1. Bob onion

    Bob onion Member

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    What Direction Should I Take In Publishing My Series?

    Discussion in 'Traditional Publishing' started by Bob onion, Sep 16, 2019.

    Publishing or not self publishing. That is the question...

    So I have a story. It's in it's planning phases. The universe itself has been in existence for quite a long while. Practically since I decided on this career path. The thing is how it is, is a bit niche. Admittedly probably not as much as it would have been a few years ago, but...it's unique. We'll say that.

    It's basically in the format of what in Japan would be called a light novel. Basically it's a regular novel but it has a cover and pictures in it that are anime stylized. I'm marketing it towards the 18-25 demographic, most likely females more so then males. It's a supernatural story predominantly with a lot of drama and possibly a few other genres mixed in. I intend to write the book series and pay for an artist. I've had this vision for the story for a few years now and I'm very excited to charge right for it! It's deeply important to me and it's my passion project and magnum opus honestly. This particular story is newer been in my mind for about 2-3 years now but the universe itself has been around for about 7-8 if I remember correctly. I have a LOT to offer.

    The thing is I have some concerns about mainstream publishing. I feel like they really wouldn't get the vision. It's not that I'm against trying. I think it would be worth the effort but I know I'd probably be put through hell by quite a few publishing companies. For the art style, the character design, the style. It's not that I'm inflexible. If they want the book shorter I would consider it. I'm open to hearing what they have to say but I have a few things that just aren't negotiable for me.

    So indie looks to be the better bet, but at the same time at the moment I lack funds. At least a lot of extra funds I can throw around for something like this. I wouldn't hesitate to learn everything needed or network with people that would help me. It's just a matter of fiances in the way?

    So I have a lot in my mind. What do you guys think? And no matter the option how do I maximize my chances of success. Personally at least with this project I'm really leaning indie. Just a matter of money.
     
  2. TWErvin2

    TWErvin2 Contributor Contributor

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    If you don't think traditional publishing will work out and self publishing is the route you think is a better strategy--but you don't have a lot of money--for the artist, (who might also do the cover), potential editing, marketing, etc...I would say to start saving money.

    From your post, you are only in the idea/planning phase. If you are similar to most writers early in their career, it is going to take a while to go from planning to a polished final draft, ready for the attention of an artist and editor. If, for some reason, you decide to attempt traditional (while I am not well versed in the area, I have read in the past that publishers tend to match an artist with a work) you can continue to save as you go through the submission process (to agents/or editors). If it does not pan out, you could have sizable amount to work from for self publishing the work/series, and pay for the artist.

    I have one writer friend who has gone with a graphic novel by publishing episodes in comic book size/format, and pays the artist as he goes along with each issue. Then, when he has enough, he bundles them into a novel/POD form. And the ebooks could be done the same way. But it is a slow process.

    The other option might be to find an artist that you can partner with and do a sort of royalty share, where a contract (and you would highly benefit from having the contract drawn up by a literary attorney) would provide payment for sales to both the artist and the author. How that, and other efforts like marketing and such, would have to be discussed and agreed upon between the author and the artist.

    Just my two cents.
     
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  3. LazyBear

    LazyBear Banned

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    Make sure to get early feedback from a writing partner. Too many books are thrown away after polishing alone in the wrong direction. It's also important to sketch while writing to work in a more visual format. Design characters visually before describing them using words or you might realize that it didn't look so good.

    I'd probably self publish my book for free just to have more readers. There's not much money to be made anyway and I'm not making professional quality yet. Used to pay a yearly server fee to get rid of ads and offer PDF downloads when publishing my web cartoon.
     
  4. Homer Potvin

    Homer Potvin A tombstone hand and a graveyard mind Staff Supporter Contributor

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    I'd write it before you worry about where to sell it.
     
  5. Gelände Søûÿååžæ

    Gelände Søûÿååžæ Banned

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    Your location is America, Sir,
     
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  6. Belinda R

    Belinda R New Member

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    Perhaps you might need to think outside the box a little? :):):) Might it be possible to submit to a Japanese publishing house? I wouldn't be surprised if the bigger ones took English submissions. Or maybe try contacting these game publishers that create those light novels for mobile phones, or "visual novel" games sold on PC? I know those mobile phone light novels are reaching a more mainstream audience. Kinda like how phones turned non-gamers into Angry Bird diehards.


    As an illustrator who has done a bunch of work for indie authors, I can say right up front that I personally would never accept a royalty agreement with an unproven author. Though it pains me to say it, the majority of the time it would mean effectively working for free (or pennies). :meh::meh: Not enough indies get professional editing, and it spoils things for those who do a good job, because it means they'll have to pony up thousands of dollars up-front.

    That's my opinion, anyway. For what it's worth. :):):):):):):):)
     
    Cdn Writer and deadrats like this.
  7. Richach

    Richach Contributor Contributor Contest Winner 2022

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    I think it is all about pressure testing your work at zero cost. Critiques and beta readers all the way for me. I understand the niche idea and at this stage, it is just that. Whilst is definitely worth defining what markets are open to you, strictly from a business point of view don't paint yourself into a corner. There is always a juxtaposition in business and in my experience (not as an author) anything that creates an undefinable fight is unnecessary and energy sapping. I guess what I am saying is, your readers are your market research. With their feedback the way forward will become clearer. Maybe build or continue to build your relationship with them for now and gain momentum.
     
  8. Orang-U-Can

    Orang-U-Can Banned

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    I would go with a publisher.
    To publish yourself would take a massive influx of cash, setting up the press, buying the paper, following up with the promotions, it's a massive undertaking. I doubt hardly anyone self-publishes now-a-days.
    There is always the e-route, but that is a supreme rip off.
    Message me if you want to hear the horror stories connected to that fiasco.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 24, 2020
  9. big soft moose

    big soft moose An Admoostrator Admin Staff Supporter Contributor Community Volunteer

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    I'm sorry but this is completely wrong- there are reasons to go with trad and reasons to self pub, however in regard of self publishing the above is entirely incorrect.

    a) for print you can publish via print on demand services via KDP print or Ingram Spark (or lulu if you really must), or you can commission a short print run from a printer ... no one is going to buy a printing press...

    b) ebooks are not in anyway a rip off - you can publish an ebook free via a number of outlets - amazon kdp, kobo, apple, google play etc (free excepting the need to pay for editing and a decent cover at any rate)... the only way it becomes a fiasco or a rip off is if you are silly enough to sign up with a vanity publisher.

    ebooks especially are a growth field driven by the expansion of ereaders and smart phones/tablets
     
    Last edited: Feb 24, 2020
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  10. Not the Territory

    Not the Territory Contributor Contributor Contest Winner 2023

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    To add to what the moose said, e-published books don't go out of print. Self published or not, the digital marketplace can eventually snowball profits if one produces enough quality content over time.
     

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