SELF-PUBLISHING TIPS 108 - Ten Questions to Ask a POD Self-Publisher (SP) Publisher

There is a book in each and every one of us. Not everyone though takes the plunge to see that book in print. Some do by pursuing the traditional route, others pursue independent publishing, and others pursue self-publishing through a self-publisher. If you stopped to read this article, you may or may not already know the difference. If you don’t, think of it in these terms. Traditional publishing involves a contract with a big, medium, or small publishing house. They do all the work with varying levels of marketing based on contract and book sales. An independent publisher (the author) takes responsibility for writing the book, getting the book printed, distributed, and marketed. A Print-On-Demand (POD) self-publisher or any vanity self-publishing house offers a variety of packages that you can purchase. They will print, distribute, and market the book at various levels for you. The SP’s will also offer a variety of additional products and services. These self-publishing houses offer packages that are extremely attractive. They make it so much easier for everyone who has that desire to birth that book contributing to the over 764,000 books that were self-published in 2009. If you are considering the POD self-publishing route, put these questions on your list of things to ask:

1. How much will they charge you to purchase your own book? Note: The production cost of the book is usually based upon page number and size.
2. How much will you receive (royalty) if the book is purchased on their website or through a retailer? Note: This will be based on the retail price and could include a specific discount for retailers.
3. Will they continue to charge you at the same price regardless of the number of copies you order? Note: The greater the number of books you order, the lower the price should be. Ask about the discount levels.
4. How much will you receive for the sale of your e-book through their website or through a retailer?
5. Is there a base price for pricing your e-book? Note: You may have $.99 in mind and they may $9.99.
6. Will your e-book be released in a variety of formats? Note not using technical dots: Kindle, Nook, Sony, any e-reader accessibility.
7. Can you use your own ISBN or is it mandatory that you use theirs? Note: The ISBN belongs to the company, not you. If you have your own imprint, or want to move your book in the future, consider your own ISBN that you own.
8. If you want to add your book to Inside Cover for either Amazon or Barnes and Noble, do you have to utilize their service or can you do it yourself? Note: You could do it for free.
9. What entails a custom cover? Note: It may not include front and back. Back may be an additional charge.
10. Is there an additional charge to insert images? Note: Some may charge by the photo.

My first book, Dreams Thrown Away, was published through a POD self-publisher in August 2009. It was one of the most exciting days in my life when the finished copy arrived. Whether you choose to go traditional, independent, or self-publish to experience that same excitement, be well armed with the right questions to make it an even happier experience.