One of the most common things I've heard about self-publishing is, "Watch out for scams!" Scams are everywhere, but unfortunately, they seem to infect the self-publishing scene like an epidemic, feeding on authors' insecurities to steal money from them. It's really unfortunate, but I'm sure there's a circle in hell for people who do such terrible things.
But while we wish these crooks would be bitten by serpents, for now, we just have to be vigilant and try to avoid being scammed in the first place. Here are some things to be aware of:
Of course, there are many more things to watch out for, which I will surely post about later, but these were the most recurring ones I found. Hopefully this has helped someone.
Until later,
T
But while we wish these crooks would be bitten by serpents, for now, we just have to be vigilant and try to avoid being scammed in the first place. Here are some things to be aware of:
- Use common sense. Avoiding self publishing scams is a lot like avoiding most other scams-if it's too good to be true, it probably is, etc. etc.
- Know how self-publishing is supposed to work. If you know how it's supposed to work, you'll be able to tell immediately if something seems off. One of the most common things scammers try to trick you on is the printing fee. Most self publishing companies offer similar printing fees because they use the same printer, so exorbitant printing fees should ring an alarm.
- Know how much self-publishing should cost. Most self-publishing companies get the majority of their profits from royalties. Should a company obtain most of its profit from authors instead of royalties, they become a "vanity press." Though many believe that "vanity press" is synonymous with "self publisher," the two are actually different, in that the author gets more control over royalties, copyright, and other aspects.
- Watch out for copyrighting tricks and confusing contracts. Some of these scammers will insist that you need to buy an ISBN or a copyright through them, because otherwise it is too expensive or to hard to get on your own. This is actually untrue; you can purchase an ISBN directly from the agency easily, and you already own your copyright, through you can register your book with the Library of Congress as well if you wish. Both of these things should cost under $160. As for contracts, just remember that if it seems to be written in a way you can't understand, it's probably like that on purpose. Be sure to ask for a lawyer to help you read it, or to ask questions if you need to do so.
- Is everything in offered "packages" necessary? Many packages, especially marketing packages, contain services that will be little or no usage to you in the long run. Some of these packages include things like press releases (which can be done for much cheaper or even by yourself) or a listing in a book catalog (which is often thrown away). Many of these things could be done by yourself, in much more effective ways. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that paying more money for marketing will result in better marketing, especially when you could do so much of it yourself for much cheaper.
Of course, there are many more things to watch out for, which I will surely post about later, but these were the most recurring ones I found. Hopefully this has helped someone.
Until later,
T