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Major publishing corporations used to be the only way to become "published," according to the powers that be. However nowadays, there are alternatives to waiting to be discovered by one of the big six or eight.
Next week's editor will be archgargoyle
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Alternatives to Major Publishers
Many authors dream, as well as work very hard, to get a book published. The problem is there are many more hopeful writers than available slots in the few major publishing firms. The number of major firms has shrunk over the years as one merges with another. Finally, major publishers prefer going with authors whose names already trigger the attention of the public. What then should a writer do who wants to be published and have a book to market? Various alternatives to trying to go through a major publishing company exist: small-press companies; DIY, do it yourself; or independent publishers. The first step in marketing a book is for it to be published.
According to various sources on the Internet, only six to eight major large publishing corporations now exist, if their subsidiaries are not counted separately. However, Publishers Weekly estimates that more than 7,000 new publishers form each year, giving writers options for seeing their books in print.
Small-press companies don’t have the funding to pay large, or sometimes any, advances, but according to Judith Rosen in September 2006 The Writer, they can deliver big books. A small-press can be an alternative to the frustrations of a major company or can be a stepping stone to a large corporate house.
Independent presses don’t accept everything from fiction to non-fiction, from science fiction to science, from mystery to romance. They usually specialize in rather narrow areas. But one publisher or more covers every genre and area of publishing. One place to find small presses is through the membership of The Small Press Center for Independent Publishing. Another is page 52 of The Writer, September 2006.
Robert S. Nahas, in his book How to Get a Book Published states that a decade ago, self-publishing (or DIY) was viewed as a joke, and many people considered self-published authors were not really published authors. He goes on to write, “... but today there is a much different climate ... As more and more self-published authors have begun to reap impressive, and sometimes staggering, sales over the past seven or eight years, the world has begun to take notice of the amazing successes.” Note that he is not speaking of “Vanity Publishing,” but of works that have been professionally prepared with thorough editing and formatting.
Another type of publishing is electronic publishing, whether as DIY or through an electronic publishing company. Although books on line didn’t become the replacement for hard copy books as predicted in the past, they are starting to become more popular as time passes.
As with any business venture, a writer needs to research any company he or she considers working with. All should be careful of scams, but anyone willing to write and prepare a well-written manuscript has more opportunities than ever to take the first step toward marketing a book by being able to have it published.
Sources:
1. Robert S. Nahas, How to Get a Book Published, pages 33 - 54.
2. Robin Nobles, Publishing companies on the Internet, www.robinsnest.com
3. Judith Rosen, “Small-press success,” The Writer, September 2006
4. “Publishing,” Wikipedia wikipedia.org
5. “Publisher,” Wikipedia wikipedia.org
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Words from Our Readers
notporkman
Hey, Vivian, thanx for the review about verb tenses...quite pertinent! I've always been confused about the difference between "shall" and "will." Question: Are there rules that differentiate between proper use of those two words. (Just a personal comment: I think "shall" a bit pretentious and personally would use that in dialogue for a character to whom I want to impart a pretentious element...but I don't really understand the difference between the two words.)
I was taught that shall was used only with I while will was used with all other pronouns and nouns. Shall is also used a speaker or writer wishes to be emphatic.
karabu
I haven't been in school for some time, so it took me a moment to switch my brain into the learning gear, but after that, I found this a very interesting newsletter. Lots of good information. Thanks!
And thank you for featuring my tense exercise. Writing the same scene in two different tenses was an fun exercise. Maybe others would have fun giving it a try.
I'm glad you found the newsletter interesting, and thank you for writing a helpful tense exercise.
monty31802
As always, you give this old man something to think about. Great Newsletter Viv, at 66 I had forgot all this verb bussiness.
Monty
Well, Monty, I've been told that using our minds, thinking, will help keep them going. 
Waltz Invictus 
Viv, thanks for another informative newsletter with helpful - I mean necessary - information in it! I'd forgotten what all the verb tenses were called, but I do aim for consistency in my own stories. Now I'll have to go back and double-check!
Why should I be the only one who has to go back and double-check? I'm glad to have the company.
Trypp 
OK, I am truly confused and not just a little! but that's a good thing because it gives me something to ponder, and ponder I will. English was a very difficult subject for me and while I do well enough I would like a clearer understanding of it and its function, (beyond the obvious) Can you recommend any resources that would assist me in that endeavor.
I would suggest getting a grammar text book by MacDugal Littel (I hope I spelled that correctly) for about an 8th or 9th grade level. They had the books students found easiest to understand when I taught.
terryjroo
Great issue on verb tenses Viv. Very clear and easy to understand. Keep up the great work!
Hugs,
Ter
Thanks, Terry.
Gabriella Montez
Thank you Viv for your fabulous newsletter ! You hit a home run with your editorial. I'm one of the folks you write about. It takes me two or three rewrites before
I catch that my mixed tenses. Your piece
is a huge help. Congratulations on
a beautifully written newsletter !
G
Janet
Another good job, Vivian. I always find helpful hints I've forgotten in your tips and advice.
Keep Writing! Janet
Thank you. I try to help.
spring
This was one of the most informative newsletters I have read in awhile!!However, I would be lying if I said that I was not confused!
I can sometimes read when the verb tenses are co-mingled. And yes, it is distracting. However, I cannot easily wrap my brain around the
rules you have outlined. I never finished High School and only had a VERY little college.
But I will keep trying. Thanks for a great newsletter!
I'm sorry you were confused. I tried to simplify everything as much as possible. I'm glad you will keep trying, though. Good luck.
Until next month, I hope you find that your writing and reading enjoyment increase.
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For Authors: September 06, 2006 Issue [#1241]
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