Self-Publishing Scams

Five Things to Watch Out for when Choosing a Self-publishing Company

You have written the next great American masterpiece and you long for the day you finally see it in print. Instead of going through the long arduous process of writing agent after agent, publishing house after publishing house, you decide to take matters into your own hand and publish your work yourself. The rewards of self-publishing can be great, total control, maximum profits per book, and quick realization of your book in printed form. With these rewards comes a portion of risk and potential pitfalls. Following are the top five things to watch out for when choosing your self-publishing company.

#1 Small self-publishing services.

All over the internet an author can find self-publishing services which promise to get their book out quickly at a low price. Unfortunately many of these services (particularly small ones) are run by folks with less than stellar scruples. The harsh reality is that most of these small services are actually just resellers of another service's products. It is very common (and easy) for a small self publishing service to take an author's money then use lulu.com or LSI to do the actual work. The company makes their cash by marking up the cost and passing the markup on to you.

#2 Self-publishing company's recommended partners.

Many self-publishing services provide their customers with a list of vendors who are willing to perform all sorts of services for their authors. Cover design, press releases, author bios, distribution, to name a few. Whenever you see this be sure to remember, if the self-publishing company doesn't actually own the vendor itself, they are getting a kickback for sending you to them. It is much better to find a provider for whatever service you need yourself.

#3 The surprise contract.

Congratulations you have been selected to publish through us! Please sign here......