• Contemporary

    Self Publishing-the Pros and Cons by JoAnne Myers @scooterismine #RLFblog #writertips

    Loves, Myths, Monsters 
    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.

    About the Book

    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.

    Buy This Book

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

    Other books by JoAnne:

    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

    Upcoming Releases:

    Twisted Love-a biography true crime anthology available June
    JoAnne Myers 
    Flagitious-a detective/mystery novella anthology available
    August 2014

    Author Bio

    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:

    Author Social Media