WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN PUBLISHING TODAY
The world of publishing is dramatically different today than it was as few as ten years ago. Options available to authors of all genres vary greatly now, ranging from traditional publishing by one of the big houses or by a small press or digital publisher with Print on Demand capability.
Self-publishing, once frowned upon as the only option for writers not skilled enough to land a traditional publishing contract, has become widely accepted now due to the advent of various ebook retailers, such as Amazon KDP (80%), iTunes (10%), Nook (3%), and Kobo (2%). In days gone by, self publishing was a process fraught with difficulty and inviting fraud. Prior to Print on Demand, an author was required to print several thousand copies of a book, copies for which he or she had then to undertake distribution.
TODAY'S PUBLISHING OPTION COMPARISONS:
TRADITIONAL PUBLISHER:
Distribution of Rights. Although the author always retains the copyright to their work, many other rights are assigned to the publisher. These can include worldwide print rights, digital rights, film rights, audio and others.
Contract to Shelf Time. The time lapse between when a contract is signed and the book is made available for sale to the public can vary widely, generally from one to two years, a period during which the author receives no royalties.
And Speaking of Royalties. A first time author is often offered only 6% - 8% on sales of a paperback edition.
Competition. With the closing of many brick and mortar bookstores, traditional publishing today is more competitive than ever. Does that mean that only the good books get published? No, it does not. In point of fact, a manuscript can be well-written, a story well-crafted, and yet still not make its way through the editorial ranks to the attention of the right person.
DIGITAL PUBLISHER:
Distribution of Rights. A small press or strictly digital publisher may be interested in distributing a book as Print on Demand, a digital ebook, or possibly in audio format, and those would be the only rights requested in the publishing contract.
Contract to Shelf Time. Depending upon the number of titles a small press has in the pipeline, an author may have his or her book available for distribution in as few as six to eight weeks of finalizing a contract. Very important for the full-time author, as royalties become available only after the book is on the shelves.
And Speaking of Royalties. As a small press or digital publisher has less overhead, the author may expect to receive a greater percentage of sales. An ebook may pay the author 30% - 40%, while a Print on Demand paperback can net 12% - 15%.
Competition. While a small press or digital publisher will still demand a well-written, quality piece of work, they can afford to take a chance on a great manuscript written by an unknown, first-time author without a fan base.
SELF PUBLISHING:
Distribution of Rights: You are the publisher. You retain 100% of all publishing rights.
Contract to Shelf Time: You are the publisher. You are in control of preparing your manuscript for publication, which means you can see your sales begin as soon as you upload your book for distribution.
And Speaking of Royalties. Again, you are the publisher. You control the retail price and agreements for distribution. On Amazon KDP, for example, you can expect to receive between 35% and 70% for Kindle sales, maybe 20% - 25% for paperback, and as much as 40% for an audiobook published exclusively on Amazon ACX.
Competition. You are competing with yourself and the many great books already in the marketplace. Your only requirement is to publish the best book you can create. Over time, you will grow a dedicated audience eager for more of what you write.
Self-publishing, once frowned upon as the only option for writers not skilled enough to land a traditional publishing contract, has become widely accepted now due to the advent of various ebook retailers, such as Amazon KDP (80%), iTunes (10%), Nook (3%), and Kobo (2%). In days gone by, self publishing was a process fraught with difficulty and inviting fraud. Prior to Print on Demand, an author was required to print several thousand copies of a book, copies for which he or she had then to undertake distribution.
TODAY'S PUBLISHING OPTION COMPARISONS:
TRADITIONAL PUBLISHER:
Distribution of Rights. Although the author always retains the copyright to their work, many other rights are assigned to the publisher. These can include worldwide print rights, digital rights, film rights, audio and others.
Contract to Shelf Time. The time lapse between when a contract is signed and the book is made available for sale to the public can vary widely, generally from one to two years, a period during which the author receives no royalties.
And Speaking of Royalties. A first time author is often offered only 6% - 8% on sales of a paperback edition.
Competition. With the closing of many brick and mortar bookstores, traditional publishing today is more competitive than ever. Does that mean that only the good books get published? No, it does not. In point of fact, a manuscript can be well-written, a story well-crafted, and yet still not make its way through the editorial ranks to the attention of the right person.
DIGITAL PUBLISHER:
Distribution of Rights. A small press or strictly digital publisher may be interested in distributing a book as Print on Demand, a digital ebook, or possibly in audio format, and those would be the only rights requested in the publishing contract.
Contract to Shelf Time. Depending upon the number of titles a small press has in the pipeline, an author may have his or her book available for distribution in as few as six to eight weeks of finalizing a contract. Very important for the full-time author, as royalties become available only after the book is on the shelves.
And Speaking of Royalties. As a small press or digital publisher has less overhead, the author may expect to receive a greater percentage of sales. An ebook may pay the author 30% - 40%, while a Print on Demand paperback can net 12% - 15%.
Competition. While a small press or digital publisher will still demand a well-written, quality piece of work, they can afford to take a chance on a great manuscript written by an unknown, first-time author without a fan base.
SELF PUBLISHING:
Distribution of Rights: You are the publisher. You retain 100% of all publishing rights.
Contract to Shelf Time: You are the publisher. You are in control of preparing your manuscript for publication, which means you can see your sales begin as soon as you upload your book for distribution.
And Speaking of Royalties. Again, you are the publisher. You control the retail price and agreements for distribution. On Amazon KDP, for example, you can expect to receive between 35% and 70% for Kindle sales, maybe 20% - 25% for paperback, and as much as 40% for an audiobook published exclusively on Amazon ACX.
Competition. You are competing with yourself and the many great books already in the marketplace. Your only requirement is to publish the best book you can create. Over time, you will grow a dedicated audience eager for more of what you write.