Beware $elf-Publishing Pre$$e$
[Ed. note: Several previous member blogs have described their positive experiences in self-publishing. This blog reminds us that not all SP companies are created equal. As always, due diligence is vital.]
In round numbers, my self-publishing venture initially was to cost me $500. This special price was a reduction of the regular $700. My motto “spend only what you can afford to lose” overtook me. I was thinking in Canadian dollars but had to pay in American greenbacks. But how could I lose? Company X was a reputable publishing house.
Soon after I signed on, another agent unleashed by the company wanted to sell me a book promotion plan ranging from $500 to many thousands of dollars. Overwhelmed, I said, “No, I don’t want that.”
Yet another agent called. “Surely,” he said, “you will want the bundled deal of U.S. copyright, ISBN, and Library of Congress at the bargain price of $349 (Am). They neglected to mention the Canadian price. I felt caught. As the days progressed I began to see even more behind the wall of non-disclosure. Little by little, my cost had now risen to $849 (Cdn).
But there was more. “We recommend you purchase our 100% royalty package, good for three years at $1,500.” I felt the “M” on my forehead beginning to stand for ‘Mark,’ not ‘Mundle.’ I learned what people can do in a weak moment.
In the end, I had four agents call from the same company. I felt ganged up on. My greatest disappointment came when Company X explained that I must pay $13.99 (remember this price) for a book I personally would have to sell for $19.99. Treated as a retailer rather than an author – and totally offended – I knew I would have to eat it. I complained that I couldn’t even afford to purchase copies of my own book. The advertised number of author’s copies was reduced from five to three. I ate that too.
Did I mention shipping costs and duty? No, but do not forget that one must also absorb these costs, which are deducted from the selling price of your book. On my $13.99 (Cdn) book, the American dollar difference is approximately $3.20, depending on the day. To this, add $0.66 DHL per copy plus $1.72 for shipping and handling per unit on an order of 25 units. The total cost per unit is now $13.99 + $3.20 + $0.66 + $1.72, which equals $19.85. The asking price shown on my book cover is $19.99.
Having been in touch with a minimum of five other self-publishing houses, all of which wanted from $5,000 to $9,499 or more, I’ll admit that I got off easy. For less than $1,000 I received an author’s copy and three extra copies of my now-published book, Faithwalkers. Admittedly the one I have in hand does look good. But when I say “be wary of self-publishing houses,” I mean that, when the intoxicating honeymoon ends, chances are you will end up paying more than you think.
