You've written the great novel that will span the centuries but you can't seem to find an agent, or a publisher, that share your vision. What's a writer to do? Well, you can either suffer through one rejection letter after another, or you can decide to self publish. Self-publishing is one way to get your words out to the masses, but it is not without pitfalls.
Vanity Publishing
Beware the vanity publisher! For every decent self-publishing company on the market there are several more that promise a lot, but deliver very little. A vanity publisher is in the business to help you publish a book, whether or not it has any value. As part of their contract, they will offer the following, or a combination of these things:
1.
A certain number of books will be printed
A certain number of books will be printed2.Your book will be marketed in certain ways, depending on the amount you pay
Your book will be marketed in certain ways, depending on the amount you pay3.Your book will be distributed in certain channels; whether or not it is marketed internationally also depends on the amount you are paying the publisher
Your book will be distributed in certain channels; whether or not it is marketed internationally also depends on the amount you are paying the publisher4.Special artwork for the jacket and book cover will cost extra
Special artwork for the jacket and book cover will cost extra5.The use of your photo and bio in the book or on the jacket will incur additional charges
The use of your photo and bio in the book or on the jacket will incur additional charges6.If you need to have your work edited, there is also additional costs involved
If you need to have your work edited, there is also additional costs involvedIf you truly believe in your work, vanity publishing may be a way for you to pursue seeing your book in print. Just be aware that publishing your book this way can run well into the thousands of dollars. While these publishers may offer payment plans, your book will not be printed until all monies are paid in full.
If a vanity publisher wants to charge you to read your book up front, walk away, nay, run!
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