First Word

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...

By Michelle Gamble-Risley, CEO, 3L Publishing ( www.3LPublishing.com ) I get frequently asked if my company 3L Publishing is a self-publisher (we are a hybrid publisher), and what is the difference between 3L’s services and self-publishing and traditional publishing? The answer isn’t simple. I am going to give you a check sheet that shows what 3L Publishing provides as a hybrid publisher vs. the other models. Caveat : Every publishing house is different. Other publishers may provide some of the services I’m not checking off. Please don’t take any missing checkmarks as misleading information. The information is general and not specific to any one publisher. I’ve been criticized in the past for not providing a complete picture. If I’ve missed anything, please feel free to share. My intention is only to help clarify the marketplace and answer questions not mislead or misdirect. Also, you may read this and feel it’s slanted in favor of my company. Be advis...

3L Publishing ( www.3LPublishing.com ) is looking for that next great manuscript to publish under our traditional publishing model. All authors whether professionally published or not are invited to participate.  Here is how to enter and participate: 1. Send your  book summary  and  sample chapter  to 3L Publishing to  info@3LPublishing.com . 2. We will review submissions and narrow down to 16 finalists based on: 1. quality of writing 2. quality of story and 3. market potential Finalists will then be invited to participate in an American Idol type judging that will involve three judges (see bios below). We will hold 3 writer's groups meeting where we will have each author get in front of the group to describe their book and read their sample chapters. Readings will be limited to 15 minutes each. Critique sheets will be distributed to audience participants to evaluate and vote on their favorite manuscripts. The three judges will offer c...

Traditional publishing is the premiere way to publish for authors, so goes the myth. But did you know that many big name authors now self-publish? Do you know why for some authors this has become a more desirable route? 8-12 percent royalties -- when you use services like my company 3L Publishing , royalties range from 35 to 100 percent. If you sell 10,000 copies at 10 percent, say, for $10 books, that is a $1 a book. You've made $10,000. If earn 35 percent of that same $10 it's $3.50 per book, which is $35,000. You can quickly see why some big names decide to publish independently. Agent Fees : Now let's take that $10,000 and pay the agent who got you the traditionally published deal. Most agents take between 10 to 20 percent. For the sake of easy math, let's subtract your agent's fee of $1,000 for your $10,000 and now you have $9,000. The self-published author with a name, still has his/her $35,000. Which would you rather have? $9,000 for selling 10,000 ...

I am constantly having my company 3L Publishing compared to what I call "distribution mechanisms" that are not true publishers. Authors think that many of the new eBook distributors are publishers. I try to dispel this misconception. Some of these "tools" include Create Space and Smashwords. Now some of these services will provide what I call rudimentary services such as editing and graphics, but the prices are so low that you have to understand the difference between the perceived value vs. true value. Create Space is primarily a distribution mechanism for eBooks. You follow their parameters for the eBook formatting and then it's distributed via their systems. Now I am not an expert on Create Space, but also I do caution authors who believe Create Space is their publisher . These groups, and this includes Smashwords, are in the group of self-publishers, but typically don't provide any substantial assistance and real publishing methodologies. For example,...

I have so many authors who show up and consider my company 3L Publishing (www.3LPublishing.com) who are also considering self-publishing. First, I want to be direct that a self-published book can be really well-done if an author has experience in publishing and understands the requirements. The only problem is most authors do not understand publishing. They may understand the basic fundamentals of writing and editing, but production is often a question mark. And one thing I have found that nine out of 10 new authors definitely don't understand is the proofing process. Here is a common conversation: "I am a professional writer, and I hired an editor," says author. "You still need a professional proofreader," I reply. "No, I am also an English professor and I'm POSITIVE there are no mistakes!" I could actually send you to a few of my clients who made that kind of statement early in the process. They have now experienced the process, and they wi...

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...

My company 3L Publishing is often confused with vanity press aka as self-publishing. I thought I would take a moment to clarify the difference for those authors who seek help to get published. First, let's start with defining what is a "hybrid" publisher. Hybrid Publisher -- a new term that was coined to define the difference between a traditional publisher, self-publisher and hybrid publisher. A hybrid publisher combines the best of traditional publishing with self-publishing. The main difference between a hybrid and traditional publisher is that the author pays to have his or her manuscript published in exchange for extremely high royalty rates that range from 35 to 75 percent (traditional publishers typically pay 10-12 percent). A hybrid publisher vets each manuscript and decides based upon quality of writing and the marketplace demands who to publish. A hybrid publisher offers all of the same benefits as a traditional publisher, including distribution and fulfillm...

I don't feel like being serious today, so I won't how is that? A friend of mine called last night and he observed my keen ability to entertain myself as I cracked up over my own ridiculous humor. Yes, I am willing and able to make myself laugh. Not sure, though, that my audience is equally as entertained. I will keep trying. They say laughter cures all ills. I will tell you this much as true: it always makes me feel better. Just so all my readers know I am always a reliable source of entertainment. Listen to our radio show First Word Radio  located on the 3L Publishing website (see blue dashboard), and we generally share lots of wisdom and plenty of giggles to go round. The show is done in a conversational, open format. From a marketing standpoint, we developed the show to give prospective clients and authors a sort of voyeuristic view into what it's like to work with my team. If you listen to enough shows, you'll see we are casual, fun, but knowledgable and profession...