Elizabeth Funderbirk's Blog - Posts Tagged "publishing"
Pro's, Con's and Just My Opinion....
Pro's, Con's and Just My Opinion...
When seeking publishing for a book there are so many companies that offer a wide array of services. It really all depends on the services that you are looking to be provided.
Publishing a book means... Editing, Proofreading, Printing, Distribution, .... etc.
I thought this process was going to be crazy expensive.
You see with these smaller Lesser known companies they do not have the resources ( financially or professionally) to back a project of that magnitude on the companies dollar... Or at least not solely on the companies dollar. This is more of risk for YOU then THEM.
This is why it is very important to wade VERY carefully when seeking and choosing a company. When the cost of production can cost the Author anywhere between $800.00 - $3,000.00 and in some cases more. This is NOT a small amount for someone who is not a seasoned Author.. in the terms of they have not built up a fan base. These are people that are working regular jobs, taking care of families and paying bills. A sum of money in the hundreds in not chump change. My advice is to proceed with caution and as I stated before ask alot of questions. You want to know EXACTLY what that amount money you are paying out is covering. Although this is a small company that you are trusting with your work and forming a partnership with. They have the skills and know how to take you further then you would have made it in a big industry as a new fish.
You don't want to jump on the first opportunity. You want to RESEARCH the offer that is being made to you.
Then there are companies that will work with you for less than $500.00 to maybe Nada... If this is a smaller company. You want to know EXACTLY the terms of the contract.
A BIG tip from me is... Ask who owns the rights of the Manuscript. While with the company and when the contract expires. For ANY company you may aligned yourself with....
With a larger company they have more resources to back your work. They will INVEST the funds into the production. Since this is a larger risk for THEM then YOU.
This is why they usually work with authors that have a Fan base and have two to more books in publication. With them they may work with a lesser known and make an investment but they want to ensure that they are in line to recoup their funds and make a profit.
You want to read the terms of this contract WELL... you see it will be written to make sure they(the company) are getting a GOOD return on their investment. You just want to ensure that you're being compensated as well.
Which will be more attainable with a Larger company. ONLY because they have a further reach and longer working relationship in the literary world. They have a tight roaster of talent that has years in the industry.
.... They all started somewhere though. They ALL have PRO's and CON's. It really is just up to You, Research, and Prayer.
When seeking publishing for a book there are so many companies that offer a wide array of services. It really all depends on the services that you are looking to be provided.
Publishing a book means... Editing, Proofreading, Printing, Distribution, .... etc.
I thought this process was going to be crazy expensive.
You see with these smaller Lesser known companies they do not have the resources ( financially or professionally) to back a project of that magnitude on the companies dollar... Or at least not solely on the companies dollar. This is more of risk for YOU then THEM.
This is why it is very important to wade VERY carefully when seeking and choosing a company. When the cost of production can cost the Author anywhere between $800.00 - $3,000.00 and in some cases more. This is NOT a small amount for someone who is not a seasoned Author.. in the terms of they have not built up a fan base. These are people that are working regular jobs, taking care of families and paying bills. A sum of money in the hundreds in not chump change. My advice is to proceed with caution and as I stated before ask alot of questions. You want to know EXACTLY what that amount money you are paying out is covering. Although this is a small company that you are trusting with your work and forming a partnership with. They have the skills and know how to take you further then you would have made it in a big industry as a new fish.
You don't want to jump on the first opportunity. You want to RESEARCH the offer that is being made to you.
Then there are companies that will work with you for less than $500.00 to maybe Nada... If this is a smaller company. You want to know EXACTLY the terms of the contract.
A BIG tip from me is... Ask who owns the rights of the Manuscript. While with the company and when the contract expires. For ANY company you may aligned yourself with....
With a larger company they have more resources to back your work. They will INVEST the funds into the production. Since this is a larger risk for THEM then YOU.
This is why they usually work with authors that have a Fan base and have two to more books in publication. With them they may work with a lesser known and make an investment but they want to ensure that they are in line to recoup their funds and make a profit.
You want to read the terms of this contract WELL... you see it will be written to make sure they(the company) are getting a GOOD return on their investment. You just want to ensure that you're being compensated as well.
Which will be more attainable with a Larger company. ONLY because they have a further reach and longer working relationship in the literary world. They have a tight roaster of talent that has years in the industry.
