Is Athena Press a decent publisher and if not, what is one for new authors?

Question

I am sixteen years old and have just finished my first novel. I've been searching for a publisher, and came across Athena Press. They seem legit, but I've read some forum threads which say it scams new authors, doesn't help them market their book and is a waste of time. Is this true, and if so, could someone please recommend a publisher for new authors?

Answer 1

There is one question, and only one question, about Athena Press that matters.

If you visit the local independent bookstore, then a couple of the big chains, are Athena books in those stores? If you don't see any, that's all the proof you need to be sure that your book won't be in stores if they publish it. That alone makes them a bad choice.

Of course, if they charge you anything at all, that also makes them a bad choice. I'm not finding an "Athena Press," but if you might mean Athina Publishing, they're a self-publisher. Not the way to go.

ETA: Found an ad for their services. Definitely a vanity press. Avoid.

Answer 2

Hi. I wrote a book once upon a time, but the publisher requested it before I wrote it, so I never had to sell it.

What kind of novel did you write? Subject matter? Why Athena?

There is a book (probably lots in the library) for new authors. It tells you what kind of books the publishers are looking for, how much they pay, who you should send a manuscript to (CD), and their business address.

I have a nephew who has finished his first book (I edited it) and is busy on #2. His subject line is Rome Total War. If you run into something like that, would you please contact me?

Honestly, I think you both could use an agent. It might cost a bit, but then again he might be able to get you a better deal. How to find an agent? Idk.

Debbie

Answer 3

I have a copy of Writer's Market 2008 and Athena Press is not listed. Thus, they do not bode favorable, in my opinion. Nonetheless, if you can get someone else to publish your book WITH NO COST TO YOU, then I say, go for it.

Answer 4

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35808

http://www.writersservices.com/agent/uk/agent_uk.htm