Publishing Options For Authors

In this report we will identify the seven main publishing options available to you along with the benefits and drawbacks associated with each option.

The goal of this report is to provide you with an objective view of your options before you decide on which option (s) to use for your eBook.

All options have some positive, as well as negative aspects, associated with each. It is also important to note that there are companies within each category that do vary on what services they offer. So before deciding on the best option for you, complete a thorough analysis of each specific option and business. Contact each business to clarify what services they do offer and how much they will cost.

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Title: Publishing Options for Authors Edition: 3rd Edition 2011 Author: David Horne Publisher: eBooks International - www.ebooksinternational.co Publishing platform: www.ebookauthoracademy.com Copyright eBooks International

Disclaimer All the information, tips, interviews, techniques, skills and concepts contained within this special report are of the nature of general comment only, and are not in any way recommended as individual advice. The intent is to offer a variety of information to provide a wider range of choices now and in the future, recognising that we all have widely diverse circumstances and viewpoints. Should any reader choose to make use of the information contained herein, this is their decision, and the contributors (and their companies), authors and publishers do not assume any responsibilities whatsoever under any conditions or circumstances. It is recommended that the reader obtain their own independent advice.

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Your Seven Publishing Options

In this special report we will identify the seven main publishing options available to you along with the benefits and drawbacks associated with each option. The goal of this report is to provide you with an objective view of your options before you decide on which option (s) to use for your eBook.

If you are a first time author you will soon learn that there are many different ways to publish your work. You may also feel overwhelmed by all the information you come across on the internet and all of the companies that are throwing their services at you telling you that their way is the best way. If you understand all of the options available to you then you will be less likely to make decisions based on misleading or inaccurate advice that will only cost you both money and time. As a self published author, I have been fortunate to experience many benefits in going down this publishing route; however, self publishing is just one option available to you. You can explore more than one option. I also use POD as well as dealing with traditional publishing houses. Our company, eBooks International, is all about providing authors with a library of resources to take on the option of self-publishing. This includes our eBook Author Academy for training, our eBookPressReleases.com site for promotion, our eBook news sites to our online eBook shops providing an Author Direct to Shop model.

By empowering yourself with the information and knowledge offered you will be able to make better informed decisions and will be less likely to make common mistakes made by most first-time authors.

What I want for you to take from this report is that there a number of options available to you. So dont be pressured by a business or so-called online guru that there is only one option. As you will see, all publishing options listed have positives and negatives associated with each one.

eBooks are growing incredibly fast as a preferred reading option. However, there is, and will be for a long time, a very high demand for printed books so this is also an option you will want to pursue in order to maximise sales and potential profit.

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Your Seven Main Options Are: 1. Major Publishing House 2. Specialised Publisher 3. Literary Agent 4. Vanity Publisher 5. Co-author 6. Print on Demand (POD) 7. Self-Publishing This Report Outlines: What each option will do for you. The benefits of each option. The drawbacks of each option. Who this option is best suited for. Note: Each company within a specific category will vary in what they offer and do not offer. Many companies have been forced to adapt and transform themselves in order to stay up with the technological advancements. So before deciding on which option is best for you, chat to each company individually and do your own research.

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Major Publishing House

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Major Publishing House

When we talk about a Major Publishing House we are referring to companies that have been established businesses in the publishing industry for many years. Publishers derive their profit from sales of the book to persons other than the author.

Publishers traditionally assume the risk of all the publication and production costs in publishing a book. They also maintain complete control over the entire process including retaining the right to have the final decision on what books will be published. They are also involved in editing the author's text, marketing and distribution, providing the ISBN and all legal requirements. Publishers will often pay the author a fee, called an advance, for the right to publish the author's work. The author will also earn a percentage of the royalties which will be based on sales. As it is the publisher who assumes most of the financial risks, they will be selective when choosing what books to publish and sell. Due to the high volume of submissions, most of the large mainstream publishing companies maintain a strict "no unsolicited submissions" policy and will only accept submissions via a literary agent. What this does is to shift the burden on assessing and developing writers onto the literary agents thus reducing the workload for publishers and allowing them to focus on their business of publishing.

If a manuscript is accepted, then the negotiation process begins for the purchase of intellectual property rights, advance payments as well as establishing an agreement on royalty rates.

This process can become a difficult one because the publisher must estimate the potential sales in each market and balance projected revenue against production costs. There is no set rule for royalties; however, they usually range between 8 - 12% of recommended retail price. The same applies with an advance payment. Generally, it can be about 30% of first print run total royalties. This depends on the publisher along with other factors. Traditional publishing includes the stages of the development, acquisition, copyediting, graphic design, production, printing, and marketing and distribution. With the advent of digital publishing the various publishing models have changed to accommodate this new technology.