.... They all started somewhere though. They ALL have PRO's and CON's. It really is just up to You, Research, and Prayer.
What Have You Done to Market/Promote Yourself & Your Product!
What Have You Done to Market/Promote Yourself & Your Product! The skinny on Social Media in my Eyes!
Although I am new to the Literary Industry, I am learning quick. That once you have your book in publication the real work begins!
You can have a Book that is Beautifully written, a catchy cover, edited to perfection, available in hard cover, paperback, and e-book, and a synopsis that pulls the reader in... but if the reader doesn't know you exist, then what?
This where whether you are Published with a company or self published you have to put on your Business hat. Most people enter into the literary industry without a plan. They believe that they write a Fantastic story with all the right elements, Go to a Major Publishing house they fall in love with your words then you are on your way.... WRONG!
Even if you are one of the fortunate few that gets signed and locked with a Major Publishing house right out the gate. You are still an unknown Author and MUST gain a buzz about who you are and what you bring to the Table.
I don't have the Gold Key that will unlock all the answers of Creating a Boom of sales around you and your product. What It can offer is some advise and pointers that have assisted me along the way.
I currently have a FaceBook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/LiteraryLiz . Not that I have such a big head, that I believe I should have fans. I use this page for constant access to what I have going on in ways of Interviews, Sales, Website Updates, Features, Book Club Promos, Etc... This is where a potential customer or reader can go and see a History of thing I have done and participated in. It's a one stop advertisement shop. I have a regular FaceBook Page as well. I will also make updates there regarding my work. However, not as often. I use that as a platform to Post things that pertain to be a person on the go in the daily scheme of things. A Fan Page (IMO) is a place where you have the liberty to show of your talent. Almost ALL companies/businesses have a FaceBook FanPage. Why shouldn't you as an Author?
On my page I even have Web Link Feature. If you go the left hand side of the page and click on the "My Site" tab. It brings up what I like to call a mini website. There I have provide all links to where my Novel "Love TORN Asunder" can be purchase.
Social media is a huge asset in this economy. You not only have FaceBook. There is also Twitter. Don't under estimate the power of a Tweet or Re-Tweet. That avenue opened me up to two people that inquired about Interviewing me. Use your twitter etiquette. Follow those that follow you. Interact. Don't just go there to solely sell your product. Because at the end of the day. You are NOT only selling your product. You are selling yourself, your Brand. If you plan for longevity,and you plan to have more books that come after your Debut. You want the readers to connect with the person so they become a Fan of the writer. Remember, you FIRST have to get them to pay attention and notice before they spend.
Don't box yourself into JUST FaceBook and Twitter. Research other social media outlets that might suit you and your Business. If you don't fit. Get creative and make it so...
Are you on LinkedIn, BFHS, Tunblr, and the list goes on. For my fellow authors are you on Shelfari, GoodReads. Let the Internet work for YOU!
There are so many sites with potential customers. Some don't even realize there need for your product ( In my case Novel) until you put in a place where they have the opportunity to fully appreciate it.
Please also Visit My Website "Literary Liz Writes" www.LiteraryLiz.com. Dont forget to sing the Gust Book on the last page.I would Love to know you came by :-)
This article is also available on my Literary Journal "Trials, Tribulations, and Torn" http://writingtorn.blogspot.com
Also on my website "Literary Liz Writes" http://LiteraryLiz.com There is a SALE for my Novel "Love TORN Asunder". In addition to the sale price there will be NO shipping cost added to your purchase.
Lots of Love Liz...
Although I am new to the Literary Industry, I am learning quick. That once you have your book in publication the real work begins!
You can have a Book that is Beautifully written, a catchy cover, edited to perfection, available in hard cover, paperback, and e-book, and a synopsis that pulls the reader in... but if the reader doesn't know you exist, then what?
This where whether you are Published with a company or self published you have to put on your Business hat. Most people enter into the literary industry without a plan. They believe that they write a Fantastic story with all the right elements, Go to a Major Publishing house they fall in love with your words then you are on your way.... WRONG!
Even if you are one of the fortunate few that gets signed and locked with a Major Publishing house right out the gate. You are still an unknown Author and MUST gain a buzz about who you are and what you bring to the Table.
I don't have the Gold Key that will unlock all the answers of Creating a Boom of sales around you and your product. What It can offer is some advise and pointers that have assisted me along the way.
