Showing posts with label self-published. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self-published. Show all posts

Sunday, July 21, 2013

An author without a publisher

What’s a girl to do?

Due to the recent death of our publisher, Linda, her partner in the publishing company has decided to shut the doors on L&L Dreamspell. Amidst all the grieving that all of us are experiencing we have to decide what to do with our manuscripts. All rights have been reverted to me, including my sixth novel (At Face Value) that had yet to be printed.
I’m extremely saddened over the death of a friend and now have to grieve over the loss of publishing company that cared for its authors. Where else could you offer the publisher a bunch of chocolate if she printed your book a month earlier than planned? Who else would call you out of the blue just because you fell off the face of the earth for a month? Lisa and Linda took such amazing care of us and our books from the words to the covers, to the moral support and guidance. Even now, Lisa is focusing on her dream team of authors and making sure they get what they need to make their decisions and move forward.

So here I am, without a publisher and I have no clue what to do. I, for one, never thought I would be here. Here I am, asking, “What do I do?”
Should I submit to other publishers? Do I look for an agent? Or do I take a gigantic leap and self-publish?

If I submit to other publishers or an agent, do I submit only the book that hasn’t been put in print yet? Do I mention the other five books that now need an avenue to get to readers? Are there any publishers or agents that you think might best fit me and my romantic-suspense genre?
If I go self-pubbed is that riskier than traditional publishing? What is all the work I would have to do myself? And do you as a reader like to read self-published?

My biggest issue is making sure that the books are available in both print and ebook format.
In the back of my mind, as difficult as this situation is, and when I get past all the tears, I think this is an impetus to push me.  It’s a sign. Here is an opportunity to take the bull by its horns and turn my writing career into what I want. The question is, “How?”

Whether you are a reader, a writer, blogger, etc., what are your thoughts?

Friday, January 9, 2009

Children's Book and Contracts

Late yesterday afternoon I returned home and found this big envelope on my door. After getting it inside and opening it up, I saw these papers from a publishing company and was confused. (happens every once and a while)

As far as I knew the only publisher who has any of my work is L&L Dreamspell, my publisher for my romantic-suspense books. I had completely forgotten that I submitted my children's story before Thanksgiving.

I reached back into the envelope and found a letter. An offer letter to publish my book. Woohoo! Yes, I was extremely excited. . . until I read the contract.

Why?

Such a good question. I'll tell you.

Because the bottom line is that they wanted me to front the money to publish the book and they would in return spend 6 times that in actually getting the artwork (B&W), get it printed, then market it to online bookstores.

As soon as I read that I have to give them money. . .my balloon popped.

If I wanted to pay someone to publish my book (self-publish), I could do it for a lot less than they quoted me.

Moral of this story is. . .READ THE CONTRACT. Don't sign and send anything off unless you know what you are getting into. Also, research the publisher to check on their reputation. One good place to get some of that information is http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/

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