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Pre-production stages include editorial stage, design stage and the sales and marketing stage. The printing stage begins after the pre-production stages of editing and design. Initially, a prepress proof is created. This proof is designed to allow the publisher to make corrections and to show the book as it will appear once printed and it is also the final opportunity for the publisher to find and correct any errors.

Many printing companies now use a use electronic proof. Once the proofs have been approved by the publisher, the printing of the book begins. Once the printing has been completed, the book will then be made available to the public for sale. Examples of major publishing houses include Macmillan, Random House, Penguin and Harper Collins. Major Publishing House - They Will:

Publish your manuscript. Cover all editing costs. Most often cover all pricing costs. Most often cover all type setting costs. Most often cover all distribution costs. Most often cover all design costs. Most often cover all photography costs. Most often cover all proof reading costs. Generally pay you a royalty between 5 15% Often pay you monthly or quarterly. Pay you an advance for your book.

What Are The Benefits?

Provide validation for your work as an author. They can cover the entire costs of publication. Once you are accepted by a major publisher you are guaranteed distribution into most major bookstores.

If you book has universal appeal major publishers can provide opportunities to have your book published internationally.
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They can promote your eBook or book in their catalogues thus providing greater publicity. Leverage their team of experienced professional within each specialised area.

What Are The Potential Drawbacks?

You will make a lot less money per book sold (in royalties) than you would by selfpublishing your work.

You may have to hire the services of a literary agent to gain access to a publisher. Once you sign a contract with a major publisher you typically lose most of or all the rights to your work as well as loss of control over the design of your book.

Due to their volume of production you will be less likely to have complete free access to the publisher.

It is a slow process, sometimes up to 18 months for your book to reach the book shelves. Many major publishers will not accept unsolicited manuscripts sent to them directly by prospective authors.

Most major publishers will only work with established writers, renowned experts and celebrities.

If your book doesnt sell enough copies within the first 3 months, it is likely that bookstores will return the majority of copies and will not reorder.

This Option May Be For You If:

You have little motivation do it yourself. You are looking for the prestige and reputation of being published by a major publisher. You are prepared to wait over a year for your book to be on the shelves. You are alright with giving up control of your book. You do not require instant return (revenue) for your work. You are an established expert in your field. You do not have the money to pay upfront costs associated with self publishing. You do not want to invest time and effort into publishing your book.

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Specialised Publisher

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Specialised Publisher

A Specialised Publisher is publisher that specialises or focuses on a niche area. It may be romance, education or sports related categories.

Specialised Publisher - They Will: Operate in a similar fashion to major publishers. Publish books within a specific field or genre. Cover most production costs.

What Are The Benefits? They can use their experience and contacts within your field to better access your target market. You will have more say in the terms of your contract. Generally have a faster turn around time than the major publishing houses. Are more accessible than major publishers. You may be able to have a more personal relationship with the company due to their smaller size. They can offer you specialised advice on your unique field. You be more likely to negotiate more creative control over your work.

What Are The Potential Drawbacks? Specialised publishers often only target specific markets. Many new specialised publishers lack the industry experience of a well established publishing house. Specialised publishers may also have smaller operating budgets and therefore limit their investment resulting in the author contributing money.

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 May have shorter print runs. If you are not an expert in your specific industry than specialised publishers may not be interested in publishing your book. Some specialised publishers will control where your books are distributed and for how long. You may have little say in the production and distribution of your book.

This Option May Be For You If: Your eBook is niche focused. You do not require instant return (revenue) for your work. You are an established expert in your field. You do not have money to self publish. You do not know how to reach your target market. You need help editing, proof reading, formatting, designing your work. You are looking for specialised advice. You are looking to work with a smaller publishing company. You want easier access to a publisher. You require additional advice on getting your manuscript published. You are alright with giving up control of your book.

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Literary Agent

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Literary Agent
A Literary Agent is a person who will represent you and your book. They act on your behalf when it comes to negotiating deals with publishing houses or getting a contract for you. Literary Agent - They Will: Represent you and your manuscript. Will act on your behalf with publishers. Review your manuscript. Perform an analysis on your competition. Prepare a projected budget. Send your manuscript and proposal to several selected publishers. Provide valuable and informative feedback regarding your manuscript. Source the best publisher for your needs. Help identify your target market.

