Publishing and self-publishing
I started my publishing house in order to explore my own writing. Initially self-publishing seemed like the right way to do it.
Wow did I learn!
Not only is self-publishing expensive, especially if you do it wrong, it is time-costly too! I wouldn't do it again! Promoting your book yourself without any help has huge pitfalls and problems. While I learnt a lot from it, I am now putting that practice into publishing others through having turned Wombat Books into an independent publishing house. I will no longer publish my own work through it, rather send my work, as a writer, to other publishers.
But through Wombat Books, and its divisions for mums (Mostly for Mothers) and for the Christian market (Even Before Publishing) I have the opportunity to provide publishing for others. I can't publish everything, but it is a lot of fun and we now have some quality books. Wombat Books has grown past being just my self-publishing company, to a full independent publishing house. I still work from home, but the business is bigger than me.
If you are interested in self-publishing, I can speak on it or offer individual one on one consulting. If you are interested in being published, check out the details at Wombat Books. Please do not contact me directly, rather use the submission guidelines available.
Tips on getting a publisher no matter what...
1) Follow the manuscript guidelines to the letter, don't deviate, this only shows a lack of committment to the publisher if you do not follow their guidelines
2) Be involved with the marketing, share your ideas with the publisher - especially relevant for smaller publishers
3) Don't be pushy, publishers are busy people, whether small or large! Be patient, it will make them appreciate you more
4) Make your introduction, synopsis and first few lines of your manuscript pull the reader in, like they never wanted to read anything else more. Your publisher needs to love your work!
Well this are just some thoughts from me, if you have other ideas or comments on this, please email me and I might post them on the site.