Some POD info for everyone

[cpickett]

Hi all,
I was reminded I hadn't been here in a while and I'm glad I got that email. Nothing personal, just getting pulled in lots of directions.

I was reading a few of the most recent posts here and since they've sort of closed out, thought I'd pass along this info with a new thread. I've never started on before so here goes.... :-)

First, in reading some of the comments, I noticed people are familiar with Lulu, Xulon and Publish America but maybe not a few others that might be more helpful. I've been researching methods as well as providers and have found that http://www.booklocker.com
is very straight forward with information about the industry and they have some of the most reasonable rates.

As far as it being impossible to do anything with a novel that's done POD, check out a few of their success stories. It is difficult I'm sure (I'm working on non-fiction) but it can be done. One thing though is that they are one of the few PODs that screen submissions like a trad publisher so no guarantee of acceptance.

There is also a newer company called Mill City Press that has a package including book design, POD and web design. Mark Levine, author of The Fine Print which compares POD companies is part of the ownership. Based on the comparisons I've done, if you need soup to nuts there's no one else like them. Big difference is that you can make a true profit because they don't pay royalties and print cost is what the printer charges them.

There is definitely up front expense, but if you go the true self-publishing route, there's at least this much expense or more.

I'm still working on my project (which is going to be about publishing), but I hope in the meantime, this is helpful.

[Gravity]

I still maintain--maverick that I am--that a book publishable by one is publishable by many. What not go the commercial route first (where granted, it takes more time and grit, but the money is a whale of a lot better), and only revert to self-publishing or vanity as a backup plan?

[Rocky]

Hi John,

I just joined today! I wish I found this site before I published my first book with Xulon Press. But it doesn't matter, it's an experience.

Do you have a suggestion as to how to go the commercial route, by which I guess you mean traditional publishing? The reason I ended up with POD is I was totally lost in how to get my book to the traditional publisher. And don't even know where to start with how to find an agent. With POD, the procedure is simple and straight forward.

I am working on my second book and would definitely like to try the traditional route.

[Rebecca]

Hi Rocky,

I edited your post, as we don't allow advertising in the discussion forums. Please read the TOS (terms of service) located at the top of each page for clarification.

Thanks!

Rebecca

[Rocky]

No problem, Rebecca. I think it's fair. How about the web links that I saw in people's signatures? ;)

Thanks!

Sam

[Rebecca]

It's all explained in the TOS. ;)

Rebecca

[Rocky]

IC! But, it's a long document to read.

Thank!

Sam

[theherrings3]

What can a POD author to do when large Traditional publishers or magazine editors reject scripts by saying "it doesn't fit their needs" regardless of the fact the script is something they publish? I don't want to sound bitter. The Lord knows my battles and how exhausted I am by constant rejection of good scripts. I only use POD to get my poetry books out in the world quickly and efficiently, to help promote my ministry, not to break into print. Any suggestions in my quest to gain publication?

[cpickett]

Hi Adam,
I apologize I'm just reading your post now. I have to figure out why I'm not getting email alerts to posts.

Anyway, to respond to your question I would say two things:
First, if you've sent out a lot and have gotten rejected a lot, the first thing you need to know is why. If the editor let you know, study those answers. If not, find someone to do an honest critique, friend, stranger, whatever works for you as long as it is unbiased.

If you've made it the best it can be and it's truly ready for the public, that's when you should truly educate yourself about self-publishing to see if it's right for you. There's lots of great info out there. Let me know what you're looking for and I'll try to point you in the right direction.

Blessings,

[Raymond Creed]

Dear Adam,

Maybe you should integrate your poetry with other types of writing. By itself poetry is a difficult medium to market and there lots of people doing it. In book stores I usually find poetry books are stashed on the least accessible shelves as if the manager is making a token effort and nothing more. On a more practical note, I suggest that you: -
1) Practice performing your poetry to get feedback (from the audience's body language if nothing else)
2) Get trade knowledge by popping into Christian book stores and ask the manager how well Christian Poetry is selling
3) Try getting your poetry published in a magazine first
4) Apply CPICKET's very helpful suggestions

For an example of my integrated approach to poetry please visit my web site http://www.geocities.com/midrashcreed/ref.htm#pro there you will see that I use poetry as a prologue to more analytical pieces of writing.

I hope you find these comments helpful.

[theherrings3]

Well, you see, the only explanation that I can come up with is: I'm sending material that has either already been published and they don't want old stuff, or, I'm sending it at a time when they don't need it, which I check their acceptance times and the manuscripts they are looking for in advanced.

Yes, poetry doesn't sell unless you're well-known or otherwise famous and people will listen. No, I haven't did a public reading of my stuff because to me, reading poetry is like looking at art, everyone gets different interpretations and that is what I want. Reading it aloud somewhat kills that. Yes, I'm sure if I did do readings it would boost my image, but I don't have the free time to go to one.

I did get one published poem in a small lit magazine, but since been rejected by everyone else simply because I sent a poem at the wrong time, which I don't agree with. However, many of my poems read my plain Jane people, not people in the industry, are well received. (even some poetry editors like my work, but still rejects it)

Currently, I use the self pub arena, but don't pay thousands. One pub does it for free and puts it on Ama*on(you know) I do have two self-published works on the web, which I chose to do to simply have my work out there for availability. I know the pros and cons of the self pub game, but do it to have my stuff ready for the general public and not waiting months to be put on a shelf and lost among the rows of hidden books.

I appreciate all your comments and suggestions, which I have considered and previously applied. I do know that getting published is a gamble, some win some don't. But, that is life. God Bless.