Taking Control of the Publishing
There are options for producing a book which don't require the involvement of a publisher.
The two main options are:
- Self-printing. You make your own arrangements for your book to be printed. This option may be particularly relevant if you are producing a book with a very limited distribution. For instance, if you're writing a family history, this approach may be right for you.
- Self-publishing. With self-publishing you arrange for your book to be printed and then made available for sale through booksellers, including Amazon and the other online retailers).
I have extensive experience with both options and am happy to advise you about your choices and to take you through the process ensuring you achieve your goal with minimal outlay (of time and money).
Reasons to Take Control of the Publishing
Many, perhaps most, people assume that the best way to produce a book is to find a publisher, and indeed, there can be many advantages to working with a publisher. However, the dynamics of publishing have changed and are continuing to change, and increasingly there are significant benefits for the author in taking control of the publishing process. Indeed, for many authors in specific situations, there are significant downsides to working with a publisher and self-publishing is a far better option.
While conventional publishing has its advantages, there are many reasons to take control of the publishing process. Without making a comparison of other options, here are some of the reasons why you might consider self-publishing:
- Control. You can publish the book you want. You can say what you want without having to worry about editorial control. By the way, while you can say what you want, that doesn't mean you won't be sued for defamation or if you make any errors!
- Speed. The moment the book is finished, it can be available: you don't have to wait on the schedule of the publisher.
- Money. You can take a greater proportion of the income if you cut out a publisher. Irrespective of how you book is published, you have to do all the hard work to promote it. If you're going to do all the work—and if the book is going to be sold to a "fan" base you have spent years cultivating—shouldn't you take more of the money and keep the control?
- Pricing. You can set the price of your book (and in many cases, you can also set the retail discount). This means that you can generate far more income from each book than you could if your book is published with a conventional printer.
What I Do Within My Fee
I've mentioned in several places on this site (including on this page) that I provide a range of services within my fee. This might seem wildly uncommercial and very unspecific, so let me explain a bit more.
Turning to the commercial aspects, when you've paid me thousands of pounds/dollars, essentially I'm giving you the benefit of my experience and/or doing a few hours work. It seems to me a much better approach to foster a stronger relationship than to try to charge you a few more bucks.
Also, much of the value is based on my current and ongoing experience. To my mind, this experience is more of a qualification to do the work rather than an excuse to charge more at the end of a project.
As for the production aspects (which I'll talk about in a moment) such as the production of a print-ready document, you will find that some people charge thousands for this work. In many ways those fees are not unreasonable when viewed in isolation. However, you will have paid me to work on a document over many weeks or months. At the end of the process, I will know the document in great detail.
At this point, the work required for me to take this document and convert it into a print-ready format or an ebook format is minimal. Because of my knowledge of the book and your requirements, the conversion work will literally be a few hours. As I've said before, when you've paid me several thousand for a project, I'm not then going to charge you for a few hours work. However, you may still want to work with your own designer, in which case I'm happy to cooperate and do everything I can to assist in managing those costs.
To give you an indication, here are some of the services that I offer (within the cost that I quote):
- I will lay out the book and create a print-ready version. All you have to do is pass the electronic file (in an industry standard format) to your printer.
- I will create a cover. This will be a wrap-around cover including the front and back as well as the spine, and will also include a bar code. Like the cover, this will be a print-ready document meeting all printing standards.
- In addition to creating the files for the hard copy (paper version) of the book, I will also create the files for the electronic version of the book.
- I will supply copies of the cover (and any other images) for marketing purposes.
- I will advise you how to get your book into bookstores (including Amazon and the bricks-and-mortar bookstores). As part of this, I will guide you about finding printers, wholesalers, and distributors (on a global basis).
- I offer advice in connection with the marketing of the book. This includes advice about positioning the book in the market, pricing, and raising the profile of the book.
Of course, all of my advice is based based on current, relevant experience, which I can back up with evidence, and I am always on call to to offer advice in connection with the project, steer you away from scams, and to help you manage your costs.
Packaged Service
You will find some authors offer a packaged book writing/printing/publishing service. I make my money by charging a fee, not by taking kickbacks and commissions from recommendations, and so I don't offer this service.
However, if you work with me I will tell you where and how you can get your book printed at the best prices and how you can set up your own publishing company. Since I won't be taking any kickback/commission I can show you the very best deals.
I think my approach is preferable because it gives you a high quality end result with the absolute lowest cost, and you keep control. So for instance, if you want a few more copies of your book printed, then you can sort it out. You will pay cost price and won't see any further fee from me.