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.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Self-Publishing Myths and Legends
So, I decided to pick up this book, "The Fine Art of Self-Publishing: The Contracts and Services of 45 Self-Publishing Companies Analyzed, Ranked and Exposed." Seriously, if you ever have or are considering self-publishing, you should definitely read this book.
I have several self-published books, some of which are very good. I also have a few that have very noticeable typographical errors that would alert your inner English teacher too. Don't pretend you haven't ever read something where a period or a comma is out of place and it didn't secretly bug you. OK, maybe I AM the only one.
Yet, I digress.
I'm not into slamming the businesses of others, but from what I've read so far, the more advertised self-publishing places are also the ones more than likely to rip you off. You get what you pay for, and sometimes, you don't even get that. I applied to a self-publishing outfit that said for a modest investment of around $4K, they would put up to $20K worth of promotion, publishing, and marketing into my book.
The introductory letter itself set off an alarm. The acquisition editor made a typographical error in the letter. Who does that? And would I want someone who makes a simple spelling mistake in a letter supposed to be professional publish my book?
Secondly, the $20K made little sense to me, especially the stipulation that while they claimed they would spend that much, they didn't/wouldn't account for it. I could write you a check for $20K and tell you it's good, but would you take my just word for it in a business relationship ?
Exactly. I tore up the contract. If anything is worth doing, it's worth doing right the first time.
I have several self-published books, some of which are very good. I also have a few that have very noticeable typographical errors that would alert your inner English teacher too. Don't pretend you haven't ever read something where a period or a comma is out of place and it didn't secretly bug you. OK, maybe I AM the only one.
Yet, I digress.
I'm not into slamming the businesses of others, but from what I've read so far, the more advertised self-publishing places are also the ones more than likely to rip you off. You get what you pay for, and sometimes, you don't even get that. I applied to a self-publishing outfit that said for a modest investment of around $4K, they would put up to $20K worth of promotion, publishing, and marketing into my book.
The introductory letter itself set off an alarm. The acquisition editor made a typographical error in the letter. Who does that? And would I want someone who makes a simple spelling mistake in a letter supposed to be professional publish my book?
Secondly, the $20K made little sense to me, especially the stipulation that while they claimed they would spend that much, they didn't/wouldn't account for it. I could write you a check for $20K and tell you it's good, but would you take my just word for it in a business relationship ?
Exactly. I tore up the contract. If anything is worth doing, it's worth doing right the first time.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Introduction
Welcome to my blog for The Last Testament, the period Christian fiction novel I am currently in the process of refining and self-publishing.
For a long time, I thought of the self-publishing world like that of the street mixtape industry -- it has merit in certain arenas, but by and large, goes unrecognized by the majority of society.
The message of redemption and fulifilling a call of God is too important to only reach my warm market of friends, family, and former students, so I shunned the idea of self-publishing for a LONG time until I spoke personally with Stephanie Perry-Moore.
Perry-Moore, for anyone who does not know, has written more than a couple dozen Christian fiction books targeted toward the teen audience, including the Skky series. She advised me to "cast a wide net" by self-publishing with a target of 2,000 copies and then query more agents with a proven audience.
I believe in the vision God has given me for more than just 2,000 copies. Will you? Time will tell.
For a long time, I thought of the self-publishing world like that of the street mixtape industry -- it has merit in certain arenas, but by and large, goes unrecognized by the majority of society.
The message of redemption and fulifilling a call of God is too important to only reach my warm market of friends, family, and former students, so I shunned the idea of self-publishing for a LONG time until I spoke personally with Stephanie Perry-Moore.
Perry-Moore, for anyone who does not know, has written more than a couple dozen Christian fiction books targeted toward the teen audience, including the Skky series. She advised me to "cast a wide net" by self-publishing with a target of 2,000 copies and then query more agents with a proven audience.
I believe in the vision God has given me for more than just 2,000 copies. Will you? Time will tell.
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