What Are The Benefits? Follow up and ensure your manuscript is read. Help negotiate your royalties. Help negotiate your level of control and rights. Help re-negotiate if your book becomes a best seller. Help negotiate any additional opportunities that may arise from the success of your book. Ensure you receive your royalty payments on time. Provide high level feedback for improving your book. Understand what requirements must be met for publishers. You can acquire the services of an agent with no upfront cost. Prepare all proposal documents required by publishers. Ensure that both parties uphold the terms of the agreement. Ensure that you receive the correct royalty payments.

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What Are The Potential Drawbacks? Some agents are just starting out on their own and may lack industry experience. Some agents have yet to establish their network of publishers. They will receive a portion of your royalties (often 10 20% range). Not all literary agents have experience. Not all agents are skilled in negotiations. Once your book deal has been taken care of the agent may quickly neglect your future requests.

This Option May Be For You If: You do not have the motivation to personally contact a publisher. You require assistance in negotiating contracts. You are a first time author. You have been unsuccessful in gaining access to a publisher. You require further assistance for your book. You lack the required knowledge on what requirements must be met to satisfy publishers. You do not know how to prepare a book proposal.

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Vanity Publisher

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Vanity Publisher
A vanity press or vanity publisher is a publishing house that publishes eBooks and books at the author's expense. That is, the author will pay to have their book published. Vanity publishers make the majority of their income from author fees rather than from sales. This is in contrast to commercial publishers where they derive their profit from sales of the book to persons other than the author. Vanity presses can often be viewed in a different light and many believe that because they are not selective, that they do not confer the same recognition or prestige as a book that goes through a mainstream publisher. Vanity publishers do offer more independence for the author than does the mainstream publishing industry; however, their fees can be higher than the fees normally charged for similar printing services. A vanity publisher may, or may not, offer editing and formatting services for an additional cost.

Vanity Publisher - They Will: Help publish your eBook or book. Distribute your eBook to their network of retailers. Provide additional services throughout the publishing process. Publish your eBook for no cost, just a commission of each sale. They may help with editing. They may help with proof reading. They may help with printing. They can get your eBook or book into more shops.

What Are The Benefits? You can save time by using a vanity publisher. You may gain assistance from a vanity publisher with production. A vanity publisher will help manage the publication and distribution process. The author can still retain control over their eBook.

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 The author can still make the final decisions about where their eBooks are distributed. Leverage experience and established position of a vanity publisher. Publishing your eBook using a vanity publisher may save you money in the long term. Your eBook will be published and available for sale very quickly. You may learn how to publish your first eBook via their method and decide to publish all future eBooks with the knowledge you have gained from a vanity publisher. Some vanity publishers have established distribution networks. Some vanity publishers have established partnerships with major online retailers.

What Are The Potential Drawbacks? Many traditional publishers do not respect or recognise vanity publishers. Some vanity publishers outsource a lot of their work thus adding more middleman and costs to the process. Some vanity publishers are just a front for a publishing business who outsources everything. You may pay for bundled services you dont require. Some vanity publishers have limited partnerships with retailers set-up. Vanity publishers do not have the same established reputation as a major publisher. Publishing via this method may hurt your credibility in some peoples eyes. Your eBook may get lost in hundreds of other eBooks being published and distributed by them in that given period. You are still required for all upfront costs. Some of the larger bookstores may not accept eBooks submitted by vanity publishers.

This Option May Be For You If: You lack the time to publish your own eBook. You want to leverage the experience of an established vanity publisher. You still want to retain the rights to your eBook. You need assistance in getting your eBook into the major online stores. You have been rejected by major publishers. You want to retain control over the distribution of your eBook. You want to retain the creative control of your eBook.

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Co- Author Partner For Success!

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Co- Author
This option is where you decide to partner with some else in writing and publishing your eBook or book. You may approach a know expert to leverage their status, a celebrity for marketing benefits or a group who already has established authority within your niche. For example: If you want to write an eBook on Life as a Tennis pro you may not be able to get publishers interested in your eBook. If, however, you are able to co-author your eBook with Roger Federer, a recognised tennis organisation or a famous tennis coach then your chances of publication would increase.

When you decide to co-write an eBook or book it does not necessarily mean that it is a way to get published. It is, however, a way to increasing your chances of becoming published or accepted by a major publishing house.

The agreements you have in place with your co-author will also vary and depend on what is requested by all parties involved. You may have to accept that you are just giving up revenue for the right to use someones name and established credibility. You may still be required to complete all tasks in writing, editing, proof reading, formatting, marketing and selling your eBook.

