What Does a Publisher Do?

At events, I get asked a lot of questions. It’s made me realize that a lot of people don’t know what a publisher does.

Here is a basic outline of what a publisher does followed by some crazy questions I’ve been asked.

A traditional publisher...

• Receives query letters from writers.
  
• Reads through the submissions.
• Selects the best and most marketable stories and offers the writer a contract.
• Goes through several rounds of edits with the writer.
• Sets release date and assigns ISBN.
• Creates cover art and other graphics.
• Creates a marketing plan and marketing items and starts promoting.
• Formats the book for print/eBook.
• Sends files to printer for print book.
• Sends files to eBook distributors. Print books go to print distributors.
• Sends review copies to reviewers.
• Goes through more edits with writer.
• Finalizes book and sends to printer/distributors.
• Continues marketing with press releases, info to bookstores and libraries, events, ads, etc.
• Pays royalties to the author.

There are a ton of other details (Library of Congress Control Number, bar code, etc.) but that’s the basics.

Now, here are some of the questions I’ve been asked:

You sell books? You’re a bookstore?
No, we’re a publisher of books. We do sell direct, but we rely on distributors to sell to stores, libraries, and other retail outlets.

You print books? You have a printing press at your place?
No, we have a couple book printing business we use. We send the files to them and they print the books.

Can you publish my book for me?
You have to check our submission guidelines and if we are a good fit, then send us a proper query letter.

How much do you charge?
Nothing. We are a traditional publisher, not a subsidy press.

Can you take a look at my story?
Send a proper query letter first.

I have a bunch of recipes I’ve collected from the Internet over the years. Do you publish that?
We don’t publish cookbooks. And oh by the way, that’s called plagiarism and it’s illegal.

And my most favorite question when people see our display at events:

You wrote all of these books?
Yes, I did. Almost fifty titles in nine years. I’m good.

There you have it! Any other questions?

Don’t forget Dancing Lemur Press’ holiday special. Support an author and give the gift of reading.

The Insecure Writer's Support Group, WEP Contest, Holiday Specials, and October Photos

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Today’s option question:

How has your creativity in life evolved since you began writing?

I started writing when I was 13. I always enjoyed creating things and writing fanned that fire. I really got into photography at that time and eventually became a freelance photographer. (Portraits, weddings, stock photos in Cat Fancy, Homes Illustrated, etc.) I also learned to paint, do latch hook, make pom-pom critters, t-shirt designs, make stained glass windows (now that’s a fun craft), started building a miniature castle, started a garden and dried herbs, and more. If it’s crafty, I’ve probably tried it.

I never finished that castle and after hauling it around for almost 20 years, agreed to have some fun and set it on fire!

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We also have some big news from Write...Edit...Publish. They are inviting all of you to submit a theme for their February WEP exercise.

Rules: Submit your idea for a WEP February theme by November 12 to admin@insecurewriterssupportgroup.com. Nothing so U.S. culturally bound. Should have wide appeal.

Prize: Feature in the December newsletter for the winner. And, of course, the winning theme will be the official February WEP theme!

Deadline: November 12. Winner announced in the November newsletter on November 28.

And don't forget to start to prepare for the DECEMBER challenge! It's much broader than a Christmas story! Give us ribbons - a race? Or candles - a tomb?

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Every IWSG Anthology has had its own site.

Now, in anticipation of the next anthology, the authors have teamed up together and created one site: IWSG Anthologies.

You definitely want to be following this site.

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See Dancing Lemur Press for a list of available titles.

To redeem and conditions:

Purchase a print, audio, or eBook from any retailer and send a copy of your receipt, less payment information and shipping, to inquiries@dancinglemurpressllc.com. State the free eBook or audio book you wish to receive.

Books purchased directly from our site will automatically get swag and a free book shipped.

Free eBook cannot be over $2.99.

CassaSeries audio book excluded in the free giveaway.

Offer good until December 15, 2018. Delivery of print books not guaranteed by Christmas after December 10, 2018.

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My October was very busy but a lot of fun. I’ll leave you with some photos from a seminar I taught, my trip to Lake Charles, LA for the Bayou Writers Group Conference, and our weekend at the Fayetteville Comic Con.

I got to meet author Sandra Cox (from Parallels: Felix Was Here) when she attended my publishing seminar in Wilkesboro, NC. She is such a delight! I hope I can see her again soon.

Then I got to meet author Jessica Ferguson (from Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime) in Louisiana. I wish we'd had more time - she has so much life and energy.

At the same conference in Louisiana, I met Sylvia Ney (from Parallels: Felix Was Here) and she was so gracious. It was my month to meet IWSG anthology authors.

Then it was on to the Fayetteville Comic Con! First up is the great Tom Savini, makeup artist legend.

How has writing inspired your creativity?

Will you be participating in WEP next month?
Will you be giving books for Christmas this year?