10. I can publish my book for free.
Yes, you can, but you probably will spend a little even if you do all the labor yourself using software tools that you already own on your PC!! And by a little, I mean a little. For example, there are a couple of administrative fees that you might want to consider, like an ISBN number, that are technically optional, but a good idea. You can format and upload your book to http://smashwords.com without buying an ISBN number. The number of channels that will accept your book, however, will be limited to some eReaders, mostly on desktop and laptop computers. If you want to expand your reach, and you will, into other platforms like the iPad, the Kindle, the Nook and the Sony eReader, you will need an ISBN. Also, all print-on-demand books require an ISBN.
At NovelHelp, the process that we endorse begins with an upload to Smashwords. Among the benefits brought to you by Smashwords, you can also buy an ISBN and for just $9.95! Your ISBN will be affiliated with Smashwords as publisher of record. If you want to be your own publisher of record, you can buy a single ISBN from RR Bowker for $125. Yes, you can upload an eBook for free and, yes, you might even upload to a self-publisher, distribution channel partner for free. But as more and more eBook publishers are requiring ISBN numbers, you should get one for your work.
The small amounts that you incur along the way may keep you from publishing for free, but they are truly small and probably won’t break the bank!
9. I don’t need an editor.
But you should! Everyone needs an editor. Even a professional editor, needs an editor. This is what separates the professionals from the amateurs. There are three kinds of editing that you should consider: content, copy and proofreading.
Content editing is the one that most authors rebel against. It is that painful, and usually perceived by the author to be unnecessary, fact checking of every sentence. Nothing loses a reader faster than sloppy background. If you can’t get the details right, the back story, then your readers will not allow themselves to be drawn into your story. Get your geography right. Get your titles and ranks right. Don’t blow your credibility on the little things.
Copyediting is what your English teacher told you. Un-dangle your participles and correctly place your modifiers. Get a book on the elements of style and learn them. I talk to authors who believe that in this modern, “we just don’t care about grammar – just read my emails,” world, that this is unnecessary. They are wrong. Bad grammar reads poorly. It throws off the reader. Keep your readers in the game. They will finish your book. They will enjoy your book. And most importantly, they will tell others about your work.
Proofreading is just that. – countless passes carefully inspecting each word for typo’s or improper word usage. Look like a pro. Never stop proofing. One or two super careful reads won’t be enough. Remember, it’s the glamour!!! Isn’t that why you wanted to be an author?
8. POD is a “four letter” word.
No, it’s not. POD is a three-letter word.
The Print-on-Demand technology, however, has made it very easy for anyone to self-publish. But, not every work is ready for prime time. Capitalizing on some of the less-than-professional works has allowed many in the traditional publishing world to blast print on demand and self-publishers as amateurs. Their real issue is that new technology has allowed writers to go around them, and, heaven forbid, actually attain success as an author! Don’t let any of this stop you!! Keep your focus and keep writing!
7. I have an ISBN Number.
Really? Did you buy it yourself? He who bought the ISBN Number directly from RR Bowker (the giver of ISBN Numbers) owns the ISBN number. If your self-publishing company provides you with an ISBN Number, they are the publisher of record, not you. If you decide that you are unhappy with your current self-publisher or author services provider, and want to publish elsewhere, you cannot take that number with you. You will have to obtain another ISBN. Additionally, ISBN numbers need to be unique for each format of book. For example, if you have a hardcover, a paperback, and an eBook, you will need three unique ISBN numbers.
BTW, if you live in Canada, ISBN Numbers are free. For those in the UK, ISBNs are bought through AC Nielsen, and cost £110 for 10.
6. I don’t need an ISBN for my eBook
Yes for some and no for others. And the rules are changing faster than I can write this article. As of this writing, you need an ISBN number for iPad, B&N and Sony. If you want to present yourself as a true professional, purchase an ISBN number for your eBook.
5. Lightning Source, Inc. (LSI) is only for publishers
Yes, you can sign up and have an account with Lightning Source, Inc. Why would you want to do this? Lightning Source, Inc. will make your book available in the same channels as the major publishers. Don’t you want to have your book presented as professionally as possible? LSI, owned by Ingram, will distribute your book both domestically and internationally — available to bookstores everywhere. Make no mistake, Lightning Source is a PRINTER. DO NOT CONFUSE a publisher with a printer. So now you may ask, “What is my publisher name if I contract directly with LSI?” Your publisher name is your name. You are the “publisher” of record. You provide the ISBN number.
The major caveat here is that LSI does not provide author services. You are on your own for this one. You will either need to learn how to technically interact with them (see www.novelhelp.com) or hire a professional author services company (see www.telemachuspress.com). Author services companies vary in quality, integrity and cost. Get references and select carefully. The quality of the LSI product is professional. What many authors are not aware of is that most all vanity presses (or publishers) are outsourcing their books to LSI. So, why not do it yourself, get it done the way you want and cut out the “middle man?”
4. If you’re not in the Ingram Catalogue, bookstores won’t touch you.
There is no one rule here. Some bookstores may tell you that when really they are just not interested in POD books. You will, however, discover others that would rather purchase the book directly from the author and make a little more money. Using Lightning Source Inc as your channel partner gets your book into the Ingram Catalogue.
3. My POD book is going to be on the shelves at the “Big” bookstores.
What does POD mean to most bookstores? Not returnable. Most people are not aware that books are distributed to bookstores on CONSIGNMENT. Many POD companies have a “not returnable” policy, making POD books of little interest to the bookstores. The quality distribution partners for you to use offer the same discount and return policy as the big guys. The distribution agreement you signed up for means your book will be AVAILABLE to order. To net it out, with the right channel partner, anyone can walk in and order your book from the bookstore. If this occurs in any number, the bookstore, or chain, might just order your book in some quantity. Especially if they see your book offered under the same terms and conditions as those from the larger publishers.
2. I own all the rights to my book.
Read your agreement. Maybe. It can be complicated. If you are unsure, talk to a lawyer. You may own the rights to your book, but do you own the rights to the cover. What about eBook rights? Are you “locked in” to being with this publisher for a number of years? If you become dissatisfied with your publisher, can you leave and take the cover with you? Your eBook rights? In most cases the answer is no, leaving the author helpless as they have already begun their marketing efforts and name recognition based on the title and cover.
1. I get my books at a discount from my author services company.
Again, read your agreement. More than likely, they are selling it to you wholesale (with a little extra for them). It’s your book — don’t you think you should be able to buy your own book at cost? For example, a 350 page book might sell for $14.95. The distributor is going to sell it at say, $7.50. But to you, what a bargain at $8-$9 per book. Reality check — that book probably costs around $5.25 to print. Before you engage an author services company, get the facts. Check out the engagement agreement from Telemachus Press for a fair deal on royalties and printing costs.
Learn this lesson: Your “low cost” publisher is making their money on the books they sell back to you, not the author services. This is only a good deal for you if your book sales are miniscule.
Conclusion
Do it right, do it one time, and do it yourself. It’s your book. Nobody is going to care about your book more than you, except maybe NovelHelp!
