Traditional or POD...need help desperately

[lynnmosher]

Moderators, if this is in the wrong place, forgive me. I wanted to get opinions on both sides of this question.

Since there have been several questions on POD vs. traditional publishing, and I didn't want to hi-jack someone else's thread, I have started this one. I desperately need some guidance and I know of nowhere else to go. I am coming to you, my writing family, for help. Please, your comments are coveted.

My dilemma: Since I have fibromyalgia and other restrictions, including finances, I have tried to consider both sides of the fence when it comes to having my book published. I am not able to get out very much and am not a speaker, things mainline publishers expect.

My book is non-fiction, on spiritual growth. I had pretty much decided to go with Lulu, which does not require any upfront monies on my part, when all the discussions began again on this subject.

I have read all the other opinions on both sides but I need some guidance due to my condition and as I also have no platform. I have just recently begun to have my writing accepted through magazines and onlines sites.

I'm in the middle of the creek with no paddles. So, please...on bended knees, I ask for your help! What can you tell me?

[Tommie Lyn]

I've been in this quandry myself, Lynn. I've wondered, given that with traditional publishing it can take quite a lot of time to bring a book to market, and, what with rejections, etc. I wondered if I'd even be around if my novels WERE published through traditional avenues. POD is "Gimme it! Gimme it NOW!" and is satisfying -- you upload, tweak, and a week or so later, you're holding your book in your hand. I thoroughly enjoyed that experience.

It is true that publishers expect you to do some marketing. Some publishers are better than others when it comes to fulfilling their obligations in marketing, but with some, I understand that most of the onus falls upon the author's shoulders.

However, with POD companies, like LuLu, ALL of the marketing will be your responsibility. If you don't push your book and market it, it won't be sold.

There are many avenues and methods of marketing that I've learned online and at the writers' conference I attended, and some of them, even being housebound, I believe you could handle. I haven't tried them myself, so I can't testify to their effectivenes, but I intend to try them if one of my works ever sees the light of day in print.

[lynnmosher]

Thank you so much, Tommie Lyn. Marketing my book online would be the only way for me to do it. Is there any way you can share those things with me?

[Tommie Lyn]

Ok, I'll dig out the materials we were given at the conference and go through them. But a couple of things I remember that I think you could handle was the use of postcards -- get a mailing list together of everyone you've ever known, even people you went to school with, design a postcard that promos your book, have it printed and mail it to all those people. There are also bookmarks you can hand out -- with your being housebound, perhaps you could mail them to folks instead of handing them out in person.

And I just remembered Terry Whalin advertised a book on his blog several months ago about marketing books. That might have some helpful ideas for you.

[lynnmosher]

Oh, good, those two thoughts were on my list. I'll also check out Terry's site. Thanks. I really appreciate it.

[Merry]

Lynn, Lulu is about the best POD publisher to work with that I know of ...and you have the scenario which lends itself to the best possible chance for success...ie...non fiction for a particular market. However, because you have limited funds I urge you to try the traditional route first. Maybe give yourself a timetable...say if you haven't gotten a positive nibble from an agent or a publisher in a year...then try the POD route. In the meantime, if you are fielding a bunch of rejection letters during that year, then it should clue you to revise and work on your manuscript, making it more saleable should you end up going POD.

And...well, uh this is a teensy cheat I do... when you send out a manuscript, use your first two initials before your last name. These days I'm always M. L. Archer when I send out a work, and depending on who the publisher is and what I'm selling, I use my full title, not only because Rev. M.L. Archer sounds like a much more serious individual, (but really, how the heck did I get ordained? I still think it was a clerical error) it sounds less feminine and it has been my experience that publishers...especially Christian publishers, take men more seriously. If you want to mess with an 'experimental rejection' to test this, be my guest. I'm not saying lie, just use your initials.

[lynnmosher]

Merry Merry, You are a peach! You have really given me something to chew on. I think you have given me great suggestions. Thank you so much.

BTW, where did the Rev come from...I didn't know that was attached to our name!

[Merry]

Oh, well, my official Reverend-ness arrived about 3 years ago. You see, I attended Bible College like many a nice Christian kid, but there were some really nasty, terrible doctrinal issues and I ended up leaving in a hurry. Well, I did snag my diploma on the way out, then years later I got an ordination certificate from them, licenses the whole bit. So, in my case, I think maybe somebody did mess up, but, heck, I'm not sending it back. It does sort of reflect my life thus far...lol!

[lynnmosher]

Gosh, now I'll have to call you Rev. Merry Merry. I understand your dilemma. I had a similar experience but didn't get as far as you did. I will be more revential from now on, your Reverendness! LOL!

[lynnmosher]

Tommie Lyn, Stop digging! I think Merry had a very good suggestion and I have started the process on an agent. Save those ideas. I may be back again for them! Thank you for your help. It is much appreciated. Bless you.

And Merry Merry, you're a dear. Your answer brought me to tears. I think I've broken through the fog that I have been in for so long. The Lord has used you in answer to my prayer. I requested a proposal template from a Christian agent this morning and he already responded with it. So, I'm off to work on it! Yikes and yuck! I hate this part!! May the Lord bless you!

[Merry]

Hey...you can call me Rev. Merry..but only when you're foolin' around. Normally, just Merry, by all means.

I remain thankful to God for you, my friend, and I will pray that your book is a success...I already know it will be a blessing to many.

[lynnmosher]

Aww, can't I even call you Merry Merry? Shucks! Sweet Merry, you are a dear. Thank you so much for those kind words. They mean more to me than you will ever know. And thank you for the prayers. That is greatly appreciated! Bless you!

