First Word

Today's topic - book pricing ... I get routinely asked, "How should I price my book?" A lot of authors will want a low price without considering their breakeven point. If the cost per book exceeds the actual royalty you receive per book, you're going to automatically start in the red and never be able to get past it. Now eBook sales can mitigate this problem since you only have a one-time conversion fee.   My advice though is to never price your book so you're actually losing money. Even if you're making a small profit per book, go that direction and mitigate it with eBook sales. I know many authors are concerned about pricing their books out of the market. So, that is why I suggest at least some profit if you want to lower your price based on that concern; but do not flip it over. Going upside down on any project is always a losing proposition - that is, unless...   You're doing a book to enhance your image or career . If you wr...

Scott D. Roberts, president of 3L Publishing (www.3LPublishing.com), and I recently remarked on the "shysty" nature of some self-publishers who take people's money and produce little or nothing. The stories are so rampant it's sad.  Education. You must educate yourself on this industry and carefully investigate your potential publisher before you drop a dime. Our hybrid services (crossing traditional and self-publishing) aren't aimed at quantity. We focus on quality over quantity. If 3L Publishing published every manuscript that came to us we wouldn't have the reputation with the book reviewers. What should you look for? Buy some of their books . Nothing will give you a clear idea of the product quality than to buy the product. Look the books over. Do you see errors on something as important as the back cover? A few mistakes in the book is common, but not on every single page. How does it read? Is it a page-turner? Is it shockingly bad...

What is a hybrid publisher? Our company 3L Publishing (www.3LPublishing.com) is a hybrid publisher. Hybrid (means combines both) publishing takes traditional publishing and crosses it with self-publishing. What does this mean? You get everything a traditional publisher provides (editorial, graphics, and book distribution, which many of those services are not available to individuals ... for example, our printer who provides competitive pricing does not work with individuals) at higher royalties. Royalties range from 35 percent to 100 percent (you sell it yourself). Now compare that to a traditional publisher that provides 8 to 10 percent. Why are the royalties higher? Because the author (much like a self-publisher) pays to have the book created. The payment is a one-time fee. Higher royalties enable the author to enjoy return on investment at a faster rate and become profitable AND be the one who enjoys the profit if the book becomes a best-seller. What is the average cost to pub...

I just got off the phone with a prospect. She saw a presentation I recently gave. She said she was so impressed. She cited one thing I said as important, " 3L Publishing's mission is to strive for excellence in everything we do." My desire for excellence is driven by my passion for publishing and books. I know what I like. I know what I as a consumer want to see. What I don't want to see is a low-quality book where no care was given to the quality of the product. I want not only the experience of working with my company to be a great relationship with our authors and clients, but also I want our final products to shine and reflect handsomely on the author and my company. I want every author or client to know that regardless of anything else, their books or marketing materials will be well-done. They will show off their final products with pride. They can feel good about it. When I've achieved those goals I've done what I set out to do -- strive for excellence...

Writers consistently ask questions and discuss the different publishing options available today. I want to provide some pros and cons to each publishing option. I also want to impart that except for the shysters in the publishing industry who will take money and produce virtually nothing, most independent publishers are reputable. My best advice: always do your homework. Ask for references and happy client testimonials. If a publisher produces none then shy away. Also, ask for samples of their previously published books. TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING Pros Your book's expenses are paid for by the publisher You have no costs for the book itself The publisher distributes to the bookstores Royalties range from 8-12 percent Royalties are paid annually or every 18 months to account for returns Cons You have layer upon layer to get to the publisher Most publishers want you to have a platform or following before they will consider you You must have an agent It can take a long...

Chapter 4 Self Publishing, Vanity Press or Do-It-Yourself-ers “ Vanity is my favorite sin .” ~ Al Pacino Self publishing, publish on demand, traditional, and now the New Publishing. Publishers everywhere and so many choices what’s a writer to do? Before you get all quivering and quaking with fear and a need to pop a Xanax to calm your nerves, keep reading. We want to help alleviate a quick trip to the pharmacy to consume anti-depressants to manage your publishing anxiety. First, like the warning label on any good prescription bottle or Diet Coke can, we want to not just warn you, but beg you to educate yourself before you sign on the line on any contracts you may have placed in front of you. And this may be hard to control yourself too. Any time a so-called publisher or someone with the title of publisher calls and says they want to publish your manuscript refrain from the happy dance just yet. Our sad cautionary tale comes from a 95-year-old World War II veteran we’ll call...