Monthly Archives: June 2009

There’s a lot of confusion right now about this whole DIY (do it yourself) publishing thing. The internet is partly to blame because it allows anyone with an opinion to publicize their thoughts, regardless of accuracy. The publishing companies themselves are also partly to blame, because this new realm of self-publishing or POD (print-on-demand) publishing is still so new that companies are jockeying for position, awareness, brand recognition, and author loyalty — all the while trying to find a widely accepted term that accurately describes what the companies do.

More on that tomorrow, as SELF PUBLISHING SELF HELP WEEK continues.  Topics already discussed are the two different publishing business models, and the 3 paths to publishing. Now we’ll look at some commonly held labels for internet publishers to see if they are applicable, or even accurate…

The problem is, each company is slightly different, so applying an general label to any of them is apt to be partly wrong. While many perform some of the same tasks, many also differentiate themselves in some manner. For authors trying to find the proper company for them, a good tactic is to focus more on the differences between each company, not the similarities.

Even the concept of self-publishing itself is cause for some confusion, because different people have different definitions for what constitutes “self publishing.” As a result, companies and authors are now trying to draw a distinction between “self publishing companies” and “print-on-demand companies” – even though such a distinction does not help very much.  Why? Because many “print-on-demand companies” are also “self-publishing companies.”  And, by the same token, many “self-publishing companies” use print-on-demand.

Self Publishing Companies

Most companies that refer to themselves as “self publishing companies” utilize print-on-demand technology, further supporting the notion that trying to create a distinction between the two terms is futile.  In fact, almost all references to “self-publishing companies” refer to companies that use POD almost exclusively.  Where they differ from “print-on-demand companies,” apparently, is by emphasizing the “self” portion of the term.  In other words, by some definitions (as faulty as they may be) a “self publishing company” leaves everything up to the author all by himSELF or herSELF.   

This is a faulty distinction.  Even though a website may appear to remove the “human touch” from the publishing process, all self-publishing companies that are referenced as such have humans working on each book behind the scenes, in some manner or another.  An internet website publisher that doesn’t allow you to submit your manuscript electronically via the web isn’t drawing a distinction for itself. Both “self publishing companies” and “print-on-demand companies” should allow this type of functionality at this point in the internet revolution.  Companies that do not or cannot technically offer manuscript uploads are probably technically limited in all areas, and should be reconsidered.

Print-on-Demand Companies

Equally confusing is the distinction of “print-on-demand companies” who still offer self-publishing services, but do so via print-on-demand technology.   Well, that isn’t much of a distinction, because all so-called “self-publishing companies” also use POD technology.   

If there is any validity to the distinction, it’s this:  there are print-on-demand publishing companies that act more in the capacity of “conventional publishers” in that they solicit submissions, vet manuscripts, publish only those they feel they can profitably sell, and may even offer authors an advance against future royalties.  In other words, the only difference between some so-called “print-on-demand companies” and traditional New York publishers is the use of POD for the printing.   Granted, this is not the majority. The majority of “print-on-demand companies” are also “self publishing companies” and vise versa.

More confusing still is that some writer forums and blog postings refer to “self publishing companies” as “print-on-demand companies” if the company helps the author in any way, through the assignment of an author representative or advocate or other such human contact.   Presumably the distinction here is that, since a human is assigned to help the author, the author is no longer “self” publishing their book and therefore the company cannot be a “self-publishing company.”    Ultimately, this is all a matter of semantics.

It is for this reason that self-publishing companies (or is it print-on-demand companies?) attempt to counter this confusion by coining terms that they can try to brand and own.  “Indie Publishing” is a new one, suggesting “independent publishing” – but that’s also inaccurate because an author acting independently would not be working with a company.

Outskirts Press currently uses the term “full service self publishing” to describe itself, as it seems the most appropriate. Authors receive full service, professional  assistance while still maintaining all the rights, control, pricing flexibility, and customization that comes from self-publishing.   Is it a term that will eventually make the grade as the new publishing industry finds itself? Only time will tell. But it’s working well for our authors in the meantime…  We try to feature this competitive comparison here on our website: http://outskirtspress.com/offer.html

Want to experience full service self publishing for yourself?

In spite of the economic turmoil (or perhaps partly because of it), there has never been a better time to be a writer.  New technologies in printing and new opportunities in marketing have leveled the playing field and opened all the doors.  Creative and talented artists from all walks of life (musicians, film makers, artists, and writers) are embracing the DIY (do it yourself) revolution.

