So, early this year I thought I could try to break the mold of self publishing my books and try approaching publishers to see how things can proceed forward and to find someone interested enough to want to publish my 3rd poetry book, collection of short stories and the novel that I am still trying to beat into shape.
I approached just a couple of independent publishers (here in the UAE) ‘cos I thought that would be an easier way to break into getting published by those whose business it is to run such things.
I wouldn’t say that I was disappointed in the least. I got a favourable and quick response after they had reviewed my materials, but I must say that I was startled out of my shoes at the exorbitant cost that they included in the publishing contract couched under the term ‘contributory fees.’ Maybe I am too naive about what it truly entails to publish, promote etc. and such found the quote a bit shocking to say the least.
If I had the said amount, would I go ahead with the proposal? I suppose so for various obvious reasons that I can’t even begin to delve into right now but most especially on top of the list is to see my book published and marketed professionally and see how it moves.
On the other hand, even if I had the funds, how on earth would I recover the amount invested, not to talk of making any sort of profit from the whole venture, or are we not expected to make proceeds from our endeavours? The sale of the book has to be in huge numbers to break even before you can talk about profit.
Hmm. There’s no easy way out there. As I don’t have many nickels to rub together right now, much less pay a publishing outfit a king’s ransom to get my books published, I guess my desire has to be dampened till further notice. However, knowing that the opportunities are out there was a good outcome in my opinion.
What are your thoughts? Have you ever tried using an independent publisher for your books? What was the experience like?
a cooking pot and twisted tales 
The publisher of my one poetry book….now American Star Publishing…had no upfront fee but made their money via sales and marketing offers. One could order copies at a discount in bulk and peddle them yourself. My book is still available as a Kindle version from Amazon…ran out of marketing funds a long time ago! 😀
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That’s more like it should be. Not fleecing writers for money that they don’t have. I understand publishing and marketing costs are not small, nevertheless, a publisher shouldn’t be asking for such a huge sum upfront from the writer. It almost seems to me as though they have no plans for work for their money and think that an over enthusiastic person would be willing to part with their funds. Thank you for your constructive comment.
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UR WELCOME!
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Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
WANT TO GO THROUGH A PUBLISHER-?
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My thoughts – and the generally accepted wisdom – is that you should never have to pay a publisher to publish your book. They should make their cut from the sales.
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I’m really glad you shared this. I did approach some publishers in the Western genre (I searched for Western book publishers who were accepting new manuscripts) and one did accept my story, however, they wanted me to pay a % of the editing and publishing costs which is as you say quite exorbitant. That could run you thousands of dollars. I’m wondering if this is becoming more of a trend now, unless you get accepted by a bigger publishing house.
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My husband looked into that when he started writing. What he found was the same as you did. Places that prey upon those who long to get their work into print, and make you pay hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars for the privilege. What he learned, was that real publishers pay YOU, not the other way around. If they are charging you, they are NOT legitimate and run as fast as you can.
Stick with Amazon and self-publishing. Make your Amazon Author page. Write like crazy, the more the better. Share the links over as many social media spaces as you can. And check out deanwesleysmith.com and kriswrites.com. They are husband and wife writers who are on top of what’s going on in publishing – both digital and dead-tree.
Lastly, good luck and don’t quit your daydream! ❤
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Thank you so much Vanessence for this very useful advice. I totally agree with you and will check out the husband-and-wife duo.
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