Have you heard about vanity
publishing? Do you know what it means exactly? Vanity publishing is like a a
double-edged sword. It is very natural for writers to be eager to get published. However, it pays to be cautious
about the vanity publishers who will cheat you by taking your money and giving
you very little in return.
In 1959, Campaigner
Jonathan Clifford coined the term ‘Vanity’ to cover type of activity where the
author is efficiently deceived into paying a sometimes fairly considerable sum
by the publisher’s willingness to publish their book. After handing over the
money, the publisher produces the book;
however, usually very little is done to promote and market it and the sales can
be very small.
For writers, vanity publishing is a
way to get their books into print; however as mentioned above it comes with a
cost. Vanity publishing is meant to make money by printing books that nobody
else will publish. Numerous good vanity publishing companies are around us in
the last few years; however, many disreputable ones are also creating a buzz.
A vanity publisher is supposed to do
much more than marketing the writer’s book. You will find numerous companies claiming
to do this for you. However, the fact is that the story ends there once you pay
for your book to be printed. You have to do the job of selling your own book to
stores. Many bookstores clearly state that they will not buy books from vanity
publishers, though they may purchase books from local authors, provided that
they meet certain criteria.
The main objective of the
traditional publisher is to make money from selling the work of a writer. Besides
printing the book, they have a team of skilled and experienced people in marketing
books. With years of experience in this field, resources and contacts, they
know how and where a book will sell. On the other hand, vanity publishing is
aimed to gather a fee for printing the book. The writer can specify how many
copies of the book she or he wants. Further, the writer can contribute in the
art design of the book cover.
Vanity publishers have to seek out
authors and the traditional book publishers do not have to. Many magazines and
the Internet feature advertisements for vanity publishing. Keep in mind that Vanity
publishing companies, which claim the sale of huge quantities of books are not
to be trusted. Never get fooled with a promise that you will find fame and
fortune with the publishing of your book.
Usually, vanity publishing companies
are not choosy in the books they print. Money is their prime concern and these
companies will print anyone’s book, without considering the quality. An author
considering vanity publishing has more say in the royalties and book content but
there is no assurance that the book will sell.
If you are considering vanity
publishing, then wait. First send the book to enough traditional publishers and
literary agents. Various popular authors have had their first book rejected several
times prior to publication. Keep in mind that getting a book published is like winning
the lottery.
If you are serious about a vanity
publishing company, then you should think of it as a hobby. As a writer, you
enjoy your work and finally a book being printed is an expenditure that could
be applied to any hobby. Keep in mind that the main objective of vanity
publishing is money, without any literary greatness.
Watch out for the vanity presses. Consult the
acknowledged expert to find out specific information.
©2012-2103 Claretta Taylor Pam, Innovative Publishers Media Group & Innovative Publishers. All Rights Reserved
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