Great
question—especially in today’s convoluted mess that describes the publishing
industry. The lines between “independent” or “self”
publishing aren't simply blurred ... they're hopelessly intertwined. May I explain?
Decades
ago, before digital “on demand” printing (yes, Virginia, there was life and
books before digital printers were invented), offset printers provided a
service for those authors who could not penetrate the forces of the “big house”
publishers. Most of the time there were reasons an author was rejected—poor
writing, bland story, etc. So they opted to pay thousands of dollars to
independently print their books.
Since
the days of Benjamin Franklin (and actually history takes it waaay back),
“anyone” could print a book without the benefit of stringent traditional
publishing standards. During the mid-20th century Vanity Presses, as
independent printing companies became known, seduced authors into publishing,
even though their manuscripts may not have been edited, polished, or even
proofread. The dreaded “self-published” book was born.
These
books usually required minimum print runs of 5,000 copies, were stored in your
bedroom, garage, family room, wherever you could find to stack them until about
ten years later, when the 3,000 left were finally donated to charities and
third-world countries. (I’m
being facetious and a little dramatic, but ...)
Bottom line is the
only one who made money was the printer.
Today,
digital printing makes the process less costly and much quicker and easier,
creating a plethora of online digital publishers that bear the ugly stigma(s)
of POD, self-publishing, vanity press, subsidy press and other independent
publishing definitions—much to the confusion of authors—who does what?! Definitions defined ...
What’s the
difference? School is now in session!
(All
descriptions are basic—much blending is becoming common.)
Vanity Press
Used
to be an offset printer, now can be either offset or digital. The author is
required to provide a book ready to print (cover, formatting complete, ISBN, et
al) and purchase a set number of “first run” books printed, generally 5,000 or
more, in exchange for a setup and printing fee. What you do with them after
that is not their concern. Have room in the garage?
Subsidy Press
Same
as Vanity Press, except the printer contributes to the cost of setup and
printing, thus invests in the book, in exchange for a piece of the royalty
action. (Terms vary, generally negotiated.)
POD
This
term is applied mostly to digital publishers (generally online-only) who
contract with outsourced digital printers to produce books for the authors to
whom they charge a setup fee; other services, like cover design, interior
formatting, the ISBN, distribution/order fulfillment, marketing, and publicity
are often offered as options. If you select distribution (w/order fulfillment)
for that pleasure, you pay additionally for the program, and depending on the publisher,
receive a royalty, with some of the highest at 70%-80%. Books are printed as
ordered, so there’s room in the garage for your car.
Self-publishing – the true,
actual, died-in-the-wool “self publishing” definition
This
author actually utilizes the elements of Vanity Press or POD, but sets
him/herself up in business as the “publisher,” and contracts with all necessary
companies to create and publish a book through all phases—yes, there is more after
writing! Primary phases include cover / formatting design, ISBN, printing,
warehouse/order fulfillment, distribution—the whole nine yards. Everything over
costs is yours to keep—how many books do you need to sell to offset the costs?
Think about it. While you’re thinking, what about marketing and PR?
Traditional publisher
Ah,
yes … the supposedly coveted publishing model. Think Trojan Horse. Desirable only because readers
still gravitate toward them, not yet understanding the cataclysmic changes in
the industry, and how the revolution has leveled the author playing field.
Many
readers still remember the stigma-producing days of poorly published
independent books, rife with typos and grammatical errors. For whatever reason,
they seem to forgive those same missteps (and nearly as many) that appear in
traditional books.
But
independent authors have become more professional and competitive, and numerous
traditional authors are actually defecting to the freedom independent
authorship provides.
Once
upon a time authors who were hand-selected by a “big house,” enjoyed a fat
advance, a free editor, marketing / publicity assistance, and decent royalties.
Not
so today. IF you can wiggle your way into a traditional contract, and even
receive a modest advance, the royalty structure is not as lucrative as decades
ago; and marketing / publicity assistance is non-existent, or extremely
limited. Some publishers are even charging authors for their (mandatory)
editors, and other fees may be tacked on. Most traditional publishers will
exercise their right to request changes in your text, or even a complete
rewrite; in addition, your copyright is held in their name for an agreed length
of time.
Oh,
don’t forget—the average time to publish from signature on the dotted line to
publication is often two years or more. And, you pay an agent, as well, out of
the meager royalties (finally) earned.
If
you weren’t aware, too, an advance is not
free money. You won’t see another plug nickel from the publisher until your
royalties surpass the advance
amount—rare, for a first-time author. And more publishers are requesting a return
of their advance if the magic number of sales has not been reached.
Bottom line, dear authors?
Whether you publish via one of the independent methods, or through a
traditional publisher, you are still paying. It’s just a matter of when, how, and
to whom.
The
method of publishing you choose is up to you. Your decision might be based on
your contacts in the industry, your desire for the elitism of traditional
publishing, how quickly you want your book published, freedom of expression, or
how much involvement you expect to provide to market it. Just remember, it’s
your book—make sure it’s published your
way.
#
# #
LinDee Rochelle is an independent
author and proud of it. Feel free to ask her why, any time. She also edits books and offers author consulting
to help you determine the best possible publishing avenue for you.
