I've finally finished the 100,000 word fiction manuscript. It took 13 years but it's done. Whilst reading, editing, reading, editing time and time again, persistently, I tweaked and found stupid mistakes but I'm confident it is now ready for an editorial service to review. However, I find the cost prohibitive. I appreciate the size of the manuscript and the time it would take to give the manuscript the review I need, and it, deserves before submitting to a literary agent or publisher. Being on a fixed, pension, income means every quid matters. Even the lowest quotation is too high. Has anyone faced the same situation and financial restrictions? What did you do? what were the results?
Hi Ian
In answer to your questions:
1. Both
2. Ebook
3. Did it myself so no 'publisher' involved. Kindle and Smashwords, the former being far more successful in terms of numbers.
4. Yes, although in the past it was pretty impossible to know how many Amazon sold, and consequently what payments might be expected. I'm not sure what it's like now because mine's desperate for an update, and sales only occasional.
I published paperback first then ebook a couple of months later. This apparently is the wrong way to do it, though to me I wanted my book in my hands. The expense of producing the ebook has not been very successful at the moment but it seems it is the only way to sell overseas.
If I was to do this again I'd probably do the ebook stuff myself, but I am not very computer savvy.
According to surveys people prefer physical books as opposed to ebooks. The fact that I have sold over 200 paperbacks and less than 20 ebooks sort of confirms this. But after initial set-up producing ebooks has no cost.
Royalties should not come in to it if you self-publish with the help of a reputable self-publishing company. I am classed as the publisher therefore I get 100% of any income. Apart from Amazon who take money off you for using them for sales. I did not like this at first but you have to go with them as a they sell more books than anyone else.
Of course all the books I sell myself I get 100% of the price.
Thanks for everyone's input and well received advice.
I'd like to ask the self-publishers, although I am aware of the time and effort required to self-publicise your book,
1. Did you e-publish,or hard copy, or both?
2. Which of the two were the most receptive by the readership?
3. In dealing with e-publishers would you be willing to make recommendations?
4. Were you treated fairly regarding prompt or agreed to payment of royalties?
Again thank you for your earlier responses. It provided a lot of food for thought.
Regards
Ian