Sunday, February 12, 2012

How do you know if you can trust an online publishing company?

I have been writing poetry with the intention of publishing it, and I am aware that as this will be my first publication I will have to start small. Therefore I have been looking at some minor online companies, thinking about submitting some work. But I don't know how to tell if they're for real.



If anyone has any experience or advice to share I'd greatly appreciate your help!How do you know if you can trust an online publishing company?
Well, anyone can publish a book through an online company. If you just want to see your name in print, this is fine, but if you want a private company to manage and promote your book then you need to look out for companies that offer "self-publishing". An easy warning is that they will ask you to submit your work, approve it (no matter what), and offer you the opportunity to pay for each copy of the book you print. WATCH OUT! Legitimate publishers will not ask you to pay upfront for the publishing of your book. In fact, they will pay you AND promote your book.



Usually, sending a query to a publisher is the standard. They will contact you if they see promise, but this may take some time. Son't ever submit your entire works at once, just a sampling of your best. If they request more, it's a good sign.



Don't sign anything unless you have an agent or lawyer to look over it. On that note, look inot hiring an agent. If you think you have promise, this is a worthwhile investment.



Also, look for companies that are safety assured. Google the name and read online reviews. This should make it easy to sort the wheat from the chaff. It's easy to get scammed, so be careful.How do you know if you can trust an online publishing company?
Check them against Preditors and Editors. If they have a clean bill of health, you're generally good.



If they want to charge you ONE RED CENT, for anything, run away. Money flows to the writer. The only time you should ever shell out money is when your agent skims their well-earned 15% off the top of your advance or royalty.

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