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View Full Version : Should we Self-Publish?


obwanocolby
03-31-2008, 01:53 AM
Hi, I would like to comment on a couple areas of publishing, hoping it will give someone help.
Twenty years ago I published my own book. I paid someone $3500 to format, and the local printer charged $1.26 a book. The first printing actually made just a little profit and the second printing gained about $10,000. It was successful in my eyes, but a lotta hard work without the internet.
The reason a third printing didn't happen was at the time I couldn't afford the printing costs. I had reviews printed in magazines through press releases which spiced up the letters I sent to some 300 libraries (half of which bought the book).
I talked to a couple good printers lately, and the formatting can be done by them which is making it easier and cheaper than in the '80s.
My point is this; Why pay a POD publisher royalties when you have to sell the book yourself anyway? I suggest you find a good local printer (this avoids shipping costs to your home).
My next book was just accepted by Tate Publishing. I am gladly paying the $4,000 so I can now chillax and collect royalties. It may not make as much,
but I think you can see why I did it. I'm excited and can't wait till it hits the market. Hopefully, my first book will be a shoe-in with them in the future since it has proven itself already. Thanks for listening, Colby

Merry
03-31-2008, 11:02 PM
'Chillax and collect royalties...' Y'know, I just don't have the heart to burst anyones bubble tonight so I'll leave it for someone else....

obwanocolby
04-09-2008, 01:08 PM
Thanks for the reply, I do get the 'ol bubble' popped quite often. As an optimist I continually work at success and expect that some of the time it may not work, that is what keeps me going. The competitiveness is what drives me into my next venture.
So failing does not bother me, its what I do after that. Personally, I think both my books will do well. My point was, with someone else doing the promoting, distribution, time could be more spent on writing a new book. heh?
I have lots of ideas for the next book, but want to wait until the editing phase is out of the way with this last one. I have fun writing humor and only hope it gets better 'the next time'. yours truly, oldmanocolby.;)

DrRita
04-09-2008, 01:55 PM
It's not the failing cause it sounds like you've had unusual success self publishing. Here check this out. Prededitors and Editors (http://anotherealm.com/prededitors/pebt.htm). Also Victoria Strauss's Blog (http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2007/02/happy-valentines-day-from-writer-beware.html)

grimsleygl
04-11-2008, 12:14 PM
It's not the failing cause it sounds like you've had unusual success self publishing. Here check this out. Prededitors and Editors (http://anotherealm.com/prededitors/pebt.htm). Also Victoria Strauss's Blog (http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2007/02/happy-valentines-day-from-writer-beware.html)

Dr. Rita, this is off topic, but is a question regarding one of the web sites you have suggested to oldmanocolby.

Where do these lists of book publishers come from on the Preditors and Editors web site? I did not see a home page to check out, but perhaps I need to go in from another direction to find that.

I'm wondering why some are not listed at all. Is there some way of requesting information on one of the publishers not listed? :confused:

Lynn001
04-13-2008, 10:55 AM
I am finding that no matter what type of publisher you work with, the publisher expects the author to do some of the promoting. Some publishers even require an author to submit a brief marketing plan before they will work with you.

obwanocolby
04-13-2008, 11:35 AM
Of course promoting the book yourself is important. I will gladly travel some and do book signings and the such. I think the point about 'chillaxin' was how much Less, I would have to do to if I were to self-publish.
Goochoo amounts of time and resources are tied up when self-publishing. Personally, I am just a happy camper to have someone like Tate Publishing to do the job I tried with the first book. Thanks for the post, Colby

Lynn001
04-13-2008, 11:44 AM
That is exciting to have a publisher interested in your work, Colby. I wish you the best, and for great success with your book!

obwanocolby
04-13-2008, 12:00 PM
A big thanks Lynn and I hope the Lord blesses you in all your writing, Colby