Small Book Publishers
Small Wonders: The Power Of Independent Publishers And Invertebrate Creatures
Author: Erik Quisling
Over the course of the past decade, authors and readers alike have been heard to utter a collective groan of dismay as the once elite publishing industry continues to resemble the multiplex tripe factory of Hollywood, churning out one cookie cutter product after another.
This situation would be funny (considering the supreme cultural snobbery most New York-based editors feel for their moviemaking brethren on the opposite coast) were it not for the fact that each new conglomeration in publishing has a chilling effect on both the quantity and quality of new books released.
This law of diminishing returns is frightful in its implications. With every major publisher looking to balance out its annual loss leaders with one big Potter-esque mega-hit, it’s inevitable that midlist authors are all but ignored. What chance do aspiring voices have in this environment, particularly those who seek to produce works of bold innovation?
Though the situation looks bleak, there is one very bright silver lining. The recent emergence of independent publishers has brought to light many excellent books that would have otherwise languished in obscurity. A prime example of this happy trend is Borderlands Press. Since 19989, publisher (and prolific award-winning author in his own right) Thomas F. Monteleone has been putting out deluxe limited edition releases of works by some of the biggest names in genre and horror fiction. Starting in 2007, Monteleone decided it was time to broaden his horizons with a new line of trade paperback originals.
Having already released Virgin by esteemed horror scribe F. Paul Wilson earlier in the year, Borderlands is now offering a wildly original collection of three new stories in one volume. Fables From the Mud by Erik Quisling is already being hailed as an instant cult classic that will rank along with “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” and the collected works of Shel Silverstein.
Applying robust humor and a decidedly philosophical approach to some of life’s greatest mysteries, Quisling introduces us to three extraordinary invertebrate heroes: the Angry Clam, Glen the Ant, and Julius Gunther Weems the Warrior Worm. Page by page, Fables From the Mud dazzles readers with the gripping stories of these three small wonders. Though at first glance it may appear to have the simplicity of a children’s book, be forewarned this is one tome that packs a king-sized wallop.
Hilarious and thought-provoking by turns, Fables is sure to challenge even the heartiest of readers. It is a book to cherish long after you’ve finished it for the first (of many) times.
Meanwhile, Thomas Monteleone continues to push ahead with his ambitious trade paperback line. In late October, Borderlands Press releases his own novel, Serpentine, and January of 2008 will see the release of Crimson Orgy, the much-anticipated debut novel by Austin Williams. As long as Monteleone and other trailblazing publishers of his ilk keep promoting quality fiction from talented new voices, book lovers across America can feel confident there will always be something interesting to read outside the narrow parameters of what the elite publishing industry deems “commercial.”
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/writing-articles/small-wonders-the-power-of-independent-publishers-and-invertebrate-creatures-270923.html
About the Author
Erik Quisling is the author of the critically acclaimed new book, Fables from the Mud (Borderlands Press, Nov. 2007). His website is Erik Quisling
Tagged with: dark humor • humor • jonathan livingston seagull • philosophy • satire • writing books
Filed under: Uncategorized
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Age is not a barrier in the publishing industry, only talent matters.
Most reputable publishers will not speak with any writer (regardless of age) unless that writer has an agent representing them.
To find an agent, you send them a query letter: A a one page letter describing yourself and your book. Sometimes the agent will request you include the first few pages or chapters, but that is an individual preference.
There are several websites out there that will help you find an agent, my favorite is QueryTracker.net at http://www.querytracker.net/ . It is free and has a list of literary agents and also tools to help you keep track of who you already queried and who you haven’t, plus more.
They do a good job of keeping the crooks off their lists, but it is still a good idea to double check at http://www.sfwa.org/beware/twentyworst.h…
There are a lot of crooks out there. Never pay anyone to read or publish your book. A real agent will never ask for money except as a percentage of your royalties.
Keep in mind that finding an agent and getting published is not an easy process. Some people have to query hundreds of agents before they find one who will accept them (sadly, some never get accepted), but be persistent and keep trying.
You should also visit http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/,… one of the largest forums for writers. They can be very helpful.
Good luck.
If the book is actually good, they pay you!! That’s how it works, anything else is called ‘vanity publishing’ and basically means that they do not expect the book to sell.
Buy a copy of the writer’s year book. It contains contact details and submission guidelines for ALL UK publishers. As a rule, send a synopsis and sample chapter. The book will give a hint as to the sort of books each publisher tends to publish, so be selective, but be prepared to approach a lot, and psych yourself up for a lot of rejection slips!
