The following was written for a business client, but
is equally relevant to any field of fiction or non-fiction.
- Traditional Publisher: Requires
an agent for representation; no fee to publish; pays an advance (although,
not always); generally takes 50% of the book price; has prestige;
marketing and distribution is taken care of but the author also needs to
work on marketing.
- Self Publish in text book format. There are a few options:
(1) Pay a printer to publish a number of books up front.
The cost per book decreases with a larger order. You will need to organise
appropriate type-setting, layout and design first. You will also need to handle
all marketing, promotion and distribution.
A distribution company can be used. They will need to
accept the book first and can be quite choosey. Your books, say 1000, are taken
on consignment and are promoted and delivered to bookstores. They will re-order
as the bookstores demand.
(2) Use an online publisher to self publish. There
are a number of these available and most are full-service re editing, design,
layout etc. Again, the price per book decreases with a larger order. An example
is www.bookmasters.com
(3) Print on Demand. There are also a number of these
on the web and they are also full service re design etc. The cost to the buyer
is generally higher per book but can still be cost effective. They are
especially useful for those not wanting to pay costs in advance. An example is
lulu.com and www.advisorpress.com.
Distribution is also handled through the publisher’s website.
You have more creative control when self publishing
and will need to do, or organise, all the marketing yourself, although book publishers
with an online presence will display, sell and distribute your book. There are
also better profit margins to self-publishing.
- Self Publish in e-book format. The e-book has the highest profit margin and eases distribution. A
website dedicated to the book is required along with an appropriate sales
letter.
- Upload in e-book format.
Sell your e-book through Amazon and Barnes & Noble etc.
- Combine. A combination
of options works well and is generally adopted. For example, The 7
Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey and first
published in 1989, is currently (16/7/12) number one on Amazon’s Top 100 bestseller
list for business and investing in e-book (kindle) format. It is also at
number three in paperback version and number 17 in audio format. (These
have been in the bestseller list for between 490 and 2003 days prior to
the day of his death,
Useful Links
- http://800ceoread.com/attribute/show/1-The_Business_Book_Bestseller_List/
Best selling business books for 2012. 800ceoread also publishes and
promotes.
- http://www.cnbc.com/id/46103871/12_Business_Books_for_2012?slide=2
CNBC top 12 business books 2012.
- http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Books-Business-Investing/zgbs/books/3
Best sellers in business and investing: Amazon.
- http://www.amazon.com/gp/new-releases/books/3
Amazon top new releases in business and investing.
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