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Tips to Avoid the Pitfalls of Book Publishing
By Jim Donovan

Recent stories of the demise of Creative Arts Books, dampening the dreams of several aspiring authors, is just one more pothole in the treacherous publishing highway.

In the past, authors and small publishers have had to endure printers going out of business with books on press and a myriad of other problems. Many an independent publisher has been the victim of distributor failure, often owed significant amounts of money.

The world of book publishing is at best a complex industry. At worst, it’s a dangerous minefield for the novice author who walks in, manuscript in hand, hoping to see their dream a reality.

As if business failures were not enough, today’s new author is faced with a seemingly endless selection of publishing options, ranging from finding an agent, pitching a big publishing house, self publishing, publishing on demand and co-publishing as well as any number of production and distribution options. Authors today can even choose to skip the traditional process all together and opt for electronic publishing, selling their ebook directly on the Internet. This latter choice, by the way, is not entirely without peril.

What can the newbie author do to minimize the risk without giving up their dream of becoming a famous author?

The Book Coach, offers several suggestions to help authors protect themselves as best they can.

In addition to the obvious, such as checking the references of anyone they do business with, the aspiring author can:

  • Make sure they maintain the copyright to their work. This may sound obvious but recent developments have proven otherwise. Donovan suggests that, regardless of how good an offer seems, you never give up the right to your creative work.
  • In signing a contract with any publisher, be sure there’s a clause that reverts all right back to you of the book goes out of print for a period of time, usually six months to a year.
  • If you choose to self-publish, get your own ISBN (International Standard Book Number).
  • Keep distributors on a short payment schedule. Being owed too much for sales is a very dangerous thing in today’s market.
  • Join discussion groups and listservs online.
  • Read one of the several good books about publishing or take a class.
  • Join a writers or authors group in your area. Ask your local bookstore about groups that may meet regularly.
  • When going to print, obtain at least three quotes for comparison.
  • Work with a mentor or coach to help guide you through the process.
  • Join an association like the Publishers Marketing Association (www.pmaonline.org)

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Being a successful author can be an exciting, gratifying and profitable career, however, it’s not without it’s dangers. Don’t let your dreams go up in smoke as a result of someone else’s mistakes.

Jim Donovan is the author of six books and a Book Coach (www.TheBookCoach.com). His books have been translated into several languages and are read throughout the world.