Self-Publishing, POD, and Co-Publishing
Learn the difference between the traditional publishing “we pay you” and self-publishing “you pay us” models. Before you open your wallet, take some time to open your eyes.
A good place to start: Victoria Strauss – Lessons for Self-Publishers on Writer’s Beware:
“…lessons to take away…. First, the importance of knowing something about publishing before deciding to become a publisher, even if your only client is yourself; and second, the incredible amount of time and energy self-publishers must expend in order to have even a hope of breaking even. These are things the self-publishing boosters and the Internet shills often forget to mention, as they’re encouraging your starry-eyed dreams of publishing entrepreneurship.”
The Basics
Commercial (Traditional), Vanity, Subsidy, and Self-Publishing (SFFWA)
Print on Demand (POD) Self-Publishing (SFFWA)
Learn about the deceptive practices of “stealth” vanity publishers here and here.
Self-Publishing Legends (No, John Grisham did not self-publish.)
Self-Publishing Urban Legends
Self-Publishing Success Stories
Self-Publishing: Get Your Facts Straight
Recommended Reading
“The Consumer Reports of the self-publishing industry….This book analyzes, ranks and exposes the contracts, services and pitfalls of 45 major self-publishing companies [and] explains the legalese of self-publishing agreements in a clear, easy-to-follow manner.”
Self-Publishers Flourish as Writers Pay the Tab, New York Times 1/27/09
The Book Business; How to Be Your Own Publisher, 4/24/2005
Making Books: Self-publishing companies are in the business of selling dreams. But what if the dream becomes a nightmare?, Washington Post 1/23/2005
More Warnings for Writers
Bewares & Background Checks – Absolute Write Watercooler
Preditors and Editors
Writers Beware (SFFWA)
Writers Beware Blog (SFFWA)
Mary Ann de Stefano
