NEW AUTHORS: BEFORE YOU PAY ANYONE TO PUBLISH YOUR BOOK, READ THIS FIRST

Publishing a book is an exciting accomplishment. You may have spent months or even years writing your story, developing your ideas, and preparing your work for the public. Unfortunately, some companies understand how important that dream is and may use your excitement to pressure you into paying for services you do not fully understand.

This page was created to help new authors protect their books, their money, and their publishing rights.

THE PUBLISHING BUSINESS HAS CHANGED

Years ago, most authors needed a traditional publishing company to accept their manuscript before their book could reach the public. Today, independent authors have more opportunities.

Services such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing allow authors to publish printed books and electronic books without paying a traditional publisher to accept the manuscript. Authors can control their book files, pricing, descriptions, categories, and sales information.

This has opened the door for thousands of new writers. It has also created a large marketplace of publishing companies, promoters, editors, designers, and marketing services.

Some provide honest and valuable assistance. Others make impressive promises that may sound much greater than the service they actually provide.

UNDERSTAND WHAT “DISTRIBUTION” REALLY MEANS

A company may tell you that your book will be available through many stores, websites, libraries, or publishing platforms.

That statement may be technically true, but it does not always mean what a new author believes it means.

Being available through a distribution system does not guarantee that a bookstore will place your book on its shelves. It does not guarantee that a library will purchase it. It does not guarantee that the company will advertise it, promote it, or bring customers to it.

In many cases, it simply means that a store or retailer may be able to order the book if someone requests it.

There is a major difference between these three statements:

Your book is available for ordering.

Your book is listed on a website.

Your book is physically stocked and promoted by a store.

Always ask which one the company is promising.

DO NOT CONFUSE PUBLISHING WITH MARKETING

Publishing makes your book available to the public.

Marketing helps the public discover your book.

A company may publish your book successfully, but that does not mean readers will automatically find it. Authors still need professional presentation, a strong description, advertising, social media, direct outreach, reviews, events, or other ways to reach potential readers.

Be cautious when someone suggests that simply placing your book on many platforms will automatically create sales.

More platforms do not always mean more readers.

BE CAREFUL WITH BIG PROMISES

New authors should be cautious when they hear phrases such as:

“Guaranteed bestseller”

“Guaranteed bookstore placement”

“Worldwide exposure”

“Publish on more than 50 platforms”

“Hollywood opportunity”

“Major media attention”

“We discovered your book”

“Act now before this opportunity expires”

These phrases are often designed to create excitement or urgency. Before paying, ask the company to explain exactly what the words mean.

Ask them to put every promise in writing.

KNOW WHAT YOU ARE PAYING FOR

There is nothing wrong with paying for a legitimate service.

Editing is a service.

Cover design is a service.

Book formatting is a service.

Printing is a service.

Advertising is a service.

Website creation is a service.

The important question is whether the service is clearly explained.

A professional company should tell you what work will be completed, what it will cost, how long it will take, and what you will receive when the work is finished.

Do not pay thousands of dollars for general promises of fame, exposure, success, or future opportunities.

Pay for clearly defined work.

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOU SIGN OR PAY

1. What exact services will I receive?

2. What is the total cost?

3. Are there additional or recurring charges?

4. Who will own the copyright?

5. Who will own and control the ISBN?

6. Who will control the publishing account?

7. Who will receive the royalty payments?

8. What percentage of each sale will I receive?

9. How often will I receive sales reports?

10. Can I change my price, cover, or manuscript?

11. Can I remove my book from publication?

12. Can I cancel the agreement?

13. Will my book be physically placed inside stores, or will it only be available for ordering?

14. Which exact platforms will receive the book?

15. What is the refund policy?

If the company refuses to answer these questions clearly, take your time and do more research.

PROTECT CONTROL OF YOUR BOOK

Whenever possible, authors should maintain control of their own publishing accounts.

You should know how to access your book listing, royalty reports, manuscript files, cover files, and pricing information.

Keep copies of everything, including:

Your original manuscript

Your edited manuscript

Your cover files

Your publishing agreement

Your receipts

Your ISBN information

Your login information

Your sales reports

Your communication with the company

Never give someone complete control of your work without understanding how you can regain that control later.

READ THE AGREEMENT CAREFULLY

Do not sign a publishing agreement simply because the representative sounds friendly, professional, or excited about your book.

Read every section.

Pay attention to copyright ownership, royalties, contract length, cancellation terms, additional fees, and the rights the company is requesting.

Do not allow anyone to rush you.

A legitimate company should give you enough time to review the agreement and ask questions.

Consider having an experienced professional review any agreement that you do not understand.

RESEARCH THE COMPANY

Before paying a publishing company or marketing service, search for information from more than one source.

Look for the company’s history, customer complaints, independent reviews, physical address, refund policy, and examples of completed work.

Be careful with reviews that appear only on the company’s own website.

Also remember that a professional looking advertisement does not prove that a company will provide a professional service.

Advertising is designed to gain your attention. Research helps you determine whether the offer is right for you.

AMAZON KDP AND INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is one option available to independent authors. It allows authors to publish through their own accounts and manage many parts of the publishing process directly.

Depending on the book and distribution options selected, a printed book may also be made available for other retailers, bookstores, libraries, or institutions to order.

However, authors must understand that availability does not guarantee store placement or sales.

Amazon KDP is not the only publishing option, and it may not be the right choice for every project. The important point is that authors should understand their choices before paying someone else to do something they may be able to manage themselves.

TAKE YOUR TIME

Your dream does not expire because you waited another day to make a decision.

A good opportunity will still make sense after you research it.

Do not allow excitement, fear, pressure, or promises of success to cause you to sign an agreement that you do not understand.

Ask questions.

Compare services.

Read the contract.

Protect your rights.

Keep control of your work.

A MESSAGE TO NEW AUTHORS

Your book matters.

Your time matters.

Your money matters.

Your name and reputation matter.

Publishing should be an exciting achievement, not an opportunity for someone to take advantage of your dream.

Move forward with confidence, but also move forward with knowledge.

You do not need to know everything when you begin. You only need to be willing to ask questions, learn the process, and walk away from any offer that does not feel clear, honest, or fair.

Presented as an educational service by E Hawk Publishing

Helping independent authors publish with knowledge, confidence, and protection.

This information is provided for general educational purposes and should not be considered legal or financial advice.