Countdown to publication

FINALLY! The rewrite is finally done. I think it adds a degree of greater depth to all of the characters. The only people to notice the difference would be me and my wife, who has read all of The Last Testament's previous incarnations -- including the one no one should ever have to read.

Now, onto self-publication. I've found a company that I like, but, more than likely, I'll have to look for a marketing company independently -- or do the marketing myself. When you get down to the basics, you can make decisions based on a number of variables. How much do you want to spend? How much you spend will help dictate how much you sell. What kind of money do you want to make? Most places offer about 35% or so in royalties, which isn't bad. . .until you realize large trade publishers deduct between 40%-55% of the retail price and that DOES NOT include the printing cost. For my novel, it'll probably go for about $15 or so less the $6 it takes to print. As much as I'd like to see you buy my book from one of those places (I love seeing my name in print; it's my own personal hubris), I'd rather have it happen from a direct website.

Decisions. . .decisions

So, going shopping for a self-publishing company is a lot like buying a new car. You've got to kick the tires on them. Of course, you could always do it on your own, soup to nuts. It's less desirable and a la carte the entire way, but you own EVERYTHING. That's a plus.

I'm thinking of cover art ideas. Typically, aesthetics are the last things I think about. Ability to function and then bells and whistles are the priorities and, of course, cost. Problem is, anything I can think of would totally look homemade. That's why there are professionals, but that's also why they charge what they charge.

I'm not looking for something that sits in my basement and I give away as stocking stuffers or a book that ends up being an impromptu coffee cup coaster. I don't believe that's what I've been called to do. Any ideas, shoot me an e-mail on how the process goes.