Some Publishing Facts

As you’re contemplating how to publish your manuscript, you will find several schools of thought on the topic. If you are a first time author, it can be especially confusing to know the difference between traditional and self-publishing.

The information in this post will give you a concise comparison of these two methods and some of the facts you should know before you make your decision.

some publishing facts TRADITIONAL SELF • A handful of the largest publishers control the majority of book sales. These companies typically won’t accept a title unless they feel it will sell at least 50,000 copies--10,000 within the first year. • Most publishers do not accept unsolicited manuscripts, so you will need a Literary Agent. • Royalty amounts are typically 6–8% of the retail price. 10–12% is exceptional. • The timeline from acceptance of your manuscript to seeing your book in print is 11?2 years. • Midlist and lowlist authors must do almost all of their own promotion and pay for it themselves. • Being traditionally published once does not guarantee future projects. • Publishers will typically change the title, content, and even the main characters of an accepted manuscript. • Most publishers only pay out royalties once or twice per year. • “A larger publisher must sell 10,000 books to break even.” ~Brian DeFiore, Maui Writers Conference • “70% of the books published do not earn out their advance or make a profit.” ~Jerrold Jenkins • A higher percentage of in-print titles come from a small press or self-publisher. • “The largest risk in self-publishing is often the author’s time.” ~Peter Hupalo • Of the authors surveyed by Business Week, 96 percent said they realized a significant positive impact on their businesses from writing a book and would recommend the practice. ~Businessweek.com • Start-up costs are significantly lower than they used to be. • Pre-established distribution is available. • Fully self-published authors keep 100% of the profits (Typically 50–70% of the retail price). • Books can be designed, printed, and distributed in as little as two months. • Self-published authors retain 100% control over the title, cover, and content. • If your book is discovered by a traditional publisher after it’s been proven a seller in the marketplace, it is worth more and you can negotiate a higher advance. • Self-published books that have a wide audience range and sell at least 3,000 copies are a good candidate for a traditional publisher. Copyright Imagine! Studios - www.IAmPublished.com