Predators

I write a monthly column for an Ezine, Extra Innings,http://www.dcs.wisc.edu/lsa/writing/extrainnings called Preyers, Predators and Pretenders.  On my voyage to self-publication I knew that I needed help with editing, web design, copy editing, book printing and marketing.  As with many first time self-publishers my knowledge of resources available to help me is very limited.  I signed on with a company that specializes in helping self-publishers by acting like an agent to secure competent help.

The first suggestion of the new company was that my book needed content/development/story editing.  Wanting the highest quality product possible, I agreed.  The copy acquired a quote for about $2300 to edit my 84,400 word novel.  Fine, I thought, what do I get for $2300?  I never did find out.  The person submitting the amount never took the time to make a written proposal. 

I gave the company a ten point list of items I wanted to see in any written proposal.  I received a written proposal for $5000 but the editor refused to thoroughly read my novel before beginning editing work.  Her response was “I don’t have time to read every book before I edit it.  I would have to charge a reading fee for that.  This guy doesn’t know very much about the publishing business.  Tell him to get an education in the modern publishing business.”  And that person thought I would spend $5000 with them with that attitude?

A friend who did a quick content edit for me challenged the need for another content editor.  I wrote two additional chapters to fill in some gaps and he agreed to read them and give me an assessment.  Next, I decided to have my website reviewed because in the past month my hits dropped.  The tech person made a detailed proposal and wanted $3200 – for consultation only, I would have to do all the work.  Do I look like I carry gold coins in my pocket?

The potential cost just for editing and website are $8200, then there’s copy editing, book printing and marketing.  Assuming my gross royalties will be $4.00 per book I would need to sell 2050 books just to cover the cost of editing and website.  Really?

There are predators in the self-publishing world ready to play to a writer’s ego to be read.  Self-publishers beware!