Deciding How to Publish Your Book : Navigating through the Publishing Jungle
Publishing is a jungle, don’t you agree? Unless you have already blazed a path to a reputable traditional publisher’s door or conquered the tangled lianas of self-publishing, you know what I mean. You’re an aspiring author. You’re standing on the edge of one of the densest and most complex endeavors you have ever faced. Or perhaps you are slumped, sweaty head in hands, in the middle of the mess, unsure where to turn and how to recoup your precious investments of time and money.
You might even have mortgaged your home for the promise of fame and fortune as a writer, only to be abandoned in the rainforest with a mediocre cover and dwindling sales. I sympathize. I’m grateful to Authors’ Lounge for giving me the opportunity to make help available to you.
Overcoming Publishing Hurdles: My Journey to Finding the Right Publisher
A decade ago, I faced that jungle. The manuscript of my book about the names of God was complete and edited. Time to publish. Thankfully, I had time to reconnoiter. First, I considered some “hybrid” publishers—typically, they publish and pay royalties, but the author pays a hefty fee or buys a zillion books to donate to disinterested relatives and stuff their garage with. Eventually, I signed a contract with a publisher that leant more toward the traditional model—less cost to me, better quality, a bigger cut of the profits on The Name Quest, and space in the garage for my car.
That worked ok. However, this particular company promised no marketing (most don’t). But that, frankly, is the key that every author needs if they are to sell books on the other side of the jungle. Without it, the playing field is level. If there’s no marketing, you might as well publish the book yourself, which is what I did next.
For several years, I explored deep into the world of self-publishing. I hacked away the thorny weeds, avoided the swamps and the creatures that lurk therein, and cleared a workable trail. For you, it means breaking the entire process into its components. Deciding what you are good at, and then paying others to do what they are better at than you. There’s a certain amount of trial and error in discovering who can really deliver on what they promise, but eventually you find the reliable ones.
Balancing Writing with Life: My Journey to Self-Publishing Success
I now have the first three compilations of my devotional pieces in print and e-book, with more to come. I still need help with marketing (who doesn’t?) but I make more profit per copy than I would by following the other paths through the forest. The time invested in researching the best route has paid off because I can now focus on the writing and the marketing.
That’s important to me because I have another life (or three). I love to hike and cross-country ski. People matter more important than my keyboard, especially helping them enjoy a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I need time with them. And I still have a day job to pay for my writing habit. I guess you are in about the same situation.
Choosing the Right Path: A Guide to Self-Publishing Models
So, if you are thinking about self-publishing? Deciding How to Publish Your Book is for you. It defines three broad publishing models and the pros and cons of each model, and suggests ways to determine which model best suits your publishing goals. It’s available on Amazon and at https://www.NamesForGod.net/shop (where it is only $7).
Sally E. Stuart, Founder of the Christian Writers’ Market Guide, said of it, “In this small booklet, John Avery has laid out the three possible paths to publication and leads potential authors in the direction that best fits their particular publishing goals. Success in the publishing field often depends on making the right choices. This must-have resource helps both new and experienced writers make the choices that will lead to success.”
