Self-publishing offers authors unprecedented control over their work, but the journey is fraught with potential pitfalls, particularly when it comes to choosing the right publishing company. Understanding which companies to avoid and the common challenges of self-publishing can help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of success.
Self-Publishing Companies to Avoid
When choosing a self-publishing company, it's important to be cautious of those that may not have your best interests at heart. Some companies prioritize their profits over the success of your book, offering subpar services or hidden fees. Here are some red flags and types of companies to avoid:
1. Vanity Publishers
Characteristics: Vanity publishers make their money by charging authors high fees to publish their work, often with little regard for the book's quality or marketability. They may offer services like editing, cover design, and marketing at inflated prices, but the end result is often disappointing.
Examples: While I won’t name specific companies, it’s important to research any publisher that asks for large sums of money upfront. Look for reviews and complaints from other authors before signing any contracts.
2. Companies with Hidden Fees
Red Flags: Some self-publishing companies lure authors in with low upfront costs but then charge exorbitant fees for additional services like distribution, marketing, or even making changes to your manuscript after submission.
Advice: Always read the fine print and ask for a detailed breakdown of all costs before committing to a service.
3. Poor Customer Service and Communication
Signs: If a company is difficult to contact, slow to respond, or unhelpful when addressing your concerns, this is a major red flag. Good communication is essential in the publishing process.
Recommendation: Test the waters by reaching out to the company with questions before signing up. How they handle your inquiries can be indicative of the service you’ll receive.
4. Companies with Bad Reputations
Sources of Information: Websites like Writer Beware, Preditors & Editors, and author forums like those on Reddit can provide insights into which companies have poor reputations. Be wary of companies with a history of complaints, lawsuits, or unethical practices.
5. Companies That Claim Rights to Your Work
Warning: Some disreputable companies may include clauses in their contracts that give them ownership of your manuscript or significant rights to future royalties.
Action: Always have a legal professional review your contract to ensure you retain the rights to your work.
Independent Publishers to Avoid
Similar to self-publishing companies, some independent publishers may not offer the quality of service or the transparency you need. Look out for:
Publishers with Little or No Track Record: If an independent publisher has no history of successfully published books or positive author testimonials, proceed with caution.
Publishers with Vague Marketing Promises: Be wary of publishers that make grandiose promises about marketing and sales without a clear, realistic plan.
Publishers That Don’t Disclose Financials: If an independent publisher is not transparent about royalties, distribution, and marketing costs, it’s a sign to steer clear.
Pitfalls of Self-Publishing
Self-publishing offers many benefits, but it also comes with challenges:
Upfront Costs: Unlike traditional publishing, where the publisher bears the cost, self-publishing requires you to invest in services like editing, cover design, and marketing.
Marketing Challenges: As a self-published author, you are responsible for marketing your book. Without a solid plan and the right tools, it can be difficult to reach your target audience.
Distribution Limitations: While platforms like Amazon make it easy to publish, getting your book into physical bookstores can be more challenging without the backing of a traditional publisher.
Quality Control: Without professional editing and design, the quality of self-published books can suffer, affecting your credibility and sales.
Time Commitment: Self-publishing is time-intensive. You’ll need to wear many hats, from writer to marketer to business manager.
Is Self-Publishing Good or Bad?
Self-publishing is neither inherently good nor bad—it depends on your goals, resources, and expectations.
Pros of Self-Publishing:
Control: You retain complete control over your content, cover, and marketing.
Higher Royalties: Self-published authors typically earn higher royalties per sale compared to traditionally published authors.
Speed: You can bring your book to market much faster than through traditional publishing.
Cons of Self-Publishing:
Responsibility: You are responsible for every aspect of the publishing process, which can be overwhelming.
Costs: You must cover all costs associated with publishing and marketing your book.
Perception: Some readers and industry professionals still view self-published books with skepticism, though this is changing.
Has Anyone Been Successful Self-Publishing?
Yes, many authors have found significant success through self-publishing. Notable examples include:
Hugh Howey: His self-published novel Wool became a bestseller and led to a lucrative publishing deal.
Amanda Hocking: She earned millions from her self-published paranormal romance novels before signing with a traditional publisher.
Andy Weir: He originally self-published The Martian before it was picked up by a traditional publisher and later adapted into a blockbuster film.
Success in self-publishing often requires a combination of high-quality content, effective marketing, and persistence.
Legitimate Publishing Companies
When seeking a publisher, whether traditional or self-publishing, look for companies with:
A Proven Track Record: Check the company’s history, author testimonials, and their published books.
Transparency: Legitimate companies are upfront about their services, fees, and contractual terms.
Good Communication: They should be responsive and clear in their communication.
Best Self-Publishing Companies
Here are some reputable self-publishing platforms and companies:
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): The most popular platform for self-publishing eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks.
IngramSpark: Offers wide distribution options, including access to bookstores and libraries.
Draft2Digital: Provides easy-to-use tools and wide distribution, including to platforms like Apple Books and Barnes & Noble.
Lulu: Specializes in print-on-demand services and offers various publishing packages.
Worst Self-Publishing Companies
While it’s difficult to label any company definitively as the "worst," authors should be cautious of:
Companies with Frequent Complaints: Check for patterns of negative reviews, especially related to hidden fees, poor customer service, or lack of transparency.
Vanity Publishers Disguised as Self-Publishing Companies: These companies often have predatory practices, charging high fees for minimal services.
List of Hybrid Publishers to Avoid
Hybrid publishers typically offer a blend of traditional and self-publishing services, where the author pays for some services but retains higher royalties. Some hybrid publishers to approach cautiously include those with:
High Fees: Avoid hybrid publishers that charge exorbitant fees for services that do not add value.
No Proven Success: Be wary of hybrid publishers without a track record of successful author outcomes.
List of Vanity Publishers
Vanity publishers can often be identified by their business model, which focuses on charging authors for publication rather than earning through book sales. Some known vanity publishers include:
PublishAmerica (now America Star Books): Has faced criticism for poor services and high fees.
Author Solutions (which includes subsidiaries like iUniverse, Xlibris, and Trafford Publishing): Has been involved in lawsuits and criticized for its practices.
Reputable Hybrid Publishers
If you’re considering a hybrid publisher, some reputable options include:
She Writes Press: A well-regarded hybrid publisher focused on women’s voices.
Whitefox: Offers bespoke publishing services with a focus on quality and transparency.
Greenleaf Book Group: A respected hybrid publisher that offers a range of publishing and distribution services.
Book Publishers to Avoid on Reddit
Reddit can be a useful resource for gathering opinions from other authors. Common advice on subreddits like r/writing or r/selfpublish includes avoiding:
Publishers with Hidden Fees: Always look for transparency in contracts and pricing.
Publishers with a History of Complaints: Search for company names in these subreddits to see if other authors have had negative experiences.
Self-Publishing Companies Reviews
Before choosing a self-publishing company, it’s essential to read reviews from other authors. Websites like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and specialized author forums can provide insights into the experiences of others.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the self-publishing world requires diligence and informed decision-making. By avoiding predatory companies, understanding the legal and financial aspects of self-publishing, and choosing reputable platforms or publishers, you can increase your chances of success and ensure your work is published professionally and effectively.
Comments