Publishing Options

[Bobbie Crawford-McCoy]

Many authors are still hoping to have their books traditionally published, yet there is a growing trend toward Indie publishing for a number of reasons.

I would very much like to start a dialog with everyone on this social network, to find out why you believe that Indie publishing is a good or bad way to go vs. traditional publication methods?

 

 

 

 

[Cornell DeVille]

I think self-publishing is going to gain momentum. I have mixed feelings about his because, first of all, there are a lot of books out there that deserve to be published. There are a lot of talented writers out there who know how to tell a story and write it as well as most published authors. At the same time, there are going to be a lot of books that simply shouldn't be published because the writer hasn't worked and studied long enough yet to develop the craft.

It's going to be interesting to see what happens and how the landscape changes as we move forward.
Self-Publishing Post

[Bobbie Crawford-McCoy]

I agree with you, Michael. Great stuff! Thanks.

[Sheila Hendrix]

Well I've self publishes The Betrayal and have been told I'm not a real author if I self publish but I beg to differ. Writing is in my blood. I don't think I could make it if I couldn't write. Michael, I agree with you. I had a story to tell and after several rejection letters decided to self publish. I've learned a lot. There are a lot of people out there who has a story that needs to get out but they're afraid of rejection and afraid to self publish but my advice would be to do what you feel in your heart to do. Don't let rejection stop you from writing. I would suggest you always have your manuscript professionally copy edited though. It will make a world of difference. Don't let anybody stop you from pursuing your dream.

[Bobbie Crawford-McCoy]

What about audiobooks? Are they on their way out?

[Rainy Dark]

My only complaint with self-publishing is the volume of work printed that hasn't made it through it's editing stages. To combat that, I'd personally suggest self-publishers make sure their potential readers can sample the first chapter or so of their work. If it's captivating, I'd buy it, regardless who published it.

[Chicki Brown]

I am getting ready to release by third self-published e-book, and the experience has been fantastic! Already this month I've sold over 500 books on Kindle and Nook.

For those who are interested in finding out more about e-publishing, here is a list of excellent resources:

If you want to know more about the e-pub world, I suggest you read author Joe Konrath's blog beginning with http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2009/08/great-ebook-experiment.html and read forward. Joe is the Kindle King, and he shares everything he experienced since he decided to move into e-publishing on the blog. He's been writing for years and still remained unknown until he made the decision to move to Kindle.
If you can’t possibly read that much, at least read all the posts for January and February 2011 along with those listed below. They are jam packed with real author testimonies that will encourage, teach and warn you.

http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2010/10/you-arent-ja-konrath.html

http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2010/12/konrath-self-pubbed-sales.html

http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2011/01/time-investment.html

http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2011/03/ebooks-and-self-publishing-di...

http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2011/04/ebooks-and-self-publishing-pa...

VIDEO YOU MUST SEE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qWOy4p4MvM

www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/.../amanda-hocking_n_840169.html

Also read author Amanda Hocking’s take on her e-pubbing success here: http://amandahocking.blogspot.com/2011/03/some-things-that-need-to-...

http://thewritersguidetoepublishing.com/my-journey-from-failed-mid-...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bernard-starr/self-publishing-create-...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/kindle

http://selfpublishingcentral.blogspot.com/2011/03/five-tips-for-sel...

http://justwritewithannemarienovark.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-to-for...

ENJOY!

Chicki Brown
Author of
Hot Fun in the Summertime
Barnes & Noble: http://su.pr/2CVnhi
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003U6RT96
Google eBooks: http://su.pr/3tss4D

[Tom Gahan]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FIRST EDITION DESIGN LAUNCHES E-BOOK DIVISION
FED sends authors' eBooks to seven top distribution points plus twenty more.

For more info contact: Tom Gahan
[phone] tel
[phone] fax
email: [e-mail]
PO Box 20217, Sarasota Fl 34276

Sarasota, FL June 1, 2011

First Edition Design, Inc, http://www.firsteditiondesignebooks.com a licensed Apple developer and Microsoft Solution Provider, announced the launch of their eBook publishing division on June 1, 2011. First Edition eBook Publishing formats manuscripts and books in HTML, Java, Mobi, ePub, RFT, LFR, PDB, and plain text.

The eBook Division submits authors' formatted works to Apple, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Sony, Kobo, Diesel, Scrollmotion and to over twenty additional distribution points. All formatting and submissions are combined as a package and is offered at $149 USD.

As an added service, FED (First Edition Edition Design ePublishing) includes e-ISBNs with the package at no charge to clients. They also provide additional services including bar coding, QR codes, printed promotional materials for print books, web site development and hosting, SEO and marketing support.

In addition to FED's eBook formatting and submission package, other packages combining services are offered at steeply discounted prices. The packages listed on the company website, http://www.firsteditiondesignebooks.com, are playfully name after famous authors. FED offers support to authors with a live chat feature and through a unique dashboard, which tracks sales individually at all of the distribution points.

First Edition Design lists Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, universities and small businesses among their international clients and now includes authors. The FED team each averages more than 20 years experience and holds a host of professional certifications and licenses.

FED's CEO Deborah E. Gordon said, “First Edition Design is positioned with the experience and in-depth knowledge of technology to provide solutions for marketing eBooks. Our products are 100% turn-key, user friendly and very affordable. We saw the frustrations authors were experiencing. Our team was able to produce a package to meet their needs. We look forward to serving authors world-wide.”

First Edition Design, Inc. is headquartered in Sarasota, Florida USA. For more information visit http://www.firsteditiondesignebooks.com.

# # #

[Jaidis Shaw]

In my opinion it really depends on if the author is willing to do the leg work and how much. There are some out there who really succeed at self publishing because they put in the time to advertise and get the word out about their book. Others prefer not to do the leg work or simply don't have the time and I think having a traditional publisher is a good way to go to help even that out.

For me personally, I've always wanted to be traditionally published and would like to get a name built up that way before going the self publishing route. Since I've recently had a story accepted for publication, I suppose my foot is in the door but I still have a long way to go :)

[Shawn Lamb]

I was traditionally published first, and ended up doing as much 'leg work' for marketing and promotion as I do now that I'm self-published. I had to set up book signings, interviews, press-releases, hire a publicist, etc. I even provided my publisher with promotional videos, poster and bookmarks.

Many traditional publishers do very little to help 'new authors' establish an audience. The sales team will take it to their shows and place in magazines and make it available through the distribution system, but other that - the author is on their own.
Being traditionally published doesn't mean an new author can relax. No, their role just takes on new and varied roles.

[Bobbie Crawford-McCoy]

Almost sounds like you were published by a Vanity Press, Shawn.

[Shawn Lamb]

Nope. Strang - now Charsma House - is a traditional Christian publisher. In fact, many publishers - in both markets - are taking the approach of grilling a would-be author if they have a ready made audience before signing.

Of the 1 million + plus books published last year only between 200,000 and 300,000 were by traditional publishers. With stiff competition from self-published authors, traditional publishers are becoming picky - wanting a ready-made hit while keeping their eye out for one like Amanda Hocking to come along so they can snatch up.

Many newbie authors will tell you the same, they had to be involved with marketing and promotion. With staff cuts, publishers focus more on established authors, giving little of their advertising money to promoting newbies.

[Bobbie Crawford-McCoy]

Indie Publishing keeps getting better and better!