New Authors, contracts, and Publishing: Many new authors sign a contract with a publisher without reading it thoroughly. The excitement of being published for the first time is so overwhelming that they ignore the fact that they are signing a binding contract. Later they are shocked that once published they have not become an immediate millionaire. They lose all contact with reality, immediately find fault, and blame with the publisher. These disappointed authors tend to join various writers boards and then bash their publishers, or complain about the low royalty check they receive. It never occurs to them that the author regardless as to who publishes them always does promotion. Publishers will tend to aid and support any previously famous author who has made money for the publisher, but usually not an unknown. I think we must all realize that we tend to join various boards as a means of promotion for our book or books. This is a wise decision by all new authors, but some may get carried away by some negative postings of the discontented. I for one have joined countless boards. From time to time I even forget which ones, and am shocked to read that some are bashing Publish America, a successful publisher in Maryland, who accepts many new authors. Publish America is a print on demand publisher, one of the first, and now followed quite recently by many bigger, well-known publishers. I think that none of us should condemn anyone if by accident or he or she is a member on such a board. Like all authors and shoppers there are always some things we could complain about. Whether a product we bought in a store or a publisher, we all have some complaints. However, I never forget that Publish America was the only publisher so far that willingly gave me an opportunity to be published. For that, I am eternally grateful. I do mean eternally. Why bash or bite the hand that feeds you? However, there is far more than monetary gains to this business of writing and being recognized. Having been in the accounting and business world most of my life, I recognize the need for all companies to make a profit to stay in business. How they do that is up to their own ingenious ways and I respect anyone and all who can do this successfully in these difficult times. I do think that many new authors are a bit naive about business, profits, and bottom lines. This confusion leads to misunderstandings. The reality is that Publish America and many new publishers are doing so many things right. The publishing business is presently in some change, some due to publishers of print on demand such as Publish America. It is obvious that Publish America is making a profit. I only hope they continue and grow as they are. My advice to all authors is to read your contract carefully before signing and recognize exactly what is expected of you. Do not expect fame and fortune and do not feel cheated when the reality is that it may never come. Don't bash or blame your publisher. POD publisher stands for two types of publishers, and is a new expression not used in the same way by all people. Print on demand, and publish on demand. Both are referred to as a POD publisher. The Vanity press is used to recognize publishers who serve authors who wish to self publish. Too many people seem to think this is a negative form of publishing. Why? Some of the most famous writers self-published, a few still self publish as it offers the option of no contract and the freedom to sell or promote their book without any sharing of profits. Before anyone signs with a publisher, they must understand the publishing market and all the options available to them. Then they must consider and understand that various competing publishers will use negative advertising to obtain your business in a very competitive market. It is all a part of the saying "Buyer Beware." Anne Lebrecht, author "Memories of a Forgotten Past" "Discoveries of a Hidden Past" |
