Indie publishing options are growing. While this is wonderful for writers who wish to self-publish a book without having to work with a traditional publisher, the terminology around self-publishing is also growing, further muddying the waters. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for writers and corporations in the publishing sector to identify the numerous options accessible in today’s marketplace. So we decided to focus on one of the industry’s newest terms: book publishing services, sometimes known as “author services.”
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Who Needs Book Publishing Services?
Any author willing to self-publish a book is the simple answer to this question. But not all authors require or desire the services of a book publishing service.
Authors consider hiring a book publishing service if they:
- Aim to sell the book
- Publish it as a business venture
- Want to maintain the entire control of the book publishing under professional supervision
- Prefer to work with a competent book publishing service rather than hiring individual freelancers
- Lack of design skills and knowledge of developing a professional-looking book.
What Is A Book Publishing Service?
It might not be easy to differentiate between organizations that focus on book publishing services as their major business and those that offer book publishing services as an add-on to publishing while looking for a firm that offers book publishing services.
When looking for book publishing services, keep the following in mind.
They Should Focus More on Book Production and Marketing
Editing, cover design, interior layout, and proofreading are all part of the book production process. Illustration, indexing, and other services required to print a book may also be included. The book publishing service you hire should also provide book marketing services such as public relations, design and printing promotional materials, author website design, coaching, and other resources. For example, freelancers can design book covers and inner page layouts, but it isn’t their expertise.
They Should Offer Customized Packages
Perhaps you previously had your book edited and don’t require this service. Authors should be able to pick the services they desire and should not be coerced into purchasing services that they do not require. There should be no upselling on the company’s behalf.
Make Sure They Are Not the Publishers but Only Offers Book Publishing Services
Some writers prefer to have their books published through a book publishing service. It’s acceptable as long as one is informed of the options and consequences. If the corporation offers you a free ISBN rather than assuring that you own the ISBN for your book, you can be sure they will insist on being the publisher. They have acquired blocks of ISBNs and will be regarded as the publisher of record if you give your book one of theirs. A firm that focuses on manufacturing and advertising may provide an ISBN as an option, but it should also make it easy for the author to obtain one if they so desire. To learn more check ibtime
You Keep All The Royalties To Yourself
The book publishing service should not keep your royalties. Instead, companies should only charge you for the services they give. Keep an eye out for organizations that offer book publishing services at a cheaper cost than competitors in exchange for a part of the royalties as additional compensation.
Final Thoughts
Finding positive or negative reviews about companies and individuals who provide book publishing services has never been easier with the Internet at your fingertips. Once you have compiled a list of services to call, just put the company’s name into the search box of Google, Bing, or your preferred search engine, followed by the words “scam,” “reviews,” or “complaints.”
