Avoiding Publishing Pitfalls: A Guide for New Authors
Anthony Mora
Are you an author or filmmaker looking for PR, social media or media training? Let’s chat. Contact us for a free review.
As a new author, understanding your publishing options is crucial for making informed decisions about your book's future. Let's explore the three main publishing paths: traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing.? As to the various publishing royalty splits, those can be moving targets. None of what’s listed here is set in stone. ? I just try to offer a general framework.?
Traditional Publishing:
Traditional publishing remains the most prestigious route, but it's also the most challenging to break into. Sadly, it also doesn’t guarantee that your book is going to get the attention or marketing needed to help a book succeed.? Not to mention the royalty split, particularly for a new author, is extremely one sided.? I’ll let you guess who it favors.? More and more I’m hearing from authors who are choosing to go it alone and hire their own team, as opposed to signing with a major publisher.? That said, the process typically begins with securing a literary agent, who then pitches your book to publishers. Landing an agent can be difficult – many receive hundreds of queries weekly and may only take on a handful of new clients annually. Even with an agent, there's no guarantee of a publishing deal.
If you do secure a traditional deal, expect the process from contract to publication to take 18-24 months. Publishers handle all production costs and provide professional editing, cover design, marketing support, and distribution. Authors typically receive an advance against royalties (though advances for new authors have decreased in recent years) and royalties ranging from 5-15% for print books and 25% for ebooks.
Hybrid Publishing:
Hybrid publishing has emerged as a middle ground, but authors need to understand exactly what they're getting into. Despite what some hybrid publishers suggest, this is essentially assisted self-publishing – you're paying for publishing services, not receiving a traditional publishing deal.
When considering hybrid publishers, focus on:
Watch out for red flags such as:
A reputable hybrid publisher should provide professional editing, design, and marketing services while being clear about what you're paying for. They should never try to claim rights beyond basic publication rights. Royalties in hybrid publishing can range from 30-70% of net sales, but this can vary widely between companies. Remember that since you're paying for the publishing services upfront, you should receive a higher percentage than traditional publishing. Be wary of hybrid publishers offering royalty rates similar to traditional publishers (10-15%) while also charging you for services – this suggests an unbalanced business model that heavily favors the publisher.
Self-Publishing gives authors complete control over their work and potentially higher royalties, but requires managing every aspect of book production and marketing. Authors must either develop multiple skills or hire professionals for:
领英推荐
Distribution can be more limited than with traditional publishing, primarily through online retailers like Amazon. However, print-on-demand technology has made it easier to offer both print and ebook formats without large upfront inventory costs.
When it comes to royalties, self-publishing can offer the highest potential returns. Through platforms like Amazon KDP, authors can earn:
Keep in mind that these percentages are before marketing costs and the expenses of producing your book. Also, while the royalty percentages are higher, you'll need to work harder to generate sales without a publisher's distribution network and marketing support.
Choosing Your Path
Consider these factors when deciding:
Focus on your specific goals and circumstances. If you choose hybrid or self-publishing, invest in professional services to ensure your book meets industry standards. I also suggest hiring an outside PR and marketing team.? If pursuing traditional publishing, expect a longer timeline but potentially wider distribution and industry recognition. However, consider supplementing with your own PR and marketing efforts. I advise my traditionally published clients to imagine their self-publishing strategy and then implement those same ideas. It's always worth taking initiative with your PR and marketing!
Whichever path you choose, thoroughly research your options and never sign a publishing contract without understanding all terms. Investing in an hour or two of your attorney’s time can save grief down the line.?
For further information, visit: www.prforwriters.com or call 323-913-1111.