Ginger Simpson
Thank you Angela for inviting me here. Today I’m going to broach the topic of “startup” epublishers. There seem to be so many of them these days.
Let me preface my article by saying I’ve been published since 2003 and have signed with several different houses. I may not be an authority, but I certainly have experience from which to draw. Most of my associations have been pleasant and helpful, but a few have been nightmares and could have been avoided if I’d done my homework or given more thought before signing.
The Internet is a wealth of information, and if your intended publisher/owner/CEO (whatever they choose to be called) has ever been involved in anything shady, you’ll find it. If you come up empty-handed, that’s a good thing in most cases, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask the hard questions: What qualifies you to run a business? Where do you see yourself in five years? And, most importantly, in my opinion…Do you see this as a team effort? If the answer is no, then I’m running in the opposite direction. To me, when you sign a contract, you become part of a team, and if your perspective publisher doesn’t see you in that light, then you’re going to be kept in the dark, always wonder what’s happening behind the scenes, and only told what someone feels you need to know. I don’t need to know other people’s personal business, but things that affect the sale of books and how they’re published concern me and I have a right to know about decisions made that ultimately reflect on me as an author.
Just because someone is an author doesn’t mean that person has the expertise and knowledge to run a publishing company. Trust is everything in an author/publisher relationship. If you’re putting your name on a piece of paper that binds you to that person for a number of years, you have to have faith he/she is going to treat you fairly. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen, and you’ll hear stories. Don’t let ONE person’s experience make or break a deal for you. If the start-up publisher has knowledge pertaining to the field of writing or publishing, then check that out and ask questions from people who know him/her. If the majority say steer clear, then there must be a reason. Anyone with guts enough to start a business in today’s economy should have done their homework. Ask them—you have the right. If you don’t investigate, then entering into the venture is like rolling the dice and hoping for snake eyes. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.
I recently signed with someone who is starting a new venture, but she’s certainly not new to the e-industry. She’s an author, an editor, and a respected member of the writing community who has gone far and beyond the scope of “free” to help her peers. I didn’t have to do much investigatory work to discover that Lea Schizas is the kind of person I want to sign with, work shoulder-to-shoulder with and bask with her in the success of Muse It Up Publishing. Already, my interactions with her author’s loop, the information and honesty shared there, and the feeling of belonging tells me I made a wise decision.
Ginger, thank you so much for popping by. The epublishing world can be difficult to navigate. The advice you provided should be followed by anyone interested in epubs.
Ginger’s upcoming release will be available January 2011 from Muse It Up Publishing.
Visit Ginger at her blog or website.
July 26th, 2010 at 1:10 am
Thanks, Angela, for allowing me to hog your blog today, and for letting me share a little of my expertise. The relationship an author has with his/her publisher can determine the fate of their work.
July 26th, 2010 at 1:57 am
I am another author who was very fortunate to find myself in the experienced and respectful hands of Lea Schizas and her new Muse It Up Publishing House. Ten years ago I was not so lucky. Back then I discovered truth wasn’t something publishers, editors, and/or agents felt necessary as long as they got to drain you of the one thing you had they wanted…the blood from your muse. Since my return to this treacherous ocean of publishing sharks and dolphins I am learning it depends on where you settle if things have changed. It is up to you, the writer to take great care of you and your muse, for the future of both of you is dependent on the homework you do now before you sign that first contract.
July 26th, 2010 at 6:45 am
Hi Ginger,
Great blog, very informative, and if anyone knows the e-pub industry it is you. I agree with every word you wrote especially about doing your homework when deciding on a publisher. I think this is crucial.
Regards
Margaret
July 26th, 2010 at 8:05 am
Ginger, you bring up a very interesting topic. Over the years I’ve seen epubs open and close way too often. I believe many of them think it’s easy until the submissions come in, the contracts have to be send, editors and cover artists have to be contracted. a website and bookstore have to be set up, and several other areas. I think it’s because they didn’t fully outline their goals and what’s involved that might have finally forced them to close from over-exhaustion before the game really began.
And one thing also that I wish some publishers will consider and remember is that without the authors they wouldn’t have a house, so don’t treat them as numbers only.
Excellent post, Ginger, and thank you Angela for having this exquisite gal today.
July 26th, 2010 at 9:02 am
Hello, Ginger,
You are so very right. It takes more than vision and good intentions to make a successful publishing business, especially given the competition these days. When I’m considering submitting to a new house, I always ask about the background of the different members of the team. I also want to see a sample contract–not just to get the details of their terms but also to evaluate their level of legal sophistication.
I’m delighted that you’re so happy with Muse It Up. Guess I should check them out.
Warmly,
Lisabet
July 26th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Ginger, I’m thrilled you dropped by. Each author has had his/her own unique experience. The more we share those experiences the more we can help each other avoid some of the pitfalls