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Let’s face it – we all wish we could get published by Scholastic, Penguin Random House or HarperCollins and be banking in the book industry right off, but that does not happen to everyone. It’s always nice to aim for it, and eventually in your career, you may be ripe for the picking. But, sometimes, it’s wiser to aim for the stars before shooting for the moon. Doing some test runs will put your name out there. So, below are some publishing houses designed to help you with your book publishing needs.
Note: It's important when looking for a publisher that you read their guidelines and don't assume you know what they want. The Writer's Market provides books that are popular for their knowledge of reputable publishers and provide publisher preferences. Every publisher is different, and it's not a crime to ask questions if you don't know specifically what a publisher is looking for.  Although printed books are what kept civilization thriving in many ways, eBooks are inviting a new generation to enjoy a new kind of book. Bringing technology and writing together, it's been a wild ride into popularity. But now it's time to check out some things to know about the eBook world.
eBook Pros: They are convenient: As hard as it is for regular books to be printed in stores, eBooks are all about ease of use, selling, buying and producing. There’s less to produce. With an eBook, you’re not making five thousand books at a time and working with book sellers. Your book’s presence is all online. It provides a wider scope of reader: People who just sell books in book stores only have a presence in that local area. Occasionally, an out-of-towner may stop in, read the blurb and get excited, but it’s still not as wide a scope as reaching the nation through the internet. It’s Better for Those With Difficulty Reading: You almost have total freedom with eBooks to make size of words larger and more manageable. Readers also have more freedom with lighting options – making their screens brighter or darker. eBooks are Cheaper: Obviously, publishing an eBook is more cost effective. Instead of finding printers to do all this manual labor and dealing with costs of parts and product, you only have to do the advertising and art (unless you pay someone for them). There’s no excess charge for parts for a book. eBook Cons: There’s a lifeless feeling to them: There’s a reason printed books have not gone extinct yet, considering all the technological advancements over 30 years. No matter how much we love electronics, there is nothing like sitting in a comfy chair with a blanket and a cup of hot cocoa while enjoying a good book. It’s easier to get lost or forgotten: A friend of mine owns a Kindle where she keeps only part of her stash of books. Over 1,500 books and counting. When your one is among 1,500 others, it’s harder to view it as more than a title in a list. It’s not as valuable: Word-wise, eBooks share the same value as books. But there are people who value holding something in their hands. Someone who took the time to print a book makes a nicer impression on a reader. Electronic could be a Problem: Unlike a nice printed book where you can easily take it on a trip or to work with you and read it, eventually, the power will give out for an eBook. Always keeping devices charged can be a hassle for people. In this case, printed books are always better for long chunks of time for reading. Works Cited: Robley, Chris. “How to Publish an EBook: 5 Steps to Successful Self-Publishing.” BookBaby Blog, 16 Jan. 2017. Friedman, Jane. “How to Publish an Ebook: Resources for Authors.” Jane Friedman, 25 Mar. 2017. Cooke, Jennifer, and The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. “How to Publish an E-Book: the Ultimate Guide.” International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, 15 Mar. 2013.  Printing an eBook or a published book can be done yourself if your goal is just for recreational and personal use. However, the big bucks can more likely be found in the presence of professionals. Before you go into such a big commitment, it’s important to know everything you can about the processes, risks, benefits and resources needed for the job.
Printed Book Pros: Easy to share a Book with Others: Lending an eBook would be such a hassle, without breaking copyright laws. Printed books are much safer, because once you pay for it, it’s yours to lend to whomever you want – without breaking the law. It’s more valuable: Has a good friend, a grandma or a mentor ever given you a book that’s been passed down from generation to generation, or friend to friend? Those kinds of books hold special places in people’s hearts. People – especially readers – love flipping pages of a book. It’s more distinguished; therefore, they care for it more. It lasts longer: Let’s be honest, people still read books published in the 1800s. People who are long gone still have their words echo the halls of schools across the nation. Printed books are more likely to sell, which means they are more easily received by the public – and in schools. You pay for it, so you Own it: With eBooks, you’re paying just to read it. You don’t truly own a copy – it’s linked on a database you can use. When you purchase a printed book, you get more privileges and rights to the book. Printed Book Cons: Once it’s gone, it’s gone: We’ve all experienced the famous computer- and internet-based technology crashing. Everything is lost! But the good news is that 90 percent of the time, eBooks can be retrieved through a database. Printed books don’t have the same luck. If a housefire burns to the ground, chances are people must pay for a second copy – which means it better be a good book! It’s not as geared toward younger generations: Although they may not disappear, printed books are going out of style. If you’ve got a young adult novel, it may be more beneficial to reach your audience through e-Printing rather than mechanical print. Books give the eyes a break: Let’s face it, any screen is bad for your eyes, so there are all these gadgets to help your eyes not strain as much. Reading a good book from the bed, couch or comfy chair is another alternative. It provides a more relaxing experience for reading. Citations: Ferro, Shaunacy. “5 Reasons Physical Books Might Be Better Than E-Books.” Mental Floss, 2 Oct. 2015. J, Angela. “Print Book vs Ebooks: Pros and Cons.” Mission Viejo Library Teen Voice, 13 Dec. 2013 “Reading.” Books VS Ebooks, Clarebooks, 2011.  Booksellers have dwindled to half of the numbers there were in the past. But that doesn’t mean they are extinct – yet. There’s still nothing like holding a thick book in your hands, and as you turn the crisp pages, the aroma of ink wafts to your nose. Printing is not out of the picture, although there is definitely a drop in necessity of printing these days with electronic books – many of them free, mind you – ready for a more on-the-go lifestyle.
eBooks can be a good quality for readers that are up-to-date with technology and hold busy lifestyles, but some opinions differ on whether they are better than the real deal sitting in the home. People who read eBooks have more access to the material, but they struggle more with remembering details. Print books are, sadly, going out of style, but it’s questionable whether it’ll completely be gone. Publishing an eBook can be an easy process, with guides and businesses to help, but whether your eBook will be successful boils down to your intentions. If your book is intended for free help or entertainment, it’s much easier to get published, and at little to no cost. However, most of us want something out of our hard work. Looking at electronic and traditional printing with more depth will help achieve a greater understanding about which would be the best for you. So, it’s time to embrace the good, bad and ugly of eBooks and printed books. |
FROM THE WRITER
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July 2018
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