I currently have a FaceBook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/LiteraryLiz . Not that I have such a big head, that I believe I should have fans. I use this page for constant access to what I have going on in ways of Interviews, Sales, Website Updates, Features, Book Club Promos, Etc... This is where a potential customer or reader can go and see a History of thing I have done and participated in. It's a one stop advertisement shop. I have a regular FaceBook Page as well. I will also make updates there regarding my work. However, not as often. I use that as a platform to Post things that pertain to be a person on the go in the daily scheme of things. A Fan Page (IMO) is a place where you have the liberty to show of your talent. Almost ALL companies/businesses have a FaceBook FanPage. Why shouldn't you as an Author?
On my page I even have Web Link Feature. If you go the left hand side of the page and click on the "My Site" tab. It brings up what I like to call a mini website. There I have provide all links to where my Novel "Love TORN Asunder" can be purchase.
Social media is a huge asset in this economy. You not only have FaceBook. There is also Twitter. Don't under estimate the power of a Tweet or Re-Tweet. That avenue opened me up to two people that inquired about Interviewing me. Use your twitter etiquette. Follow those that follow you. Interact. Don't just go there to solely sell your product. Because at the end of the day. You are NOT only selling your product. You are selling yourself, your Brand. If you plan for longevity,and you plan to have more books that come after your Debut. You want the readers to connect with the person so they become a Fan of the writer. Remember, you FIRST have to get them to pay attention and notice before they spend.
Don't box yourself into JUST FaceBook and Twitter. Research other social media outlets that might suit you and your Business. If you don't fit. Get creative and make it so...
Are you on LinkedIn, BFHS, Tunblr, and the list goes on. For my fellow authors are you on Shelfari, GoodReads. Let the Internet work for YOU!
There are so many sites with potential customers. Some don't even realize there need for your product ( In my case Novel) until you put in a place where they have the opportunity to fully appreciate it.
Please also Visit My Website "Literary Liz Writes" www.LiteraryLiz.com. Dont forget to sing the Gust Book on the last page.I would Love to know you came by :-)
This article is also available on my Literary Journal "Trials, Tribulations, and Torn" http://writingtorn.blogspot.com
Also on my website "Literary Liz Writes" http://LiteraryLiz.com There is a SALE for my Novel "Love TORN Asunder". In addition to the sale price there will be NO shipping cost added to your purchase.
Lots of Love Liz...
" You Can't Fool All Of The People All Of The Time...."
" You Can't Fool All Of The People All Of The Time...."
What I've learned through this writing process is that there will always be people that will say things to discourage you. They're not obvious about it... They couldn't do that. Then people would see them in a different light. Especially those who try to maintain the image that they're more then the others around them. These people will use slick comments and things that really don't concern them to put doubt into your mind. I was a victim to this behavior. Was....I now recognize what to look out for. I now know the reason why these people try so hard to belittle others....with a smile plastered across their face all the while. Its because they're not happy with themselves. They're not happy with their circumstances. They too have made choices that they are not proud of. Which has landed them in a less desirable situation. Because they're so scarred that people will see that they are not who they're fronting to be. They try to ensure that there is always someone that appears to be worst off then them. I have also learned that these people are not fooling everyone. It reminds me of the adage... " You can fool some of the people all of the time and You can fool all of the people some of the time, But You can't fool all of the people all of the time."
I allow these people and their insecurities to fuel me. These people make it possible to see the bigger picture. My knowledge and my capabilities frighten them.
As I near the end of writing this book I have discovered so much about myself. I know now that writing was always suppose to be my outlet. People have different outlets. Ones that make them feel creative, Ones that make them feel free, Ones that make them feel fulfilled, Ones that make them feel accomplished, Ones that make them feel empowered....Writing make me feel all of these things. Writing this book has given me what I have been looking for.
Thank You for reading. Please follow more from me on my website http://LiteraryLiz.com
What I've learned through this writing process is that there will always be people that will say things to discourage you. They're not obvious about it... They couldn't do that. Then people would see them in a different light. Especially those who try to maintain the image that they're more then the others around them. These people will use slick comments and things that really don't concern them to put doubt into your mind. I was a victim to this behavior. Was....I now recognize what to look out for. I now know the reason why these people try so hard to belittle others....with a smile plastered across their face all the while. Its because they're not happy with themselves. They're not happy with their circumstances. They too have made choices that they are not proud of. Which has landed them in a less desirable situation. Because they're so scarred that people will see that they are not who they're fronting to be. They try to ensure that there is always someone that appears to be worst off then them. I have also learned that these people are not fooling everyone. It reminds me of the adage... " You can fool some of the people all of the time and You can fool all of the people some of the time, But You can't fool all of the people all of the time."
