The Basics of Profitable Publishing
The Basics of Profitable Publishing is a perspective on publishing from author and publisher EJ Thornton, owner of Books To Believe In - creating books that make the world a better place.
Discussed are the normal paths to a published book: Commercial Publishing, Self Publishing (old style), Self publishing (Print on Demand) and the hybrid version of publishing - Partner Publishing. Discussed are topics such as how to find editors, graphic artists, illustrators, literary agents and the qualities to require in each. Do you know what to write in a query letter to a publisher? Do you know where to list your book once it is published? Do you know how to write a press kit? Many more tips and tricks are outlined, to help you get your manuscript published. We've posted the entire contents of this book online for you to read for free - it is also available through Books To Believe In and amazon.com.
Copyright 2009 belongs to EJ Thornton.
Can you organize or take part in an event that would capitalize on the theme of your project?
Fun things to do with your book can create exposure for it - such as www.BookCrossing.com. This is a free website to join - your book goes 'traveling' and people review it on the net - and then pass it along.
Trade shows are everywhere. Are there any that would draw your demographic? If so, look into getting a booth there or at least visit the show and ask where you might be able to leave some promotional materials.Go to Writer's conferences!
Meet editors, agents and most importantly, other authors.
Listen to their stories and learn all you can!
To get a list of the writer's conferences, visit http://writing.shawguides.com/
Your Book Project IS a Business
Get a Sales Tax ID # from your state department of Revenue / Taxation
Get its own bank account and keep the money separate.
Start a system to track all expenses and profits.
Profitability Plan
If you do plan to self publish - determine how many books you will have to sell to see a complete return on your investment. Where is your 'break even' point?
Add all the following expenses:
Publishing Cost: _________
Editing Cost: _________
Formatting Costs: _________
Illustration Cost: _________
Cover Design Cost _________
Marketing Cost: _________
Writer's Summit Tip #32:
Print on Demand ," answer, "No." The bookstore doesn't really care how your book was printed, what they are really asking is whether or not your book is 'returnable.' Answer that question with your return policy, such as "I offer a full 120 day return policy."
