Regarding publishing a fiction novel.?

Question

Has anyone used Book Surge, the Amazom.com company for publishing a book? I've been considereing it, but would like to hear from anyone that has had expierience with this company or publishing companies in general.

Answer 1

Here is a great review of them:
http://www.self-publishing.org/booksurge.htm

I would personally recommend Lulu.com instead. The product is great and the prices are much more reasonable.

However, I would NOT call them publishing companies. Book Surge, Lulu, Cafepress, xLibris, iUniverse, and other similar companies are Vanity Presses. These are not traditional publishers nor will you get your book in brick-and-mortar bookstores. Do not expect to sell many, if any, copies. Do not expect to make your money back.

If you want a real publisher, check out the "Guide to Literary Agents" and start querying them. You will be rejected a lot, but it's the only way to get a traditional publisher to take a look at your book. Here's a site that can help:
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/

A legitimate publisher or agent will not ask for money up front. They get paid when your book sells.

If, however, you are just looking to buy a few copies for friends and family then I would highly recommend Lulu.

Answer 2

Hi there. Be careful who you go to for POD or self publishing. Many companies provide the ISBN for your book, which means they retain the rights to the ISBN. Book Surge has some negative info about how they operate. Run several searches before you decide which way to proceed. POD is a real minefield unless you do it all yourself, which can be quite expensive.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

Jon F. Baxley (Author, Editor, Ghostwriter and Proofreader)

THE SCYTHIAN STONE (eBook only)
THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY (eBook and hard cover)
THE REGENTS OF RHUM (coming fall '07)

(For a FREE full color, four chapter illustrated demo of The Blackgloom Bounty, email me at [e-mail]).

My author blog: http://the-blackgloom-bounty.blogspot.com/

Answer 3

No, but I used lulu.com. They're VERY reasonable.