An Edmonton-area writer is urging other aspiring authors to be cautious when looking to put out a book after spending more than $40,000 on a publishing service. Charles Schroder, an 88-year-old writer whose gardening column is a regular feature of the St. Albert Gazette, reported that his book, Urban Gardening: Planning to Preserving, is no longer available on Amazon despite his significant financial investment in Florida-based company Writers Clique. According to Schroder, the company failed to deliver on promised services, including a book index that did not function properly and an audiobook that was not narrated by the person he was promised would do it, ultimately resulting in only $550 in royalty payments.
What are the risks of vanity publishing?
Vanity publishing involves authors paying upfront fees to companies that may lack the vetting processes of traditional publishers. Giorgia Severini, executive director of the Writers’ Guild of Alberta, notes that while the term is falling out of favor, it remains a critical warning label for services that pretend to operate like a traditional publisher, give the impression they have a selection process, but really publish anyone who is willing to pay. Severini advises authors to scrutinize contracts to ensure you’re able to get out of it, noting it’s a red flag if they give you a quote and then add additional charges that were not in the original quote.
How does legitimate self-publishing differ?
Self-publishing means the author is responsible for all aspects of book production. Saige Caljouw, who writes under the name S. Victoria Nakamun, is an Edmonton author who independently published a fantasy novel called When Two Roads Meet in 2023. According to Caljouw, the model allows writers to familiarize themselves with the industry, create an online presence, gather connections, and showcase dedication to their craft before showcasing themselves to the big names.
How can authors protect their investments?
Due diligence is the primary defense against predatory publishing practices. According to the Writers’ Guild of Alberta, authors should:
- Check out the company’s back catalogue: Look at the books they have published.
- Contact authors: If you’re able to contact some authors who have been published through them, ask what their experience was like and if they got sales that they were promised.
- Scrutinize contracts: Ensure you’re able to get out of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between self-publishing and vanity publishing?
Self-publishing means the author is responsible for all aspects of book production and all proceeds go directly to the author. Vanity publishing involves authors paying a company to handle all aspects of book production, in which authors may not maintain their rights to the books and may only be paid a royalty percentage.
Should I pay for publishing services?
The author pays to have the book published, often using a self-publishing company that offers services like editing, cover design, marketing and production. Experts encourage authors to undertake some due diligence when exploring options to self-publish a book.
What should I do if a publisher doesn’t deliver?
Contracts should be carefully scrutinized to ensure you’re able to get out of it.
Have you navigated the self-publishing world? Share your experiences in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more tips on protecting your creative work.
