Seeking Publisher - Here we go again

Subject: Re: Seeking Publisher - Here we go again Sun Feb 17, 2008 4:16 pm

Shelagh, it took me a while to get back here, but that link to the 'Empty Mirror' told me what I wanted to know. So thank you bunches.

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Zada Connaway
Mother's Journals: parts 1, 2 and 3 ISBN # 1-4241-6969-0

http://www.zadaconnaway.com/

Subject: Re: Seeking Publisher - Here we go again Thu Feb 21, 2008 10:53 pm

I agree, George, POD looks like a strong part of our future. We even heard that bookstores would get POD printers so people could walk in, key in a title, and a book would appear.

POD seems like such a sensible route for novels and nonfiction books the publishers expect to have modest sales. If sales pick up, they can switch to offset and get the cost per copy down.

So far, the negative in POD is retail price. It just not competitive yet when POD trade paperbacks are price higher than mainstream hardbacks, especially with the heavy discounting going on.

With a lower price, we might have a printing process that saves money--no inventory, fewer returns, etc.

Malcolm
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Malcolm R. Campbell

http://www.malcolmrcampbell.com

Four Star Member Joined : 11 Jan 2008 Posts : 376

Yes, Malcolm, that is a downside right now, but the price differences are creeping more in line month by month. I've also heard about book shops having PoD facilities in shop and printing books off there and then to order. I believe it's the future. Heck, PoD books might wind up cheaper than mainstream printed books!

Admin Joined : 11 Jan 2008 Posts : 2062 Location : UK

... but will you be buying PoD books?
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Shelagh Watkins
http://shelaghwatkins.co.uk/

Subject: Re: Seeking Publisher - Here we go again Fri Feb 22, 2008 1:39 pm

Good question Shelagh - is it the potential for convenience with POD and having access to zillions of books, or meandering around the bookstore making sure that your friends' books are all facing forward while you look for something to catch your eye...
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Pam Robertson

http://andthebandplayedonmylawn.blogspot.com

Four Star Member Joined : 11 Jan 2008 Posts : 376

Of course I'd buy PoD books. The hardcover PoD version of One World is superb, superior to most of the hardbacks on my shelf, and the dust jacket is also superb.

Subject: Re: Seeking Publisher - Here we go again Fri Feb 22, 2008 2:19 pm

I don't have a POD printer in any of the bookstores around here, although have ordered a couple online. It generally takes about 2-4 weeks so by the time it arrives I have forgotten that I ordered it and it's like a birthday surprise. I actually do a lot of ordering on-line. And no, it's not just because the UPS guy is cute...although he is. Very Happy

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Pam Robertson

http://andthebandplayedonmylawn.blogspot.com

Admin Joined : 11 Jan 2008 Posts : 2062 Location : UK

I don't think they will be selling hardback PoD books in bookstores.
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Shelagh Watkins
http://shelaghwatkins.co.uk/

Subject: Re: Seeking Publisher - Here we go again Fri Feb 22, 2008 4:54 pm

I'm more likely to buy e-books than POD books due to the price, and those are mostly non-fiction.

The only fiction or poetry POD books I've purchased were those written by authors I met on line.

Like most non-writer readers, I don't generally expect most POD books to be any good since they can be published with absolutely no editorial control or standards. (I say that even though my book is a POD book.) sigh.

Malcolm
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Malcolm R. Campbell

http://www.malcolmrcampbell.com

Admin Joined : 11 Jan 2008 Posts : 2062 Location : UK

adds sigh. *sigh*
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Shelagh Watkins
http://shelaghwatkins.co.uk/

Four Star Member Joined : 11 Jan 2008 Posts : 376

Where is a good place to publish ebooks? Any recommendations?

Subject: Re: Seeking Publisher - Here we go again Fri Feb 22, 2008 6:25 pm

As a person who has read a lot, I have never purchased or not purchased a book because of the publisher. I may have noticed certain logos (penguin and bantum for instance), but it has never been a selling point. I think the main problem is getting the books in the public eye. That is where the author comes in. If a book is good, it will sell as long as it is put in front of the target audience. Marketing is key.
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Zada Connaway
Mother's Journals: parts 1, 2 and 3 ISBN # 1-4241-6969-0

http://www.zadaconnaway.com/

Admin Joined : 11 Jan 2008 Posts : 2062 Location : UK

Four Star Member Joined : 11 Jan 2008 Posts : 376

Lulu publish ebooks? I'll check them out! Thanks.

Admin Joined : 11 Jan 2008 Posts : 2062 Location : UK

You can sell audio books on Lulu too!
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Shelagh Watkins
http://shelaghwatkins.co.uk/