the 4 paths to publishing · supported self publishing 4. traditional –key differences: •who...
TRANSCRIPT
The 4 Paths to Publishing
Keith Ogorek
• Keith Ogorek, Sr. V.P. of Marketing • The author of A Clear View, Eli the Stable Boy, and 7
Secrets of Successful Self Published Authors, which he self-published
• Speaker at Book Expo America, Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, San Francisco Writer’s Conference, Writer’s Digest Conference, and the Publishing and Creativity Conference.
• IndieBookWriters.com blog
•More Choice & Opportunity
The Best Time in History to Be an Author
Topics we will cover
• Questions to ask yourself before you publish • What it takes to get a book published. • The 4 paths to publishing available today. • The advantages and drawbacks of each path. • How choose the best path for you.
Questions to ask
• Is there a book like mine already out there? • Is there an audience for a book like mine? • Can I produce this book on my own? • Can I sell this book on my own? • How will I garner publicity for my book? • Can I create professional packaging for my book?
• I have authored three books. • Hundreds of conversations with authors. • Six common characteristics.
Why do some people publish and others do not?
Six tips on how to get published
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 get published
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 get published
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.
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 Invested Yes Yes Yes Yes Time Invested Yes Most Yes Yes Services Some Find them Menu Yes Speed to Market You control You control You control Sometimes Rights Decide Decide Decide Grant Tracking Royalties Done for
you You do Done for
you Done for you
Book sales E-Channel Channel? Direct Channel and Direct
Channel and Direct
Which path is best for you?
• Goal and expectations • Skills and experience • Time commitment • Budget
Which path is best for you?
Questions?
