creativedragonbaby · 6 years ago
Writing a book really doesn't earn as much money as you think.
Self-publishing is a pretty cheap way to go about it, but it'll be difficult to get your books in shops
creativedragonbaby · 6 years ago
The bonuses with publishing with a company is that they'll be able to get professional editing, marketing and publishing, but unfortunately they have tough standards.
creativedragonbaby · 6 years ago
There's a website I found (can't remember it) that gives you tips on publishing.
blazingfrags · 6 years ago
Can ya explain the company one ??
blazingfrags · 6 years ago
Cause i dont see much luck in self pub
guest_ · 6 years ago
As said income can be tough in writing. But let's discuss the traditional 3 options.
1. Self publish. Google places that print books. There's usually a minimum number of copies you need to print at once and possibly a set up fee. The more you order the cheaper each gets. But this tends to still be several hundred to a couple thousand dollars. You'll need to distribute yourself. This means creating ground swell via internet, attending cons and shows, book events and hosting booths, doing readings, or soliciting stores (likely local) to order copies. If you can't dedicate time, energy, money, and don't have self promoting skills this isn't for you.
2. Find a publisher. You'll want to edit the hell out of your book. Then find a good editor that will (likely) charge you to tell you likely unpleasant things. Don't feel bad, thaysbwhat editors do. Go back and forth until you have a polished book. Print several nice copies and submit them to publishers who accept open submissions.....
guest_ · 6 years ago
Follow up- you'll still have to sell yourself and grease the wheels but not as much as self publishing.
3. DO NOT DO THIS. Vanity publishers work like self publishers. They make money by telling you how awesome your book is. You either pay publishing and other fees upfront like self publishing plus way more on top- or you get involved in some contract that says no matter what they'll get a bunch of money, and you'll get almost nothing or owe them. They'll promise you a distribution network, exposure, etc. some may actually deliver- but these are mostly scams.
The less traditional ways are limited only by imagination and luck. They include things like becoming established through (free) writing online and picking up fans whonyou can then sell (likely self published) works to and gain recognition, slim chance it maybe get noticed especially if you pen the next viral hit.
guest_ · 6 years ago
Writing is much like lmacting or music. It's often not even talent but just fortitude that makes a professional writer. Anything that gets you connections, exposure, or practice can be useful (but can also set you back such as working for free.) writing articles for websites or submitting freelance to outlets that hold contests and open submissions can help open doors. Amazon has its own book market (usefulfoe the self published) and there's always the lower overhead of e books. Those are some ways to start. Key points are before you go any further make sure your book is as well written as it can be and has been polished or given feedback from a pro. Feel out the market and try to have your strategy mapped out ahead.
guest_ · 6 years ago
To money: self publishing costs up front. You (and/or your backers) carry 100% of the burden, but you get 100% of the net profits. Not to patronize- gross is your profit before costs are taken out- net is what's left. A oaynto sell market like Amazon will take a percent of sales or some type of recurring g flat fee that will come out of your profit. So before you make any deals with a printer figure out what your books will each cost you to make and ship etc. Then figure out what people are likely to pay for your book- if it will cost more to print than you can expect to sell at you're done unless you can move the numbers. You'll have a rough idea after that of your net profit per book- and how many you can afford to print- and that's your profit for the run. You may not sell every copy too don't forget. So decide once you know your profit of self publishing is for you. Can you afford it? Can you sell it? Can you make money or break even? There's more but that's the simple version.
guest_ · 6 years ago
If a publisher picks you up it's unlikely you'll have to pay upfront costs. You'll sign a contract. This is where you decide what getting published is worth to you. They may ask for some or total ownership of your story- characters, etc. They may have requirements or changes. The contract will generally stipulate the size of the run, the types of publicity and responsibilities the publisher has to promote the book as well as you. There may be clauses about residuals, merchandising, other rights, etc. on money they may offer some type of advance- but not usually for a new writer on a cold manuscript. A flat fee is also unlikely. Most likely you'll be offered a percent of the profits. Be wary of percents off net. Net is easily manipulated so that you get less or no money. There may be a guarantee (minimum) and clauses for changes in incentives at certain performance points, clauses for follow ups, re writes, etc.
guest_ · 6 years ago
If you go with a publisher they take the brunt of legal burden. That's a plus. With self publishing you must determine or hire an attorney to determine if your book violates any existing intellectual property laws etc. most publishers will make some due diligence here before they print. This is all very simplified. Don't be intimidated but donsome research. A HUGE Rio for you though is that the royalties or fees earned will almost definitely not be taxed, and you will almost certainly be self employed or a contractor. Even if it's a small sum, any money you make writing professionally-Keep track, report on your taxes, and figure out what you may owe on those untaxed earnings and keep that money so you aren't surprised when taxes come next with a fat bill- or insane penalties down the road.
guest_ · 6 years ago
If that didn't answer it, if I missed your point or you want more info- please ask. Another memeber spoke in another thread that they were a pro editor. They might chime in some good advice. General advice: watch your taxes, be in gaurd, don't sign anything you don't understand, don't print a single copy until you have a plan and have looked at the money side, and have a thick skin and passion to see it through. Best of luck.
blazingfrags · 6 years ago
Thanks a lot man
blazingfrags · 6 years ago
Which one do you prefer in these ??
purplepumpkin · 6 years ago
I second everything that has been said. But don't give up, even if it's hard, even you earn less on your own book than the guy who prints it, the ones who sell it and basically everyone, keep in mind that even if it takes time you'll be the one recognized for your work at the end of the day. I know what I'm saying is perfectly irrelevant to your question but I also remember how I felt when I stumbled upon those numbers and harsh realities.
blazingfrags · 6 years ago
Yes i see that and also im not doing this for money..mostly fame and lolz..but still money is kinda problem.im still in the last year of my highschool so i cant pay by my own and i cant ask my parents for that much money. So im just trying to publish it as cheap as i can,no probs if i dont get much profit
guest_ · 6 years ago
I feel you. That's a tough place to be. Submitting to publishers will cost a little- copies and postage. The cheapest most public space you can access is the internet. Next after would be an Ebook. Many popular ebook distributirs take open submissions, there's very low overhead, and you've placed your book where someone could actually read it. Nothing I said was meant to discourage you. Some things are easier for some than others, but look up the story of JK Rowling trying to publish Harry Potter. It generally takes time, many rejections, and persistence with a pinch of luck to break into writing. Harry Potter is one of the most beloved books of at least a generation, and is generally held as a well written work but was rejected more than 12 times. Other authors have had it worse. Prepare for a fight going in, prepare for rejection and waiting and let downs. Preparenfor the worst and go in eyes open so you don't give up if it's more than you thought it would be. Good luck.
unicycle · 6 years ago
Alright so I had my book published by a small company and here's some basic steps to start you off.
Research - find publishers who are putting out works very similar to yours. Find out if they are accepting submissions and what their process is. Most publishers have websites detailing this information, and there are databases you can access to filter results. This research process could take months until you find a few publishers you think might be interested in your book.
Prepare - finish your book and polish it as best you can. Get outside advice and have an editor/proofreader look it over. Then you can write your query - basically a 1-page document that describes your book and yourself to catch publishers' interest. There's lots of resources online about writing queries.
Submit - you'll submit your query and maybe a 2-page summary of your book (depends on submission guidelines) to each publisher, usually by email. Then you wait.