[Merry]

No problem , just hang in thee with that book! And Merry Merry is fine! I just don't need a lot of Revving up...cuz, baby I'm already there...hehehehehehehehe!!!

[lynnmosher]

LOL! You are such a hoot! Love that sense of humor!

[Reen]

Lynn, once you are ready to order your books, ( I don't know how many you have to get), plan a book signing. Try to send a press release to the Christian radio, the local paper, your denominational newspaper. Ask buyers to order books, so you know how many to get. Ask your church to allow you to let the congregation know, (bulletin, etc.) Call other local churches. Send invitations to the book signing with a picture of the book cover in the letter. If you can do it in the fall, before Christmas, have some books wrapped as Christmas gifts. Have a friend host the book signing, with punch, cookies, etc. It is such fun. Have a big pile of books ready and a good pen. If you go with publish on demand, do the book signing anyway. Just have books there to sell and sign. I think people are more likely to buy that way from you than going to the web site. If God has given you a book, do it. Don't wait forever to get a publisher, that may happen, good if it does. But if it doesn't you can still sell your book. There is power in the written word. Keep looking up.
Reen

[lynnmosher]

Thanks a lot, Reen. I'm saving those suggestions. Appreciate the advice. And thanks for the encouragement.

[pojoy1029]

Hi Lynn

So glad you have finished your book. Several of my friends have gone the POD route and are very happy with it. One of them held a "Book Publishing" party at his house. He invited all of his friends (and some who weren't), provided food - I mean he went all out and had potato salad, BBQ, chicken, baked beans, the works, baby! - and had a ball with it. He also participates in festivals, book signings, flea markets, anywhere he thinks he can sell a book. You might also try placing your book in gift shops, tourists attractions or wherever they sell books. Our prayers are with you!
Joyce P

[lynnmosher]

Thank you so much, but you know what? After much consideration and prayer, I've decided to go the agent/traditional route. I just had more peace about that decision. However, I will keep your tips on file. I hope your friends' books do well. Blessings...!thumbsup!

[ProfessorAlan]

One of them held a "Book Publishing" party at his house. He invited all of his friends (and some who weren't), provided food - I mean he went all out and had potato salad, BBQ, chicken, baked beans, the works, baby! -

I don't know if I could hold a "book publishing" party for a POD ...

[Tommie Lyn]

I don't know if I could hold a "book publishing" party for a POD ...
And one other consideration, how could one afford to hold a party? I mean, there is so little (if any) profit on a POD book, I'd go in the hole if I paid for a party for "...And Night Falls." That's why it will be rewritten and submitted the traditional route.

[silent]

I also am new to the Publishing world. However, my limited research has led me to believe that the big Publishing Houses will look into a self-published book that is well written and creates a selling buzz in its target market. I am more and more convinced, that, first we should get plenty of professional detailed editing done on our project. This way we are able to put a quality book in print. When it begins to sell, the big boys will hear and come to offer a contract and produce a large volume of books.

[pojoy1029]

I've heard that, also. In fact, the most important thing you can do for your writing is get professional (or as near professional as possible) editing of your book before sending it to a publisher, whether it is POD or a publishing house. Another set of eyes can spot weak areas, misspellings, continuity lapses and other things we, as writers, cannot see in our own work. Editing is something I love to do and have done for several in our writing group. Keep writing.
Joyce P

[love2write]

I have a page up on the Stepping Stones Magazine website that is specifically for marketing tips. This side of the business is two-fold. Marketing is getting your book into the hands of readers. This means it is readily available in bookstores and online, as well as in libraries. Secondly, there is promotion. This is building your name.

I think the most important avenue for marketing and promotion is a website. You can build your name and get sales. Now, I've seen good and bad from authors. The one thing that is priority is the site must look professional. It must shout 'AUTHOR'.

Freewebs is a good place to start. It's free and it is easy to build. If I can do it, anyone can.

If you go with a pod printer like Lulu, put an online printable order form on your site for those readers who are not comfortable ordering online. But first, make an inquiry to see if Lulu takes snail mail orders. If not, and you are selling copies from home, get a P.O. Box where people can mail you an order.

Regarding traditional publishers. They do help their authors with some marketing. Most send out review copies, and copies to impact readers. Also some provide bookmarkers and flyers. Some enter their authors in contests. Some publishers even provide websites. POD publishers, however, offer no marketing.

Fondly,
Rita Gerlach

Homepage: http://www.freewebs.com/ritagerlach/

Stepping Stones Magazine for Writers: http://www.freewebs.com/steppingstonesforwriters/

Shoutlife homepage http://www.shoutlife.com/profile_view.cfm?uid=36362

[Cheryl Rogers]

I am published on Lulu and i loved the job they did. I provided them the file, they printed the proof and now I can sell, even without the ISBN. I am somewhat interested in the $50 ISBN/marketing package. However, I would encourage you to check out createspace.com, Amazon.com affiliate.

Createspace will give -- yes, I said give -- you an ISBN and set you up on Amazon.com for free. They take a portion of the sales.

My book is too new to really say how things will go. BUT in all fairness my experience with trying to sell self-published CDs would suggest folks do better when they sell to people they know, get out and circulate by giving speeches, book signings, etc.

I am hearing Lulu is really set up to sell to the authors, not really the customers. Even on Amazon, people have to find out about you somehow -- and it seems incumbent on the author to sell -- at least some.

I am pursuing affiliate programs, which would be great if you want to try to blog and have your own website. The best I've seen are paydotcom and Plimus.

Hope this helps.

Blessings,

Cheryl Rogers
http://www.SongsfromtheWord.com