Revising Print-on-Demand books

One of the advantages of publishing a book on-demand is being able to make moderate changes to it after publication without absorbing a whole new publishing fee, and without having to "eat" high quantities of books that you paid for in-advance with an off-set printer.

However, the publishing logistics involved in administrating post-publications is a daunting one. At Outskirts Press, we apply a lot of administration and technical resources to our post-publication revision process.

From my stand-point, I can see why many other on-demand publishers do not offer revisions at all. It's complicated from an information management and systems point of view. But, by not offering revisions, many publishers are removing one of the core advantages of POD. If you accidentally let a misspelling slip by (it happens to the best of us) or want to add a cover quote that you just received, there is nothing more liberating (and financially responsible) to being able to do so without taking a major hit to your wallet.

Few authors plan on making revisions to their book after publication while seeking out a publisher to begin with. But it is something to keep in mind as you look for the publishing service that is best for you. Will revising your book cost just as much as starting over from scratch? Make sure you have all the flexibility you need, in terms of post-publication revisions, setting your own pricing, and keeping all your rights. Your book deserves it.

IPOD Listening - All About the Amazon Sales Ranking

Right before my recent book SELL YOUR BOOK ON AMAZON was published, I was interviewed about the Amazon Sales Ranking for a podcast. The audio interview is available via the play buttons below. I figured I would include it here since we touched upon my book in the last posting as I try to play catch-up with all that has transpired in the world of print-on-demand book publishing since my updates last spring.

It was my intention through this interview (and by writing the book itself) to dispel many myths about Amazon, its sales ranking, and publishing on-demand in general, particularly as it applies to self-publishing writers. A common misconception that occurs in relation to the Amazon sales ranking is an author's belief that the ranking is a quantifiable indication of book sales. The ranking is more complex than that. Sure, there is no doubt that the latest Harry Potter book (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) is selling millions of copies and therefore has a #1 ranking on Amazon (which it has held for months before its release). But what does a ranking of 454,000 mean? Or, furthermore, what does it mean when a book's ranking jumps from 3 million to 700,000 in one day? Does that mean hundreds of books suddenly sold? No. (But it MAY mean that 1 sold).

The interview started on the subject of the Amazon Sales Ranking, and then we found ourselves discussing many other aspects of Amazon as well. You can listen to it using the buttons below:

I hope you enjoy it and find it informative.

Self-published authors share their experiences and frustrations

Yes, taking that leap to become a published author
can be a little scary. And selecting the right publisher for
your book can be tricky. Sometimes the answers are just as confusing
as the questions. Get ready to hear from the authors themselves--
writers just like you who researched publishing companies and
made the best decision for their book.

Join us sharing in their hopes, fears, and dreams;
they may sound familiar to you...

“After
five years of trying to work with traditional publishers, vanity
presses, and literary agents, I found Outskirts Press, Inc.
That was less than a year ago. Today my book, The Unlikely Agent,
is listed on Ingram, Amazon.com, and Barnes and Noble. But how
was Outskirts Press to work with? They did everything they said
they would and sometimes even more. Their people are friendly,
helpful, and very understanding of a first time author. Ask
a question and it is answered promptly and completely. My experience
with Outskirts Press has been positive and I will definitely
use them again when The Unlikely Sleuth is finished.
Thank you.” - William Walker, author of The
Unlikely Agent

---

“After
three books and four years with a literary agent, I was unsuccessful
getting published. I decided to look into self-publishing and
spent a great deal of time researching prospective publishers.
I decided on Outskirts Press because of their professional reputation
in the industry. What a fabulous decision! It only took a few
short months to have my book in my hands and it was exactly
how I envisioned! Thanks Outskirts Press! Get ready for my other
two books that I'm planning on publishing soon!” - Thane
C. Crozier, author of Dreams
Come True

---

“I've
been shopping manuscripts around since I was thirteen years
old, and I've got a box of form rejection letters a mile high.
Nothing made me stop believing in myself, but Outskirts Press
was the first publishing company to give me a chance. Through
Outskirts, I've been able to do more than get published--I've
been successfully published. My book is available in hardback
and paperback; customers will find it at Borders and in other
bookstores. Through this process, I've been able to retain complete
creative control of my little vampire story--no one told me
what cover to use, what the price was going to be, or what to
change in the manuscript itself. My book is still mine. Because
of Outskirts, my book can now be yours, too--I've never been
this happy with any decision in my professional life.”
- Marcus Damanda, author of Teeth

---

“I
have been trying to find a good publisher for the past 15 years.
I was so discouraged by rejections and poor suggestions about
my illustrations that I packed my book away in the basement,
and there it sat until I found Outskirts. I have been delighted
with Outskirts' service. My Author Representative was very helpful,
as well as encouraging and friendly. Since I drew my own color
illustrations for my children's book, Outskirts Press provided
me step-by-step instructions on how to prepare them into a print
ready file. A lot of publishers are not willing to take the
time to show you the tricks of the trade. As a matter of fact
I am so encouraged that I am now working on my second children's
book.” - Sally H. Taylor, author of The
Magic in You!

---

“There
are no words to describe the joy I am feeling deep inside. For
approximately eleven years, I have searched for just the right
publisher who would make my dream of becoming an author come
true. You and your team have gone above and beyond my wildest
imagination of how my book would ultimately turn out. It is
beautiful! I would recommend Outskirts Press to anyone seeking
publication while still maintaining total control of their works.
My next book will definitely be published with Outskirts Press
and the wonderful people who make getting it done so comfortable
and easy. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” - Janice Harris,
author of The
Journey