I allow these people and their insecurities to fuel me. These people make it possible to see the bigger picture. My knowledge and my capabilities frighten them.
As I near the end of writing this book I have discovered so much about myself. I know now that writing was always suppose to be my outlet. People have different outlets. Ones that make them feel creative, Ones that make them feel free, Ones that make them feel fulfilled, Ones that make them feel accomplished, Ones that make them feel empowered....Writing make me feel all of these things. Writing this book has given me what I have been looking for.
Thank You for reading. Please follow more from me on my website http://LiteraryLiz.com
Supporting Saving Lives Through Lit: Domestic Awareness and Outreach.
In support of Domestic Violence Awareness month in October, a portion of all sales of "Love TORN Asunder" made from my website "Literary Liz Writes" www.LiteraryLiz.com for that entire month, will be donated to The Saving Lives Through Lit project. For more information on their efforts, please visit http://savinglivesthroughlit.org.
Lots of Love LiteraryLiz.....♥
www.LiteraryLiz.com
Lots of Love LiteraryLiz.....♥
www.LiteraryLiz.com
Saving Lives Through Lit Interview-Friday
Please support Saving Lives Through Lit & Join us on The Delicious Talk Show with Host Gayle Johnson along with Co-Host Rhea Banks. If you have contributed a piece and would like to share call in on the number listed below.
Call in number to speak with the host! (646) 652-2877 Fri, Oct 14, 2011 11:00PM EST.
click the link to join in the chat room.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/deliciou...
To HELP spread the word of Awareness against Domestic Violence please join
http://savinglivesthroughlit.org
Call in number to speak with the host! (646) 652-2877 Fri, Oct 14, 2011 11:00PM EST.
click the link to join in the chat room.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/deliciou...
To HELP spread the word of Awareness against Domestic Violence please join
http://savinglivesthroughlit.org
Beginning Again....
"Begin Again as often as you need to in order to stay on track spiritually..."
Don't call it a come back.... I never left. I have taken a hiatus though. Some much needed time to examine what I have accomplished, the road I took, what are my plans going further, what is my ultimate goal, and how to improve on it all... *sighs* I have antagonized over many things on this list I just mentioned especially my ultimate goal. What is it I want at the end of the day? What do I want from this journey? I thought I knew when I started, but I soon realized that my vision was not as clear as I once thought.
I've decided to take it back t the beginning. And that thought for me, was originally very depressing. I mean who wants to admit to being wrong? Not I. However, owning that fact helped me to formulate how to change it. This was a cleansing process, a lot of tears.... And what I can say is that I am THANKFUL for it all. I had an aspiration that I was terrified to pursue and with a little nudging from my then boyfriend now husband I was able to reach the finish line on a goal of mine. I wanted to WRITE a book. That thought was absolutely daunting. How could I possibly achieve that? I was scared to chase my own possibilities but I overcame that and for that I am a better me!
I wrote that book and as each word, each scene, and each concept flowed from the ebbs of my mind, through my fingers, and onto the pages I knew I was doing what was in God's plan for me. Something that felt so right and was so therapeutic to my soul had to be preordained just for ME. Once I was there, I was nudged to not rest on my loral's and to get my work published. Published? What does that even entail? Talk about fish out of water. I never even considered actually publishing a book before I had completed the writing on my first novel. I'm sure most people in the literary field pursued this road after much research, a lot of thought, and a careful plan. That was not how it fell into place for me. I was going on the fly. Through this journey I have met so many people that have supported my efforts and held their hand out to help me. These people gave me LIFE. They believed in ME and thought I had something to bring to the table. They published me, interviewed me, featured me, and reviewed me & my work. That propelled me further. That made it impossible to slow the train. I wanted more of that and I wanted to say I am a PUBLISHED author. And I am! I did that! But, in hindsight I did it too fast, with not enough knowledge, and no real plan on how to proceed. Like in most situations I place myself in, I had to learn on my feet running. Mostly because I didn't want to take a moment to seek another way. Was that a mistake? To some looking in, yes. To me, no! It was a well taught lesson. That lesson taught me what I do want from a project that represents me. It showed me that I needed to give more in order to really excel. It taught me there is nothing better than really KNOWING the undertaking of the path you chose. It taught me there is nothing better than betting on YOU and winning. Winning will be different things too different people. For me WINNING is saying I did it, and I learned because of it, and NOW I am applying that knowledge to BEGINNING AGAIN.
