publish, and be damned (OR not)

Greetings, Earthlings, from a crisp but sunny Hong Kong.  I am not feeling too bright today, guess I did too much yesterday (Sunday), so I will just take it easy today and dose myself up.  If anyone is feeling sorry for me I am happy to receive bunches of grapes (preferably fermented and bottled).

Ok, Down to business.  The purpose of my blog today is to educate you and to warn you – here is the education bit:-

These are just hands, painted by the Italian Artist – Guido Daniela – each hand taking up to 10 hours.

There is a method in my madness – I do like showing you entertaining and amazing things – but I have a deeper message.......       Things are seldom what they seem.

I must put my thoughts down on paper (well, computer screen anyway) about the number of ‘Publishing’ companies who offer to publish your book online – and take a hefty part of what is left after the online retailers take their cut.

With the reducing price of online books and lower sales volumes this can leave the unwary author with a tiny bit of a small share of very little.  I have heard from MANY authors about this. These people prey on the ignorance of newbie writers who do not know how easy it is to do it themselves.

Most of them get the writer to pay for such things as critique and editing (if they bother about such things), book covers and formatting and marketing – and often doing very little of the latter – which is by far the most crucial bit.

I have author friends who have signed contracts giving up as much as half of their share of the books net takings and are still waiting, many months later for any updates, money or significant advertising – It really is something we should all be wary of.

This is not to say that there are NO good publishers out there – there certainly are, but please safeguard you wallet and your peace of mind by checking them out (what we lawyers call ‘due dilligence’).

Here is my guide for checking a prospective publisher out.

• ·         Ask them how and where they promote your product – and what they will expect YOU to do – and check out what they tell you!
• ·         Ask for some referrals (three at least if possible) from authors who are already with them.  If they are a brand new outfit- be afraid, be very afraid!
• ·         Make sure that you have read carefully and fully understand ALL the terms and conditions of any contract or agreement they ask you to sign – complete understanding is the only basis for a harmonious working relationship with them
• ·         Do not part with ANY money until you have done ALL of the above.

The good ones will put time and effort into preparing your book for the market, then work with you to actively promote it – and they deserve to be paid a reasonable amount for this. Recommendation of a satisfied writer is by far the best way to find a publisher, but even then, please follow the guide above to protect yourself.

Before I became a penniless author I was a not quite so penniless lawyer, so if anyone wants me to look over any contracts or agreements I will be glad to do so.  I will not charge for a quick opinion.

In principle, I would try to avoid most of these people if you can.  Publishing and marketing on your own – without the aid of a safety net – can of course be daunting, but by doing so you will learn the process and get the most possible benefit from your labours.

Now, the second serious topic of the day – keep the cat or finish the feline?  I am a cat lover myself so I am VERY biased. But I have variously been told to keep the cat pics in – ‘cause they are cute’, or to use something else because they are boring now!  PLEASE let me know what you think, and if you have cute pics of ANY animals please send them – I may try to include them.  Thank you so much. 
Finally, the usual exhortation to REGISTER – to receive this blog regularly – there is a box on the column on the right – and a great freebie if you do! Check it out ------>

All the best until next time,  Arthur

And now, despite great public demand, the cat pics..........

CAPTION COMPETITION - I will publish this picture again next week with the best caption sent to me between now and then - email me with captions - arthurcrandon@yahoo.com