My Talented Friends
I as an Author, and one of you, know the complex process of submitting manuscripts for review, just to get a letter or email saying that they cannot use your manuscript.
I also know the feeling of having your ego built up by an anthology scan that tells you how great you are just so they can sell you a book for an outlandish price, just to find out that the copy you received is the only copy your poem is in. Turn the book over and guess what? There is no ISBN on the book, so no one can go out and order the book. Just as well, the book they received would not have your poem in it anyway. Has anyone ever wondered why everyone that orders this same book always has their poem on the first page? Everyone can't be on the 1st page.
How about those conventions. You get a letter in the mail saying you have won a big trophy and could win a big cash prize if you attend the convention! Only thing is, you pay all travel expenses, lodging, meals and you even have to give them five or six hundred dollars to reserve your spot. If you would like to take your spouse or a friend its another five or six hundred. By the time all is said and done, you walk away about two grand in the hole while the people who sponsored the event probably walk away with a cool million. I have seen the promise of publishing and the big build-ups just to get you to buy a book crush the dreams and hopes of many a good writer.
The only way to make your publishing efforts work today is by hard work and pounding the pavement to make your book a success. Nothing is for free!
If you notice, the top authors of today still do book signings to promote and sell their work on a market that sells millions of copies of books a year.
Although you can make money from your book, no one is going to get rich today sitting at home thinking that now they have a book published the money will just start rolling in. Remember this; The author should be the number one tool in the promotion and sale of their book. Its nice to be able to go into a book store and order a copy of your book, but remember that the more you promote and sell your book, the more money you make. Self sales and promotions bring 30 to 40% profits where most royalties only bring you about 10%
If you care enough to have your book published, care enough to promote it!
Book signings in book stores are not your only outlet. Many, many civic clubs, hospitals, even malls will let you set up a table and sell and sign your book. There are unlimited outlets for local authors to sell their books. I know a lady that went to the car dealership where she bought her car and ask them to buy 100 books and give them away with each car sale. Guess what? They did! She was a local artist and they were glad to help.
If you decide to publish your book, New World Publishing will strive to keep honesty and integrity a strong part of our relationship.
Remember, I am also an author, just like you.