What Are The Benefits? Co-authoring allows you to leverage the name of someone else. Co-authoring allows you to leverage the reputation of someone else. Co-authoring allows you to leverage the credibility of someone else. Co-authoring allows you to leverage the experience of someone else. Co-authoring allows you to leverage the market position of someone else. Co-authoring allows you to leverage the experience of someone else. Co-authoring with a known person will provide for more marketing opportunities. You can tap into their existing fan base to sell your eBooks. Being associated with a famous person will allow for easier access into a major publisher. Your co-author may be more experienced in conducting interview on behalf of the book. A co-author may help you write the eBook or book thus saving you time. A co-author may complete some research for you.

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 An expert co-author will be able to contribute some new ideas or tips. Co-authoring with an expert will only add to their standing in the field. A co-author may contribute with the costs.

What Are The Potential Drawbacks? As co-author the majority of credit may go to the more well known person You may still be required to pay all costs The co-author may request additional terms With two parties involved, you may have to compromise on some aspects If you attach a celebrities name to your eBook they may not know all of the content of your eBook when questioned during an interview If the book becomes successful, the co-author may want to change The terms of the agreement to better suit them. You cannot control the reputation of a co-author A celebrity co-author may lose their leverage to gain access to a market

This Option May Be For You If: You are ok with playing second role in publicity. You are ok with someone else receiving credit for all your hard work. You can find a contributing co-author it may be a mutually equal partnership. You need to be linked with an established name to gain access to publishers. You need help in promoting your eBook or book. You require the assistance of someone else to write your eBook. You believe this will open up new doors for your future eBooks.

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Print on Demand

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Print on Demand
POD is a relatively new, but very fast growing, category of publishing that offers a menu of services directly to authors who wish to self-publish, usually for a fee. The success of POD companies has been largely due to what they can do for an author. This includes printing, shipping, handling royalties and getting listings in online bookstores through established partnerships.

"Print on Demand" developed and has flourished only after digital printing began because it was not economical to print single copies using traditional printing technology such as letterpress and offset printing.

Short run printing is also called Print-on-demand (POD). Many major publishers use POD printing to produce small quantities of older (backlist) titles. Many publishers are now using POD technology to save on costs and prevent wastage. The initial orders for a new book can now be printed and when required, more copies can be produced to meet market demand.

Many of these web-based POD publishers do not screen submissions prior to publication. They do not have the time or resources to do this and as they do not receive a fee it would be too time consuming for them to do this. Many provide the author with a style guide of publication guide to help them meet the minimum requirements. POD publishers generally accept uploaded digital content as Microsoft Word documents, text files, or RTF files. They offer printing services for anyone who is willing to pay for their service. Unlike the major publishing houses their reputation and name is not associated or determined by the quality and success of the book. A POD publisher will offer a menu of services or packages that can be purchased. Some will custom design a package to meet the potential clients specific needs. These services may include an ISBN, cover design, artwork, content, editing, indexing, proofreading as well as some form of marketing and publicity.

Many traditional small presses have moved to POD equipment or contract their printing out to POD service providers. One of the main benefits of POD with digital technology is that you can print your book for a fixed cost per copy, regardless of the size of the order. You will often find that the unit price of each physical copy printed is higher than with offset printing. Dont let this necessarily discourage you as the average cost is lower for very small print runs and when printing multiple copies it can turn out to be a financially better option.

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What Are The Benefits? Technical set-up is usually quicker than for offset printing. Large inventories of a book do not need to be kept in stock. There is a reduction in storage of books. Reduction in handling costs. Reduction in inventory accounting costs. There is little or no waste from unsold products. Editorial independence for the author Speed to getting book market Ability to revise and change content Greater share of royalties What Are The Potential Drawbacks? You will be required to pay all costs. Reduced quality control. More work for authors in many areas. You will have to do your own marketing and promotion. You may be required to use additional services at a cost. You dont have a team of experts assisting you. POD books can be more expensive than similar books that come from conventional print runs.

This Option May Be For You If: You are prepared to invest in your education in learning about the POD process. You have the ability and knowledge to promote your eBook. You wish to sell a printed version of your eBook. You want to retain control of your book. You have previously had your work rejected by an agent or publisher. You have the time to invest in taking your manuscript from idea to publication. You want to get your time sensitive book published very quickly. You have the money up-front to pay for the service.

