Some of the best road trip decisions I’ve ever made have been to drive past the fast-food chain stores and pull into a somewhat well-worn or downright shabby restaurant. Mom-and-pop owned places are the best. Some of them became my favorite destinations for good food, generous portions, and personal service.
It was a short story about just such a place that pushed my writing out of the desk drawer into the public. So, it wasn’t a difficult decision for me when approached by a small, independent publisher to switch from self-publishing to a traditional publisher. It was a surprise to me when I ended up a partner in that business.
Although I run a publishing company, I still point authors to self-publishing. I don’t do it because they can’t write, but because it’s a better fit. Who is a good fit for a small traditional publisher?
The essential thing to know is that traditional publishers provide editing, formatting, cover design, marketing, etc.…at no cost to the author in exchange for the publishing rights. The author is, in effect, selling his work to the publisher. That means, though the copyright is in the author’s name, the publisher now owns it. If you aren’t prepared to surrender the final decision making to a publisher, then self-publish.
If you are willing to trust the judgment and experience of a publisher to do what is best to sell your book, read on. Traditional publishers make money from sales. Publishers do charge for their services, but as a percentage of each sale. Unlike the freelance editor or cover designer who charges a fee up front and is done with your book, traditional publishers are invested in its success. They don’t make money unless your book makes money.
Authors sometimes say they don’t care about the money, they just want people to read their book. If that is true for you—self-publish and give away your book. The reality is that sales equals readers. Money may not be the reason that writers publish, but money is not a bad thing to get in return for all your work.
Small, independents, like mom-and-pop operations in general, offer personal service and a personal investment that big publishers just can’t match. When you contact them, you’re not talking to a robot answering machine that puts you in touch with the assistant to the assistant editor. Neither do you have to go through an agent. You’re talking to the publisher. Small press publishers like happy authors. You’re not one of a thousand faceless names. You’re someone they have come to know.
Of course, there is a tradeoff at work here. Small companies don’t have the budgets and resources large companies do, which means you must work harder after your book launches. Make no mistake; however, until you’re a household name, you’re going to have to work hard (and spend) to promote your book no matter who publishes it.
I think all authors share the same destination—a place in some reader’s heart. There are many roads. Finding the one that suits us best is up to us.
Jack LaFountain
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