Setting a Standard - Should print-on-demand companies take a more aggressive role in weeding out unsavory business practices in their industry? The opportunity to put out a good-looking book cheaply and quickly, without going through traditional publishing channels, has made the print-on-demand (POD) industry an attractive option for a lot of writers…

So you are thinking about Publish America? - Are they a traditional publisher? Are they a vanity press? Are they a POD Publisher? Publish America is a very unique publisher in that a simple Google search will lead to entire websites devoted to the demise of Publish America, while at the same time lead to people who love them. Lively discussion with Jenna Glatzer, the head of one of the largest writers groups in the country regarding feedback she has received from her members regarding Publish America. There is no gray area in her opinion.

Unfortunately most of the POD Publishing industry operate somewhere between, There’s a sucker born every minute and Ignorance is Bliss. The only rule is that there are no rules. It’s strictly Buyers Beware.

Last year, Xlibris, one of the big names in POD (Print-on-Demand), celebrated paying out their one-millionth dollar in royalties. The prior year, they helped authors publish more than 7,000 titles and sell over 300,000 books. Impressive, huh? Well, let’s do the math. $1 million for 7000 titles comes out to an average royalty of $149 each. Not exactly worth bragging about

How’s the old saying go… can’t find the forest for the trees? This is how I am starting to feel on this subject. I have spent the past 3-4 years harping on the Vanity Press aspect of Author House, Xlibris and other publishers like them. I am starting to change my mind.

There are several good reasons to consider POD/subsidy publishers. But there are also many reasons why they’re not the most appropriate choice for most book projects.

When was the last time something made your blood boil? Mine hit the 100 degree Celsius point when an author approached us for marketing support for his new series of mystery stories. He had just been accepted by a publisher, his book was being edited and it was due for publication in September or October.