But with all these opportunities come some difficult choices.  If you are a musician, do you seek representation with a traditional label or do you upload your music yourself to iTunes and cultivate a following on MySpace?  If you are a film maker, do you submit a script to a Hollywood producer or do you create it yourself and upload it to YouTube?   

And if you are a writer, do you submit your manuscript to a New York publisher or agent, or do you submit it to a full-service self publishing company?

These are the choices facing all creative people in this new and exciting digital age. In fact, when it comes specifically to authors, there are three distinct paths to publication one can take. Each path has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Let’s look at the 3 Paths to Publishing, and focus on which path is best for your book (and why).

PATH 1 – Conventional, or “traditional” book publication

Process:  Write your manuscript, submit it to hundreds of publishers (found in The Writer’s Market), and hope for the best.

Typical Timeline: 18-24 months from acceptance to publication (if your book is accepted, that is).

Biggest advantage: Full access to wholesale availability and sales-person distribution teams (in most cases).

Biggest disadvantage: The chances of your book being accepted and published are very, very slim.

PATH 2 – Independent self publishing

Process: Write your manuscript; create a publishing business (DBA, LLC, or Inc.); purchase a block of ISBNs; create a publishing imprint and logo; design and print business collateral (cards, letterhead, stationary); open a checking account; deposit at least $5,000-$7,500 for business expenses, production expenses, overhead and an off-set print-run; compose a business plan; hire an editor,  book designer, and cover designer; send out RFQs to printers; coordinate the production of the print files by managing the editor and designers; coordinate their production efforts with the printer to ensure file specification compliance; revise business plan once print prices vs quantity bids are received from printers; contact wholesalers (Ingram, Baker & Taylor) and pitch your book for carriage; revise business plan when Ingram denies your bid for carriage (B&T will probably say yes if you’re persistent); revise business plan again when B&T notifies you of their wholesale terms; re-hire cover designer to modify cover for new retail price once calculations determine a higher list price is necessary to turn a profit; revise business plan again; send final files to printer; wait 2 weeks for proof; review proof in the mail; send approved files to printer; wait 2 weeks; receive 2000 books delivered to your front door.  Now what? Well, if you’re in a humid part of the country, watch your books start to warp.

Typical Timeline: Approximately 6-12 months, depending upon how fast you are at starting and running a business.

Biggest advantage:  You do everything yourself, so you are 100% responsible for your success and reap 100% of the rewards.

Biggest disadvantage: You do everything yourself, so you are 100% responsible for your failure, and risk 100% of the hardships.

PATH 3 – Full Service Self Publishing

Process: Write your manuscript, submit your manuscript to your self-publisher of choice, receive your published book.

Typical Timeline: Depending upon the publisher and options you choose, it can range from 2 weeks to 4 months in most cases.

Biggest advantage: It’s like independently publishing your book, without all that set-up and production work.

Biggest disadvantage: The wholesale, retail, and distributor availability is not at the same level as traditional/conventional publication, but it exceeds the wholesale, retail, and distributor availability of independent self publishing.

WHICH PATH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE, and WHY

There’s no downside to submitting your book to traditional/conventional publishers and/or agents first (PATH 1)   Who knows? You might be one of the lucky few to be accepted.  Sure, they take all your rights, but it’s usually a fair trade for the investment they make in your book. Once you have a few traditionally published books under your belt, you may want to consider one of the other paths as a seasoned pro, if their advantages speak to you (keeping more of the money, more of the rights, etc).

99% of the manuscripts submitted to traditional publishers/agents are rejected.  If you’re in the 1%, there’s no need to read further.  For the 99% who receive rejections on your submission, move on to either PATH 2 or PATH 3.

Deciding between PATH 2 or PATH 3 is more difficult, and herein lies the fervor over print-on-demand, and what constitutes a “truly self published” book.  The remaining articles in this SELF PUBLISHING SELF HELP WEEK will dissect this in a little more detail.    If you know HOW to set-up a publishing business, HOW to produce a high quality book, and HOW to profitably run a company, it is probably worthwhile for you to go down PATH 2, especially if you are comfortable with the idea of spending 100% of your time on your book.

 On the other hand, if you only THINK you know how to do all those things, or if you know for sure that you do not, it is probably worthwhile for you to go down PATH 3.       Remember, authors change paths all the time. That’s the nice thing about having all these opportunities available to you at all times.

Looking for the best self publishing choice for PATH 3?