The 4 Paths to Publishing Keith Ogorek Sr. V.P. of Global - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

The 4 Paths to Publishing

Keith Ogorek

• Sr. V.P. of Global Marketing
• The author of A Clear View, Eli the Stable Boy, and

7 Secrets of Successful Self Published Authors

• Book Expo America, Blue Ridge Mountain Christian

Writers Conference, San Francisco Writer’s Conference, Writer’s Digest Conference, The Textbook and Academic Authoring Conference and The Author Learning Center

• IndieBookWriters.com blog

10 years ago vs. today

The Best Time in History to Be an Author

Lisa Genova

Topics we will cover

• 6 tips on what it takes to be ready to publish
• The 4 paths to publishing available today
• The advantages and drawbacks of each path
• How choose the best path for you

• I have authored three books.
• Hundreds of conversations with authors.
• Six common characteristics.

Why do some people publish and

• thers do not?

Six tips on how to be ready to publish

• 1. Set a date when you want to hold a copy of your book.

– Artificial deadline? – Speaking engagement, holiday, birthday party

• 2. Create a timeline to get there.

– Work with someone to set milestones. – Manuscript complete, editing, submission, design, revisions, printing

Six tips on how to be ready to publish

• 3. Determine the best time for you to write and

block that time on the calendar. – Most authors can write more in one good hour then in three hours when not in the right space.

• 4. Make yourself accountable to someone.

– Publishing consultant, friend, spouse, editor, agent, publisher

Six tips on how to be ready to publish

• 5. Start planning your promotion before you finish your

manuscript. – Describe your audience. – Determine how to reach them. – Decide what help you will need.

• 6. Plan an event to celebrate the publication.

– Book launch events are a key motivator. – Client reception, Book store, restaurant

Understanding your options

• 1. Do It Yourself (DIY)
• 2. General Contractor
• 3. Supported Self Publishing
• 4. Traditional

– Key differences:

• Who owns the content.
• The investment of time and money.
• Speed to market.

• 1. Do It Yourself (DIY)

– Upload your manuscript and format. – Typically e-book only, but some print formats. – Examples are Booktango, Book Country & Lulu. – Publishing is never really “free”. – Can be used to “test” work.

Which path is best for you?

• 2. General Contractor

– Work with independent contractors – You do it or hire someone to be the GC – Coordinate all the tasks

Which path is best for you?

• 2. General Contractor (cont.)

Which path is best for you?

• 3. Supported Self Publishing

– Works with company who packages all the services. – One-stop shop for professional services. – Like eating at a nice restaurant vs. cooking at home or going to a deli.

Which path is best for you?

• 4. Traditional Publishing

– Usually need an agent. – Now can be discovered on one of the other paths. – Need to fit their catalog.

Which path is best for you?

Advantages and Drawbacks

DIY General Contractor Supported Traditional Dollars Invested Yes Yes Yes Yes Time Invested Yes Most Yes Yes Services Some Find them Menu Yes Speed to Market You control You control You control Sometimes Rights Decide Decide Decide Grant Tracking Royalties Done for you You do Done for you Done for you Book sales E-Channel Channel? Direct Channel and Direct Channel and Direct

Which path is best for you?

• Goal and expectations
• Skills and experience
• Time commitment
• Budget

Which path is best for you?

• I don’t know how many

books you will sell if you publish, but I know how many you will if you don’t

• I don’t know how many

people you will impact with your writing if you publish, but I know how many you will if you don’t

A few closing thoughts

Questions?

Stay in Touch

@keithogorek www.indiebookwriters.com