They both get percentages. But being that the publisher pays the authors, they take their share out of it, and only take what the contract allows. However, how well books do, is a factor. If they become best sellers, they get printed and sold longer than if they don’t.
Yes, it is possible. Yes, it has to catch the eye of the publisher and they have to beleive it will make them money. It’s not easy, but nothing in publishing is easy. Sometimes — it has happened through history — that small press book shows the publisher what is possible, what it could be.
You could search for an agent. Either way you need a list of publishers and/or agents who will accept the genre/type of story you have written. You must give them whatever it is they ask for. For example, if they say give me a 500 word summary they want a 500 word summary only. Different ones ask for different things. Some also don’t accept new writers, although it doesn’t hurt to try.
You need the writers and artists yearbook. It has a massive list of all agents, publishers, what they want, helpful tips and more.
Frank Amato publishing out of Portland, Oregon.
There is a reason self-publishing is called “vanity” publishing. It is done mainly for your own enjoyment to give to friends etc. and I’m not saying that is a bad thing. If you ever want to do anything else with a self- published book, however, you are out of luck. It has no artistic merit in the eyes or publishers and is not an asset when you are listing credits in a cover letter. Too bad you went that route!
sell price of each book is 6.00
less variable cost of each book – 3.00
contribution to fixed cost per book: 3.00
$600,000 / $3 = 200,000 books to break even
Some of these self-publishing firms offer print-on-demand and list things on Amazon.com and elsewhere. But for self-publishing you have to do it all yourself. Major retailers really pick and choose who they carry, so you are less likely to get in there.
IF you are going to try to get your book published by an actual publisher, you won’t necessarily have to actually meet with them in person, but you will have to talk with them and proof your book. The process takes a few months often.
Just start submitting it to different publishers, see if they like it.
Get a copy of Writers Market 2008. Resist the urge to go directly to the listings and read the book first. It has all the information you will need in it. Then go to the listings and start looking for ones that publish books in your genre. Look for words like “anthologies” Inspirational” etc. Follow their submission guidelines to the letter and you are on your way.
If you go to my profile you will see I star all Q and A on publishing and writing. Some very successful authors have posted here for the benefit of newcomers. Feel free to use the information. Pax-C
Self published a small book?
I self published a small book through Brandylane Publishers
I spent a considerable amt. of money. People who read it say they
like it and it would make a good movie. I don’t know who to send it to. Sorry my first question wasn’t clear. I sold a few copies but it was overpriced and ended up giving copies away. People say it still was a good book. It is a true story about child abuse, demon possesion, bible prophercy, could rival “THE EXOCISM OF EMILY ROSE” I hate for it to set on the shelf and gather dust. HELP SOMEONE!
how to publish a small book without meeting with a publisher?
ok say i have an idea , i wrote my book and save it on my computer. now what are the processes so i can publish my book in the market such are book store, Maijer, K-Mart..etc?
would only small publishers publish my book?
i’m 13 years old, and love to write. i have writin a few short stories, and working on finishing a book. would only small publishers publish me because of my age? If not, could you send me a link to some place i could go. (but if only small ones, that would be helpful too!) :o) thanks!
How do bookstores and book publishers actually make money?
When I walk through a bookstore, I see the hundreds and hundreds (or thousands!) of different books by different authors, most of which are not highly known and not likely to be a bestseller either.
I always wonder, how the heck do these bookstores and publishers (and authors!) make any money off of most of the books?
I would think that printing all these books that won’t sell many copies would cost more than they actually get in return?
Or do the small number of books that end up being bestsellers make up the difference? Thanks.
Know any publishers Who dont ask a small fortune to publish a book?
My husband has written a book but is being asked £4.500 to publish .Does any body Know any other way.
How to get a big publisher to buy rights to small book?
Is it possible to get a big publisher to buy the rights of a book printed by a smaller press and republish it with a broader release? If so, how does that work?
Suppose that a small publisher selling to book distributors has fixed operating costs of $600,000 each year.?
Suppose that a small publisher selling to book distributors has fixed operating costs of $600,000 each year and variable costs of $3.00 per book. How many books must the firm sell to break even if the selling prices if $6.00?
I want to get a book published by a small publisher, any tips on how?
It is a inspirational book kind of like Chicken Soup for the Soul
How to approach publishers to print my book?
I have recently started writing a book (book on story of small boy and his dreams) which is going to finish soon. As this is my first book, I would like to know how to approach book publishers on printing my work. do they ask any money or do they give me any money if they like…I am bit confused here…any help please…
I’m looking for a publisher for a small book on fly fishing?
Preferably some publishing house the specializes in small, regional or local presses.