How did you go about it and what was the result? Any good tips?
2007-09-03 06:05:35 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
I was a manager of a bookstore for a couple of years, so I know a bit about those things ... if you're not a writer that already has some audience, I wouldn't suggest it ... publishing houses not only pay expenses for -printing-, they also make sure it sells, they advertise it, promote it ... all that ... and some people like some publishers, and trust their choice in what's printed, and that way, they discover some new authors. And there's also distribution of books .. you'd have to sign a contract with every bookstore, and managers don't like those small contracts, usually think they're not worth the effort, and unfortunately, very often they're right. There were very few books printed independently that went through my hands that I was willing to put on shelves. The fact is: very often some vain people who have some budget go and print their rubbish books. It's a small price to pay for a proof that you're an artist. Writers should write, and not have to bother with the rest of the annoying bits ... do you really want to be a publisher, and distributor, and menage account, and copyrights ...
Try to look for a smaller publishing house, the one you like ... if what they print is good according to your taste, and meets your style, then offer them your manuscript, and cooperate ... I believe this is your first book, right? If so, don't be too proud, every publisher will want some changes and adjustments. You shouldn't take them defensively. And don't take anything personally. If one publisher refuses you, try an other one, and an other one ... you're lucky if the 10th one says yes ... but on the way, you'll collect some good tips, just don't give up!
I really wish you best of luck with your novel!
(btw: I'm crossing over to the other side, and working on my first book, and I'm definitely going to look for a publisher)
2007-09-03 06:35:12 · answer #1 · answered by tricky 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have never tried to self publish, I have looked up allot of information regarding it and spoken with published authors about it. Most authors say self publishing is like putting yourself out in the dark. However there are some authors who have managed it quite nicely. as far as I know an agent/publisher will not look at you twice if you are self published unless you are exceptional at whatever you are writing, and i mean truly exceptional. However those who have made it off of self-publishing really don't have a need for an agent or publisher because they can self market themselves very well.
as far as a book not being accepted, it doesn't mean you write poorly or that your story isn't worth much, allot of the time, it's just not what they are looking for, some of the best authors have been rejected at least 100 times before they found an agent or publisher. But a good suggestion would be always make sure what ever you are submitting is in top form, make sure it's been critiqued a good site to use for this kind of feedback and help is critiquecircle.com. Make sure grammar and spelling is top notch that's a really big hit for rejection, even in query letters.
Hope this helped.
2007-09-03 13:23:41 · answer #2 · answered by ladywriter1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
O yes, I'm tryin' to do that almost a two years but without success (therefore I'm place on my site announce about wanted of book-publisher, if you want to see that type veradisca in web search). The publisher logic is based on the "strength" of the author name regardless about quality of the novell. But you have to be persistent and to got a little luck in life. Best Regards, Neven.
2007-09-03 13:18:01 · answer #3 · answered by NEVEN , 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I am in the process of deciding to self-publish or not. You want to find a reliable site that wont rip you off. Try talking with local independent authors.
2007-09-03 14:26:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I published some of my dad's research through Lulu, and it was a good experience, but it was only a gift to him, so I only bought one copy.
I found an agent, who secured a publisher for my books. That's the route I recommend if you want a fighting chance for success.
2007-09-03 13:18:13 · answer #5 · answered by YAWritergirl 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have been told it's a terrible idea. You get lose credibility, and lose more money than you can ever expect to gain...significantly more of both. If somebody doesn't want to publish it, sorry to say, they're trying to tell you something about the novel. Sorry.
2007-09-03 13:15:07 · answer #6 · answered by Daniel S 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
We did, but it won't be of much help to you...it wasn't actually a novel, but a children's book. We only published it for our grade school and it only involved running copies, assembling them, and distributing it to the students. My sister was the illustrator and she really enjoyed illustrating the book. My mom was the author.
2007-09-03 13:14:14 · answer #7 · answered by golden sephiroth 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i havent but i have heard (probably on Y/A!) that there is significantly less stigma attached to self-publishing a non-fiction book than there is to self-publishing a novel.
2007-09-03 14:01:55 · answer #8 · answered by Chimera's Song 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No I never tried it but got a friend mine that make it with a little bock of poetry.
2007-09-03 13:14:22 · answer #9 · answered by jasmim b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No
2007-09-03 13:12:35 · answer #10 · answered by the f 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