I worked for a subsidy publihser for 3 years. It can be a viable option, but you gotta know what you're getting into. First thing to know: they usually have zero incentive to market your book beyond fulfilling contractural obligations. Their money comes from selling their services to you, so don't expect them to put a lot of attention into marketing.

Now, if you are prepared to do some of your own marketing (which you have to be willing to do for anything other than traditional publishing, and even then, you still have to show up for book signings), then POD, subsidy, self-publishing, or a hybrid of those may be a good option for you.

First, consider this: how much money are you willing to LOSE. Start there. That is your budget. Because you have no guarantee that you will make any money back. It is hard to sell books! But with a little work, it can be done. I saw several of our authors go to reprint after selling out of their initial 1,000 copy print run.

One advantage of subsidy over self is this: they may have industry contacts and relationships that you don't; e.g. a distributor--vital if you want to be available through bookstores.

Which brings me to another point. Don't expect your book to be on bookshelves. Between 100,000 and 150,000 NEW titles are published each year--not enough room on Borders' shelves for all those, let alone last years' titles that are still selling. So don't focus on that.

Focus on hometown--press release in local paper can generate response and sales. Then work to surrounding cities, before you consider nationwide. Start with small steps. THEN you can appreciate the success of selling 100 copies.

It's one of my goals to educate would be self publishers or potential subsidy clients, because there is much to be gained through these avenues, which are losing their stigmatism rapidly, but one must be armed with knowledge, as much as possible. So my book plans are along those lines!

Good luck, and keep us updated!

I tried both cafepress and lulu. Both have their strengths.

Cafepress has an affiliate program so you can get affiliates to promote your book.

Lulu on the other hand does not have an affiliate program but if you go for global distribution, you get an isbn no, the book goes into Ingram which means it appears in online bookstores like amazon, Barnes and Nobles, booksamillion etc. I did mine at Lulu, got a professional editor and professional cover designer out of my own funds. My book Warrior Girl is now up at Amazon and quite a number of places. I used bookfinder to see where my book shows up.

In both cases, you have to get your own cover designer (you can DIY but that's not advisable as the cover is the first impression) You also should get a good editor and make the book the best it can be as no one else will do anything for you in terms of book content.

Then you have to do all your own marketing. If you love marketing as well, self publishing is fun. Also, if you want to control every aspect of your book, own full rights to your stories, characters, series etc, self publishing lets you do just that. If the book fails, you have only yourself to blame.

Your disadvantage would be self published books are more expensive than mass produced books. Also the public tends to have a poor opinion of self published books, so it will be an uphill battle.

After going through self publishing, I've learnt quite a lot. I might want to try traditional publishers if I were to publish again as I underestimated the effort and money needed for self publishing.

I looked into all the POD publishers I could before deciding on iUniverse in 2002. Primarily, I picked them because a bookstore manager where I spent time browsing had three of his own books on the store's shelves. All his books were very professionally done and obviously he said he liked the service and price. He was able to recoup his initial costs quickly and got royalty checks every year, and the books never went out of print.

I checked them out, submitted my manuscript (including maps and pictures) and ended up with a 382 page, $19.95 trade paperback. Check out www.anislandintime.com to read about the book and one that will be publuished this summer. The first book has sold almost 900 copies so far, and just keeps going. I've recouped my initial cost and then some, plus I get royalty checks every year.

I chose to publish with a POD publisher because I'm in my late 60s (had a stroke) and I don't have time to wait for some other publisher or agent to get back to me.

mr.E

Dear Advisor:

I came back to my computer to email an author friend to ask for "a stiff upper lip" talk and, voila! -  there sat your sharing.

From what you say...small steps - it appears I'm on the right track by contacting local bookstores, going in - see me, I'm okay - asking my clients, friends and family for recommendations of their favorite bookstores and if possible, the name of the events coordinator or manager.

Using this method, I'm getting better responses from some.  I've posted announcements on my blog page, website, MySpace, Facebook, even Classmates etc. I've had some reponses.  Also, answered an ad on Craigslist looking for writers and was chosen to have my book, chapter by chapter be in a weekly San Francisco periodical. 

The first run of books sent by the publishing company had some flaws and I've got a garage full of  non-sellable  books (ha. ha. garage full of books some advisors sprout forth to PODs.) I'm donating them to, for example, women's reading groups, like in prisons, abuse centers, and/or young women in detention homes. One women in prison's writing group in Wales requested to reveiw a copy. The location is perfect since the story is about a Scottish family. Hopefully, they'll get a kick out of it.

The other day I saw a street person reading a tattered magazine. Upon inquiry, I learned she enjoyed reading very much. I handed a brand new spanking book. She held it to her chest, declaring, "I'll cherish it." So, my POD has already brought me joy to share.

Isn't our writing to give one space to be creative, to share and enjoy the journey?

If someone has a favorite charity for reading, please let me know.

Again, thank you for your information. There are various pathways to share one's writings.

Clearwater Woman

www.juneahern.com