Now to get Published - Page 2 - Writers Forum

lin · 06-21-2008, 01:08 PM

If somebody wants to ePublish... which I'd define as producing your manuscript for distribution not as a paper object but as a computer file... how much "publisher" do you really need?

Convert your MS to a pdf file, put it on a website for sale as a download or mailed attachment and VOILA, you have just e-published it. "Author" it to a CD (using free downloadable authoring software or plugin for your word processor) and bam, an "eBook".

Set up a website, get a paypal account, and start promoting sales. How hard could it be to make $5 a year?

cpickett · 06-21-2008, 01:17 PM

As a quick reminder, the term "self-publishing" has essentially been taken over by what are actually subsidy or fee-based publishers, also called POD (which isn't the best term either). These are the type you pay to handle the biz of producing your book for you and some people have had sucess as they define it with such companies. This is not the same as setting up your own company and truly publishing independently.

No matter what route you take, print or electronic, making money is primarily dependent on your promotional effort. In fact, for the big publishers, one is expected to have a platform or following of people in place beforehand that will be ready to buy when the book is released or they'll barely glance at your proposal.

As Welshman said, lots of patience and thorough research will help you the most.

cpickett · 06-21-2008, 01:31 PM

I think e-publishing is comparable to doing taxes in the U.S. We can buy software and plug in some numbers and plenty of people love doing it themselves each year. However, I still pay to have someone do it for me because there are only so many hours in a day, and I have no interest in learning even that basic program.

It's something I'd prefer to delegate, a personal preference where the trade off in cost is worth it as it would be for those authors who choose to get help publishing ebooks.

lin · 06-21-2008, 07:35 PM

If you are referring to my post on publishing your own eBook....just what exactly is being done that's worth paying for?

You realize how little work it takes to print out a pdf or save to an authored CD or whatever?

By the way, since I see you have a site giving "answers" on publishing, I would think you'd want to clarify the differences between things like POD technology, "subsidy press" and "self-publishing" not lump them together and add to the general ignorance and confusion.

Mike C · 06-22-2008, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lin

a site giving "answers" on publishing,

Selling answers, Lin. The site doesn't operate from a standpoint of neutrality but profitability. It doesn't suit her to tell you anything might be easy when she can sell you an e-book instead.

lin · 06-22-2008, 12:38 PM

Ah so...

Well if her idea about what the POD situation is any indication, nobody in their right mind should take her advice even for free, much less pay for it.

lin · 06-22-2008, 12:40 PM

Now that I've actually looked at the website, I have an impression.

This person is telling you how to get a book published and there is no mention of her ever having had a book published.

I'd like you to invite you all to my own site, where I sell an ebook called "How To Take Famous Movie Stars To Bed And Get Paid For It"

Mike C · 06-22-2008, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lin

I'd like you to invite you all to my own site, where I sell an ebook called "How To Take Famous Movie Stars To Bed And Get Paid For It"

Now that depends... are you selling me advice on how to take famous movie stars to bed (and get paid for it), or are you selling me advice on how to foist crap 'how to' books on the unsuspecting?

Fawn Neun · 07-01-2008, 12:02 AM

Doesn't anyone use Writer's Market anymore?

Actually Predators/Editors is a pretty good resource. Many literary agents also have online presences, as well as fully detailed submission guidelines online and DO, in fact, take electronic submissions. Many of them also have very helpful blogs.

Self-publishing isn't really the same as "Vanity Press" anymore, not if you're a professional. And there really are a number of small presses that take advantage of print on demand technology.

Some of the niche market small presses are doing incredibly well for themselves and their authors, using a mix of e-books and print on demand.

And last, but not least - there's always Kindle.

Not sure what has riled the townsfolk, but you can use print on demand to order per copy for even those who refuse to put down the pitchfork and pick up a laptop. Keeps overhead expenses low.