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Self-Publish

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Self-Publish
Self-publishing is the publication of any eBook or book by the author of the work, without the involvement of an established third-party publisher, vanity presses, or print on demand (POD). Self publishing is continually becoming the preferred option for authors due to the information and tools available to them. There are many self publishing sites and services available to help the author get their book or eBook to market. Our eBook Author Academy is an example of a site assisting authors who decide to go at it a lone

The main distinguishing characteristic of self-publishing is the absence of a traditional publisher. It is the author who will be responsible for the planning, writing, formatting, design, marketing and promotion, publishing, distribution of their book or eBook.

Self Publishers - They Will:

Be responsible for production of their work. Write the manuscript. Will be responsible for editing. Will be responsible for proof reading. Will be responsible for type setting. Will be responsible for formatting. Will be responsible for cover design. Will be responsible for distribution. Will be responsible for marketing. Will be responsible for negotiating contracts. Assume all risks. Take on all direct costs.

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What Are The Benefits? More control over your book. You retain the rights to your book or eBook. Maintain control of where your eBook or book is distributed. Be able to decide which store you do not want your eBook sold in. You can make additional income from speaking, add-on products and retain 100% of revenue. Earn greater royalties (often up to 80%) Retain creative control of your work. Get your eBook or book to market very quickly (Often within weeks) Include whatever content you want in your eBook or book. If your book is successful, you can generate further income by selling. Your international and digital rights. You can have control of pre-Publication marketing. Overall low publishing costs. Author can publish content independently.

What Are The Potential Drawbacks? The author requires more motivation. The author will be required to devote more time to publishing and marketing their eBook or book. The author will be responsible for upfront costs. The author takes on all risks. As a self-publisher, you may not have the experience or expertise in all areas of the publishing process. You will have to source your own POD Company. The author may need to hire the services of self publishing companies at a cost. The author will be required to do all negotiating of contracts and terms.

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This Option May Be For You If: You are prepared to invest in your education in learning about the self publishing industry. You have the ability and knowledge to promote your eBook. You want to retain control of your eBook or book. You are a motivated entrepreneur. You require immediate return for your work . You have already been rejected by publishers. You have the time to invest in taking your manuscript from idea to publication. You know how to pre-sell copies of your eBooks. Your topic is obscure or controversial. You want to get your time sensitive eBook published very quickly. You have the resources and the knowledge to self-publish?

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Conclusion:
It is very important that you decide early on which publishing option you will use. You may decide to use multiple options. The earlier you decide, the easier it will be for you to create your marketing plan and implement strategies.

Your Seven Main Options for Publishing Are:

1. Major Publishing House 2. Specialised Publisher 3. Literary Agent 4. Vanity Publisher 5. Co-author 6. Print on Demand 7. Self-Publish Analyse the benefits, drawbacks, what each service provider will do for you and the best option with regards to your earnings potential. With all of these options the power is with the author so if you are not happy with the terms or agreement put forth to you from the service provider then be willing to negotiate or look elsewhere. It is important to refer to each businesss website for their specific services, terms, benefits, drawbacks and payment process. The key points noted above are representative of that specific option, but may vary with each business as they evolve. Finally, do not give up the rights and control of your eBook or book unless you receive an exceptional deal. This also includes rights for future opportunities that arise from your eBook such as movies, additional information products or if you create a series for your eBooks. The Devil is in the Asterisk (fine print) so be sure to carefully read over all contract terms!

All the Best With Your Writing Career!

David Horne CEO and Founder eBooksInternational.co

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eBook Author Academy

www.eBookAuthorAcademy.com

This is the ultimate self publishing and author support program for eBook authors! This eBook Author Academy has been created, designed and built by a team of experienced authors, marketing specialists, technology professionals and self publishing experts.

Now you can have access to our extensive library of articles, tips, advice, interviews, case studies, worksheets, templates and tools as well as our exclusive online marketing system that will help to take you from unknown writer to a successfully published author! This Academy is Exclusively for eBook Authors Who Want to Take the Next Step Towards a Rewarding Future in Writing and Self Publishing! When you join the academy you will gain access to our online marketing system for eBooks. We will help you take the guesswork out of online marketing and save you hundreds of hours of your time searching the internet for these proven strategies that we have been accumulated and mastered over the past ten years! Who Should Consider Joining? Our extensive library of resources has been designed to benefit all:

Independent authors Published authors Unpublished authors Both fiction and non-fiction authors Online marketers Self-publishing communities Publishing companies . and all passionate writers.

The goal of Academy is to help you become a successfully published author and enjoy the process along the way with increased efficiency and less stress. Whether you are a new inexperienced author, or are a seasoned published author, you will benefit greatly from becoming a member of our online academy. When it comes to being an author there is an incredible amount to learn. Click Here to Learn More about eBookAuthorAcademy.com

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