to market.