Independent Authors
By Jerry D. Simmons | November 15th, 2006 | No Comments » (Click to add yours!)
The number of Independent (as opposed to the term self-published or print-on-demand) Authors is rapidly expanding. Technology has made it possible for anyone to get a book published quickly and inexpensively. That in turn has spawned new businesses that market services to writers and authors looking to publish and sell books. If the number of Independent Authors is growing, why aren’t more books being sold? Easy answer: Quality and price. Let me explain.
Even though many of you feel strongly that the quality of your book is worthy of publication, the fact is the marketplace sets the bar on quality with unit sales. Editing is necessary whether you want to believe it or not. At a minimum you should have your book line or copy edited for spelling and grammar. All published books should have content as well as copy editing a basic requirement. It has nothing to do with your writing, it has to do with an objective professional eye reading and helping the writer publish the best book possible. The market has placed a stigma on all Independently published books, and it’s because there is a lot of junk available. Sorry, but that is the fact.
Price is a problem, in most cases the retail or cover price of the Independently published book is above what the marketplace dictates. Take a look at the price recommendations of all print-on-demand publishers. It’s not their fault, the technology demands a certain price for the convenience of digitally printing a single copy. However, the price is above the market price. Independent Authors are hindered by the fact there are a lot of Independently Published books that are poorly written and over priced.
So what’s the solution? A new way of thinking about publishing, marketing and selling books!
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