One of my many FAVORITE quotes is...... "Begin again as often as you need to in order to stay on track spiritually...". It's ok to fall, as long as you get up and start over even stronger.... This race is only YOURS.
Please take a moment to check out my novels "Love TORN Asunder" & "The Bitter sweet Conclusion" the first two books in the TORN series. Available on my website (www.LiteraryLiz.Com), store locations by request, and Kindle & Nook. Also, I am a contributor to domestic violence awareness anthology "voices Behind The Tears". The third book in the TORN series will be released the beginning of 2014. Thanks for the support!
Lots of Love LiteraryLiz.....♥
www.LiteraryLiz.com
Join my blog "Beginning Again" http://www.elizabethfunderbirk.blogsp...
Love Torn Asunder
Don't call it a come back.... I never left. I have taken a hiatus though. Some much needed time to examine what I have accomplished, the road I took, what are my plans going further, what is my ultimate goal, and how to improve on it all... *sighs* I have antagonized over many things on this list I just mentioned especially my ultimate goal. What is it I want at the end of the day? What do I want from this journey? I thought I knew when I started, but I soon realized that my vision was not as clear as I once thought.
I've decided to take it back t the beginning. And that thought for me, was originally very depressing. I mean who wants to admit to being wrong? Not I. However, owning that fact helped me to formulate how to change it. This was a cleansing process, a lot of tears.... And what I can say is that I am THANKFUL for it all. I had an aspiration that I was terrified to pursue and with a little nudging from my then boyfriend now husband I was able to reach the finish line on a goal of mine. I wanted to WRITE a book. That thought was absolutely daunting. How could I possibly achieve that? I was scared to chase my own possibilities but I overcame that and for that I am a better me!
I wrote that book and as each word, each scene, and each concept flowed from the ebbs of my mind, through my fingers, and onto the pages I knew I was doing what was in God's plan for me. Something that felt so right and was so therapeutic to my soul had to be preordained just for ME. Once I was there, I was nudged to not rest on my loral's and to get my work published. Published? What does that even entail? Talk about fish out of water. I never even considered actually publishing a book before I had completed the writing on my first novel. I'm sure most people in the literary field pursued this road after much research, a lot of thought, and a careful plan. That was not how it fell into place for me. I was going on the fly. Through this journey I have met so many people that have supported my efforts and held their hand out to help me. These people gave me LIFE. They believed in ME and thought I had something to bring to the table. They published me, interviewed me, featured me, and reviewed me & my work. That propelled me further. That made it impossible to slow the train. I wanted more of that and I wanted to say I am a PUBLISHED author. And I am! I did that! But, in hindsight I did it too fast, with not enough knowledge, and no real plan on how to proceed. Like in most situations I place myself in, I had to learn on my feet running. Mostly because I didn't want to take a moment to seek another way. Was that a mistake? To some looking in, yes. To me, no! It was a well taught lesson. That lesson taught me what I do want from a project that represents me. It showed me that I needed to give more in order to really excel. It taught me there is nothing better than really KNOWING the undertaking of the path you chose. It taught me there is nothing better than betting on YOU and winning. Winning will be different things too different people. For me WINNING is saying I did it, and I learned because of it, and NOW I am applying that knowledge to BEGINNING AGAIN.
One of my many FAVORITE quotes is...... "Begin again as often as you need to in order to stay on track spiritually...". It's ok to fall, as long as you get up and start over even stronger.... This race is only YOURS.
Please take a moment to check out my novels "Love TORN Asunder" & "The Bitter sweet Conclusion" the first two books in the TORN series. Available on my website (www.LiteraryLiz.Com), store locations by request, and Kindle & Nook. Also, I am a contributor to domestic violence awareness anthology "voices Behind The Tears". The third book in the TORN series will be released the beginning of 2014. Thanks for the support!
Lots of Love LiteraryLiz.....♥
www.LiteraryLiz.com
Join my blog "Beginning Again" http://www.elizabethfunderbirk.blogsp...
Love Torn Asunder
