The best thing about
self-publishing is that you are guaranteed to be published, no matter what type
book you choose to write. Traditional publishers often look for something not
yet written about, or seldom written about; such as true life alien abductions,
or what Earth might be like in the year 4000, if humans last that long.

Self-publishing allows the author
more leeway with subject matter. The author can tell it like it is; unlike
traditional publishers who generally follow a code of conduct, for the fear of
treading on someone’s toes. Traditional publishers always have that fear of
being sued for libel, whereas self-publishers tend to not care what others
think.

With self publishing every detail
is up to the author. From hiring a professional editor if the self publishing
author is not prolific in the English language. Editing is expensive, and every
book, even self publishing needs some editing to help polish the final product.
Self-publishing does offer editing and marketing services, but for an
additional price, that can be expensive. All that work is taken care of by a
traditional publisher, which means less headaches and work for the author.

When it comes to book covers,
self-publishing companies usually give the author a selection of artwork to
choose from. Some of this artwork is free, but some usually cost a few dollars.
The free artwork is seldom great, and might not coincide with the books
material. For paid artwork at self-publishing companies, the artwork is
upgraded and more pleasing to the eye, but is an extra cost, which might for
some self-publishers, mean an extra dent in their pocketbooks. Traditional
publishers have their own art department, which means the author is guaranteed
a terrific book cover, which is included in the contract. Both self-publishing
and traditional publishing companies, though, usually allow the author to use
their own artwork if the author chooses too, especially if the book is about
the author’s family, pet, friends, or profession. Using personal artwork adds a
touch of personification and genuine sincerity to the book; which is always a
good selling point.

What I discovered through Amazon,
and something they did not tell me in the beginning, is that with them, the
author must keep a supply of their books at the Amazon warehouse. Amazon is not
a print on demand (POD) distributor as is Lulu, as I initially believed it to
be. When it comes to any type of artwork, whether it be books, jewelry, or candles,
artwork is usually a hard product to sell. If it were easy, all artists and
authors would be wealthy.

Lulu on the other hand, is a
print on demand self publisher. They do not store books, but keep each title
stored in a queue, at a contracted print on demand printer.

Also, what I understand is that
Lulu allows 80% of the royalties to go to the author, and Amazon allows 70%,
but that percentage is only applicable for books sold to certain countries
outside of the U.S., such as
Brazil, Japan, Mexico,
and India,
and only for titles enrolled in KDP Select. This in reality means that the
author receives an average 35% of the sales, and Amazon gets the other 65%.

An author can struggle with
locating a traditional publishing company for many reasons. They have written a
book that only they are interested in; such as their family history. I don’t
believe most would be interested in reading about someone else’s family tree,
unless it is as brilliant as the book Roots, was. If a author is struggling
with locating a traditional publishing company, than self-publishing is for
them. I for one believe that if a writer has written a book, they should
continue seeking out the traditional publishing company. This only applies if
their book is polished and ready for sale. If a book has many graphical errors,
it will not be taken seriously by a traditional publisher. Getting away with
graphical errors in a self-published book is possible, but it would be
disappointing and frustrating to the reader. Whether the book is self-published
or traditionally published, the final product should be free of errors, and
entertaining, and pleasing to the eye. In my opinion, when it comes to Lulu
versus Amazon, Amazon bites the dust. Good luck.

Loves, Myths and Monsters — 11 tales of fantasy, intrigue,
and mystery, entwined within the human world.

Welcome To Anna

Little does 17 year old Zoe realize, but the Chupracabra
followed her to Ohio from South
America. What happens next is a series of chilling mysteries, and
unsuspecting friendships and love.

The Hunter’s Bride

When all game warden Daren Abram had to worry about was
which lucky lady to woo, he comes to the realization that his town is being
stalked by the reincarnation of the town’s legend.

Moon People

For teenage mermaid Constance, coming to the quaint seaside
town of Willowick
is heavenly, until she falls for mortal boy Drake. For the town to survive, Constance is forced to choose between her kind and the
boy and town she loves.

The Pack

When young Lycan Sonny Red Blanket, a Shawnee Indian, falls
for mortal girl Drenda Way,
he must save her from his fellow Lycans and stop a werewolf uprising.

The Bidding

Apiologist 34-year-old Duncan McPherson goes to Circleville, Ohio, to investigate a series of
mysterious bee attacks. What is uncovered proves to be more dark and sinister
then anyone imaged.

The Agreement

Being incarcerated in the abandoned Roseville jail is the last thing rich college
student and speeder Brice Conrad needs. With an “agreement” between
the town and a permanent demonic “guest,” only the unfortunate ones
know the truth, but do not live to tell.

For The Love of Ginnie

Handsome bachelor and Scientist Alex Anderson from the
thirtieth century, returns to the Civil War with time serum to save his beloved
Ginnie Wade from a sniper’s bullet, while finding a roller coaster ride of joy
and perils.

Is It Only A Myth?

When 32-year-old Vinton County Sheriff, James
“Jim” Connors, discovers he has a Mothman hunting in his county, he
stops at nothing to save his citizens.

The Proposition

The rough and ready cowboy John Queenie gets the shock of
his life when the ad to break a “wild filly” turns out to be a fiery
Quaker girl named Tess. This is a story proving love conquers all.

The House On Shady
Lane

A seemingly loving family turns out to be serial killers in
1873.

Love’s Curse

When an Egypt
love curse scroll is stolen from a Dean’s office, persons begin dying in
bizarre and grisly ways, with the college’s mascot a Viking King statue
jokingly blamed for it.

Melange in Print and eBook: http://www.melange-books.com/authors/joannemyers/LMM.html

Lulu in print http://www.lulu.com/shop/joanne-myers/loves-myths-and-monsters/paperback/product-21546632.html

Amazon Kindle Store http://www.amazon.com/Loves-Myths-Monsters-Collection-Urban-ebook/dp/B00JL3J4P4/

Murder Most Foul-a detective/mystery

Wicked Intentions-7 bone chilling paranormal tales

The Crime of the Century-a biography true crime

Poems About Life, Love, and Everything in Between

Twisted Love-a biography true crime anthology available June

Flagitious-a detective/mystery novella anthology available
August 2014

I have been a long-time
resident of southeastern Ohio, and worked in the
blue-collar industry most of my life. Besides having several novels under my
belt, I canvas paint.

When not busy with
hobbies or working outside the home, I spend time with relatives, my dogs
Jasmine and Scooter, and volunteer my time within the community. I am a member
of the International Women’s Writing Guild, Savvy Authors, Coffee Time Romance,
Paranormal Romance Guild, True Romance Studios, National Writers Association,
the Hocking Hill’s Arts and Craftsmen Association, The Hocking County
Historical Society and Museum, and the Hocking
Hills Regional Welcome Center.
I believe in family values and following your dreams. My books along with my
original canvas paintings, can be found at:

Website http://www.booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com

Blog http://www.booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com/page2

Twitter http://www.twitter.com/scooterismine

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/joanne.myers.927