Publish on Lulu & then publish traditionally?

[Maggie]

Much better. I saved all your links on my destop. Will take my time and enjoy tomorrow.

Have a good evening.

[Maggie]

Hey Tony, your video is funny--a whole lot of choice words and even blood.

I didn't see the updated cover on ebay or Amazon.

[Ron Miller]

Sorry to be jumping into this so late in the discussion...

There is nothing preventing a traditional publisher from picking up a self-published book. As has been pointed out to me many times by several editors, no publisher is going to turn down a project they think will make a profit, regardless of its history. There have been many examples of books that have made the transition from self-published to professionally published. It must be kept in mind, however, that these examples are the exception...not the rule.

That said, you do put obstacles and complications in your way if you self-publish first and then seek out a traditional publisher. If you think you have a commercially viable book, it's best to pursue a traditional publisher first. And don't give up after the first rejection.

As someone pointed out in an earlier post, a traditional publisher will take care of the marketing of your book for you. But they also do a lot more than that. They provide professional editing, copy editing, proofreading (even fact-checking if necessary), professional book design, illustrations and cover art; they take care of the advertising, marketing and distribution (including sending out review copies by the hundreds if necessary). All things that must come out of your own pocket if you even pretend to be a publisher or hope to have your book commercially viable and competitive. All on top of the fact that you get a non-returnable cash advance up front.

Sure, your book may wind up on a remainder table. But, realistically, do you think you could have done better entirely on your own?

I have seen far, far, far too many POD books skimp on editing, design and other necessities because the author either can't afford to have them done, thinks they can do these things themselves or thinks they are not important. (The first two reasons are especially ridiculous when there are people like Maggie who offer excellent, reasonably priced services.) 

And then they can't understand why no one will buy their book.

There is another important question to consider, too. If you intend to become a professional author---or at least if you intend to create a lot of books, whether you expect to make a living at it or not---keep in mind that all of the work required to properly publish and market an individual book is time and effort that could be spent writing.

Self-publishing can be enormously satisfying, no question about that! And fun, too. And it is ideal---and even the only option---for a great many kinds of books. But I think that one has to be fully aware of the limitations and implications when getting into it. 

[Tone]

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Maggie wrote:

Hey Tony, your video is funny--a whole lot of choice words and even blood.

I didn't see the updated cover on ebay or Amazon.

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I ordered a copy of 'Strentgh of a Giant' from amazon and have recieved it with the rest of my amazon order today. This copy is not from Lulu?

It says on the back page, Printed in Great Britain by Amazon.co.uk,Ltd., Marston Gate.

The cover and paper quality are not as good as my Lulu version.

Will I get my royalties from this amazon print?

[Ken Anderson]

Yes, you will - 2nd/3rd week of following month.

I normally find zero difference between printed by Lulu sub contractor and Amazon.

[Tone]

Thanks for that Ken

Do you know how long it takes from me making a revision of the book and it feeding through to amazon? I am planning on changing the front cover.

[Ken Anderson]

Every change takes another 6 weeks to ripple through.
Just make sure that once you've revised the project that you then go and buy a copy. (You can always send the sale to a customer but you must make a purchase on your account).
As soon as you've made the purchase you can then go and Approve the project that starts the ripple. You don't have to wait until you receive the book unless you particularly want to verify the changes.

[Tone]

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Ken Anderson wrote:

Please keep us informed Tony as to how things pan out for you.
I'm sure many will be interested.

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Got a letter today post date 28th April from Pegasus.

They are unable to offer me a Pegasus(Non contributory) contract but would like to propose a Vanguard Press publishing agreement whereby they would undertake to carry out all editorial work which includes the production of a minimum of two sets of proofs for my inspection and approval, cover design, registration of title, printing, binding and extensive promotion and marketing etc.

For a financial commitment from me, the author, towards production costs.

The contribution would be calculated by their accounts department and be payable over a ten month period (negotiable). Full details of this would be stipulated in a non-obligatory contract.

They believe that with our combined efforts, the book can achieve the success that it deserves, and will be favorably received by the reading public and the media. They will keep the book in print and available on the market for as long as public interest is shown.

If I were to consider their proposal, my normal contractual benefits would apply, including an enhanced scale of royalty payments.

My decision can by confirmed in a simple letter or by email and then the contracts can be prepared for my perusal, without obligation.

They look forward to hearing from me in due course.

I've sent them an email so I can do some perusal lol

I must add that I have edited the story since submitting the manuscript to Pegasus. Preview 'Strength of a Giant' and see for yourself: http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/strength-of-a-giant/15525616

I think I made the right decision in self publishing