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This week: From a Publisher's Point of View Edited by: Vivian  
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Many writers don't understand why publishers take so long to release books. After all, a BIG publisher signs a contract with a major celebrity or politician and maybe three months later the book is released. One problem with writers who think they rate as high as a celebrity or politician, unimportant writers don't rate high and number in the hundreds of thousands.
So why don't books from most authors not come out immediately. Why aren't royalties higher since Amazon charges much more than what publishers use to figure royalties? Let's take a very brief view from the publisher's point of view.
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Product Type: Kindle Store
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Amazon's Price: $ 7.99
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From the Pubisher's Point of View
Publishers, small and large, find making a profit almost a losing proposition, but we keep trying because we like books, no, we love books -- most of us love GOOD books. However, that doesn't mean we don't like to see book sell. Many times authors have no idea what publishers face to keep their doors open; they don't know or understand the publishing side of their business (yes, being an author is a business).
Publisher Amanda Thrasher posted a message on Facebook she said I could share: "Sitting on this side of the fence, a publisher as well as an author, I now have an appreciation and understanding of the decisions publishers make regarding the things that they typically do. Content is critical, quality mandatory, and author platform crucial. Little or no ROI (return on investment) due to slim profit margins, practically impossible unless you have a proven author. Now, try telling that to a green author. In our environment, a small independent press, teamwork is imperative. It is the only way to stick to our goal. Most new authors, if you ask them, have no idea what real distribution is. Our business model changes according to the industry that we are in, but the plan never does."
4RV Publishing has gotten a return on its investment on only two titles released since 2007, and that was barely a bit of investment return, a few dollars. Yet, we have authors who never try to sell or promote their books. We have a few that believe that we somehow cheat them because so few copies sell. IF each author paid for the services he or she receives, the price would be between $4,000 - 5,000 per title. Our staff gives much time and effort to release the best books possible, and that work takes time, can't be done in a short period. Major publishing houses take up to seven years to release a book after a contract is signed, and they have more staff and options than small presses do. However, new authors, and some not so new, don't understand why their books aren't released within a shorter time than the "big" guys take, who really don't release books quickly UNLESS the author has an already famous name.
Let's look at the process from submission to release. The author submits a manuscript. The imprint editor has an acquisition editor evaluate the submission. Based on that evaluation, a request for the full manuscript is sent, the submission is rejected, a revision is requested, or a contract is offered. IF a contract is offered, accepted, and signed, then when an editor is available (at each step in the process the project goes to the bottom of the waiting pile), the editing process begins. Editing may take months or longer. A cover has to be designed and art work created for non-illustrated books. Illustrated books wait until an artist is available. After all editing and art work is finished, the manuscript has to be formatted into the right size, fonts, and arrangement -- which also takes time. The designer/formatter sends PDF proofs to the author and all editors (also to the artist if an illustrated book). Corrections are made, often resulting in three or more proofs sent until the author approves of a final proof. The designer/formatter then prepares files to be uploaded at the printers. Finally, the book can be printed and released.
My company pays Ingram to distribute our books. Each year we pay a fee for each title to be available for bookstores, online businesses, schools, and libraries to order copies of our books from Ingram and for Ingram to ship those books. Ingram takes 50% off the top of the retail price for their services (besides what we pay each year) and to give a discount to those ordering. From what is left, printing and other fees are deducted before any money is sent to the company. The author (and illustrator) receives more profit by buying copies from the publisher at discounted prices and selling the books directly. More royalty is made when customers order books from the company website bookstore.
Amazon orders from Ingram, and the publisher has no control over what Amazon does or doesn't do. Also, what Amazon receives per book is not the amount on which royalty is based. Remember, Ingram takes 50% off the top of retail prices. Publishers never see the full retail price.
So, why do we keep working, struggling, and releasing books? Because we love books and want good books available for people to read. |
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Words from Our Readers
My last editorial gave tips from Steven James' book Story Trumps Structure:
brom21 
Thanks for the reference. It sounds like a very helpful tool. I certainly got something substantial out of it. I'll remember this. And I may just buy a copy of Unforgettable Fiction by Breaking the Rules. I only have one book on writing at home for the moment. Lol.
Reading helps a writer, but attending conferences does, too. We never stop learning if we want to improve.
EE 
How do you become the editor? I've always wondered how that works.
Becoming an editor takes training and practicing. First, one really needs to have a good grasp on grammar and writing techniques. Also, if a person is editing for a particular company, he/she needs to know that company's style and requirements. Finally, one begins at the bottom and works his/her way up. Practice is very important. My company starts people at the acquisition level.
Angus 
Cool Newsletter, Vivian! Oddly enough I've never even heard of Steven James, but I like his ideas about certain rules not being 'rules'. I've learned more here reading these Newsletters than I did taking those creative writing classes in high school and college! English teachers, take note: perhaps you should implement these into your curriculum!
When I still taught English, many years ago, teachers where already veering away from teaching grammar and writing techniques. Now, most aren't even interested in having someone who knows about writing come hold workshops. Sad, but true.
Steev the Friction Wizurd
That Steven James book does sound like an interesting read. I'll look for it. Great newsletter!
First line of your article contains one of those amusing "comma errors".
"...Steven James not only writes books that captivate readers, like me, but he has a master in storytelling..." means Steven James is like you.
Take out the comma and "...Steven James not only writes books that captivate readers like me, but he has a master in storytelling..." means you are one of his readers.
Sorry, but that comma keeps the sentence from being a run-on sentence. It is needed: James writes books, but he has ...
Thanks for joining me again. I hope you'll share ideas for subjects you would like for me to cover.
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Amazon's Price: $ 5.99
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For Authors: July 19, 2017 Issue [#8395]
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