The 4 Paths to Publishing
Keith Ogorek • Sr. V.P. of Global Marketing • The author of A Clear View , Eli the Stable Boy , and 7 Secrets of Successful Self Published Authors • Book Expo America, Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, San Francisco Writer’s Conference, Writer’s Digest Conference, The Textbook and Academic Authoring Conference and The Author Learning Center • IndieBookWriters.com blog
10 years ago vs. today
The Best Time in History to Be an Author
Lisa Genova
Topics we will cover • 6 tips on what it takes to be ready to publish • The 4 paths to publishing available today • The advantages and drawbacks of each path • How choose the best path for you
Why do some people publish and others do not? • I have authored three books. • Hundreds of conversations with authors. • Six common characteristics.
Six tips on how to be ready to publish 1. Set a date when you want to hold a copy of your book. – Artificial deadline? – Speaking engagement, holiday, birthday party 2. Create a timeline to get there. – Work with someone to set milestones. – Manuscript complete, editing, submission, design, revisions, printing
Six tips on how to be ready to publish 3. Determine the best time for you to write and block that time on the calendar. – Most authors can write more in one good hour then in three hours when not in the right space. 4. Make yourself accountable to someone. – Publishing consultant, friend, spouse, editor, agent, publisher
Six tips on how to be ready to publish 5. Start planning your promotion before you finish your manuscript. – Describe your audience. – Determine how to reach them. – Decide what help you will need. 6. Plan an event to celebrate the publication. – Book launch events are a key motivator. – Client reception, Book store, restaurant
Understanding your options 1. Do It Yourself (DIY) 2. General Contractor 3. Supported Self Publishing 4. Traditional – Key differences: • Who owns the content. • The investment of time and money. • Speed to market.
Which path is best for you? 1. Do It Yourself (DIY) – Upload your manuscript and format. – Typically e-book only, but some print formats. – Examples are Booktango, Book Country & Lulu. – Publishing is never really “free”. – Can be used to “test” work.
Which path is best for you? 2. General Contractor – Work with independent contractors – You do it or hire someone to be the GC – Coordinate all the tasks
Which path is best for you? 2. General Contractor (cont.)
Which path is best for you? 3. Supported Self Publishing – Works with company who packages all the services. – One-stop shop for professional services. – Like eating at a nice restaurant vs. cooking at home or going to a deli.
Which path is best for you? 4. Traditional Publishing – Usually need an agent. – Now can be discovered on one of the other paths. – Need to fit their catalog.
Which path is best for you? Advantages and Drawbacks DIY General Contractor Supported Traditional Dollars Yes Yes Yes Yes Invested Time Invested Yes Most Yes Yes Services Some Find them Menu Yes Speed to You control You control You control Sometimes Market Rights Decide Decide Decide Grant Tracking Done for you You do Done for Done for Royalties you you Book sales E-Channel Channel? Direct Channel Channel and Direct and Direct
Which path is best for you? Goal and expectations • • Skills and experience • Time commitment • Budget
A few closing thoughts I don’t know how many • books you will sell if you publish, but I know how many you will if you don’t • I don’t know how many people you will impact with your writing if you publish, but I know how many you will if you don’t
Questions ?
Stay in Touch www.indiebookwriters.com @keithogorek
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