NOT the glory of getting a contract with a traditional house, but even they're allowing themselves to get tarnished beyond recognition just trying to make their bottom lines.

cpickett · 07-09-2008, 04:20 PM

I just read the posts above Fawn's and would like to say the following:

1. According to your own rules
Rules
Flaming will not be tolerated. This is a writing forum and critiques are expected, however, this is not a free pass to assault a member for any reason. If you don't like the writing the tell it like it is but this does not include making personal judgements of the writer nor attacking them on a personal level. Any such violations will be deleted.

Obviously, my definition of personal attack is different from others on this site because I've read several snarky, cutting posts, including the ones above which have not only not been deleted, but added to by a moderator. I can only say I feel sorry for those who will continue to get caught in the firing line.

2. Yes my site, blog and upcoming book is about publishing and the variety of options available to authors today. I haven't published a book in print (just one option) yet, and if that's the only criteria by which you feel advice is worthy, you are entitled to your opinion and some of us will continue to disagree with you.

3. If it is wrong to offer advice here on a subject that is a part of one's business, you should put that in your rules too and everyone should take their book titles out of their signatures.

Cheryl

Sam Winchester · 07-09-2008, 05:29 PM

Pardon me for being rude, but nowhere in this thread have I seen anyone flaming you out, Cheryl. They're saying your company is not good. No one made an ad hominen attack directed at you. Saying that something sucks does not constitute flaming. Saying that someone does...

Jacen · 07-09-2008, 10:21 PM

I find your logic difficult to follow Lin. By my understanding of what you are saying is that no one should write about anything they haven't done, or have direct experience with perhaps? Does that mean you discount history books ? I mean how could anyone take a book about viking lifestyle seriously unless it were writen by a real viking? I am just curious as to the purpose behind such a comment.

lin · 07-10-2008, 01:33 AM

I seriously doubt that. I think you're just being a wise ass.

However, if indeed you are unable to differentiate between somebody who has never played golf witing a book on how to play golf, and somebody who didn't live 1000 years ago writing a scholarly book on history, then you have my sympathy.

And the suggestion that you cast around and try to figure out what the difference between fiction, history and "How To" book might be.

cpickett · 07-10-2008, 10:59 AM

Sam Winchester, I see your point, it's just that on most other boards I've been on, things remain a bit more civil. Tolerance levels are just different I guess.

Also, with regard to my alleged inexperience/my site being poor:

Some writers are looking for information regarding being published as a freelance writer. that is part of the information I offer. If someone reads about me, they'll see I have nearly nine years experience and well over 150 articles to my credit. BTW, this includes writing for an orthodontic trade magazine even though I am not now, nor have I ever been an orthodontist.

In the 21st century, book publishing no longer means only print. My upcoming book will detail the options people have including ebooks, subsidy and traditional, as I believe info on this step is seriously lacking. As to specific how to once someone has made a choice, resources like Dan Poynter, Peter Bowerman and Absolute Write.com and others are provided.

For anyone who doesn't believe online independent publishing is valid, I suggest you speak to Joan Stewart, Jeff Herring, or Tom Antion and let them know that the digital products which have made them tens of thousands, to millions of dollars, have been a waste of their time, as they apparently could have done better with print.

Regarding selling my advice and services, while many people have a single page sales letter site which is perfectly fine, I also have a free newsletter, blog, and resources page making the ratio 3:2 for free advice versus things to buy. In addtion, I will gladly correspond with people who have questions.

If that is a poor excuse for a site, then once again, I guess we're left to agree to disagree.

lin · 07-10-2008, 12:39 PM

This is not a matter of civility. Nobody has treated you rudely.
There has been discussion of the valudity of what you are trying to sell. only normal. If your nose is out of shape because you don't like being challenged by people who know more about what you pretend to be an expert at, though without any real experience, snivel elsewhere.

People don't think alernative publishing is valid, we just question your opinions on the matter. Hard to argue with that actually. (Which is why you are taking the "you're all so mean and this site sucks" approach")