Get Your Career in Shape was written by Chris Thibodeaux and Mark Graham Communications.
For those at the beginning of a book journey, considering how your book will make it into the world might be the least of your concerns. However, thinking ahead past the writing of the book (whether you write it yourself or use a ghostwriter) is useful at any stage of the book development process.
So what publishing models are available to you? In essence, there are three:
Traditional publishing: The publisher produces, prints, and distributes an author’s book, usually offering it through both online and brick-and-mortar booksellers. The amount of marketing the publisher does varies based on the publisher and the book, but in most cases, traditionally-published authors are expected to do the heavy lifting when it comes to promoting their books. The author signs a contract granting the publisher exclusive rights to publish the book. In turn, the author receives royalties: sometimes an advance amount before the book is published, and generally royalties based on each sale made. While there are no upfront costs for the author, getting a traditional publishing deal is competitive, and royalties are usually small (often 7.5% – 12.5% of a book’s cover price). Traditional publishers range from the “Big 5” (Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Macmillan Publishers, Penguin Random House, and Simon & Schuster) to midsize publishers, small presses, and university presses.
Hybrid publishing: The publisher produces and distributes the book, and the author pays a fee to cover the services the publisher provides. Some hybrid publishers work to get their authors’ books into physical bookstores, but there is generally no guarantee of this occurring. The hybrid publisher might offer marketing services (with a fee paid by the author). Hybrid companies’ restrictions and payment models vary; authors are advised to check their contract to ensure they know what they’re signing up for.
Indie/self-publishing: The author publishes their work without a press. The author is responsible for the costs of editing, producing, distributing, and marketing the book. Some indie authors contract with a company for all the services required to publish a book, while other authors find their own vendors for such services (cover and interior page design, copyediting, technical services, marketing, and so on).
Which model is right for you and your book? It depends on your goals, budget, timeline, and other factors. Traditional publishing generally takes years, but this model can open doors for an author: a higher likelihood of seeing one’s book in a physical bookstore, wider exposure, and so on. While traditional publishing was long considered the “gold standard,” many authors today choose the hybrid or indie model, preferring to maintain autonomy and control over the process. Authors who choose the hybrid route are advised to check their contracts carefully to ensure they know exactly what the hybrid press will do for them, what it will cost, who retains rights, and how profits will be distributed.
Authors wishing to retain complete control and rights to their book (in other words, to be an indie-published author) but still use services to produce, distribute, and market the book might consider our sister company, Graham Publishing Group, which provides “one stop shopping” for services such as copyediting, cover and interior page design, technical aspects such as acquiring ISBN (International Standard Book Number), uploading the book to Amazon and other online sites, marketing, and so on.
No matter the path you choose for publishing your book, the first step is to craft a high quality book. If you need assistance writing or editing your book, Mark Graham Communications’ team of professional ghostwriters and editors is here to help. We’ll guide you through every step of the process, beginning with the creation of a quality manuscript and ending with a book you’re proud to call your own. If you’re ready to begin, please get in touch!
