The Perils of Publishing - Part One
Author Services
After seeing a discussion in one of my Facebook author groups, I thought it would be
a good idea to make a post about the topic being discussed. If this post can
help just one person or save them from falling into the trap of rip off author
services, it will have served its purpose.
There are
many out there who aspire to be a published author. Two ways you can achieve
this are traditional publishing or self-publishing. Self-publishing may seem
the easier and simpler option, but believe me, it is far from simple. The path
to becoming a self-published author or indie author is not easy. There is much
to learn, do your research, practice your writing and get feedback from others.
This could be by starting a blog or joining a writer's group. Listen and take
advice from those you can trust.
Even after
you have invested much time and great effort into your work, there is no
guarantee of success. Which brings me now to the heart of the matter. Since the
advent of self-publishing more and more author services have appeared, all
competing to part you from your hard-earned cash. There are legitimate services
and many that are not. There are those that are not scams, however, some may
make you promises they cannot keep or behave in a predatory manner. They
promise to make you: the best selling author, a great writer, offer to promote
your book to bestseller status and even those who provide you with a shortcut
to becoming a writer by doing the work for you, but at an exorbitant price. You
can find editors, developmental editors, proofreaders and ready-made book
covers at reasonable prices. Again do your research or ask for recommendations.
You could do these things yourself if you have the ability to do so, or find a
friend or relative who can. Please be aware that whatever you put out there has
got to be of a decent standard. Readers will not forgive you for publishing a
bad quality book.
The most
shocking thing about some of these services is the fact that they are run by
authors. I am not in any way insinuating that they are doing anything illegal.
It is in my opinion that they are motivated by making money for themselves and
not giving their customers true value for their money. They are selling an
illusion to aspiring authors. Believe me, when I say, there are NO shortcuts to
success.
If you are
interested in using a service, use one tried and tested. Perhaps one that comes
recommended by someone you can trust. Research the companies online, check
their feedback and ratings. Always err on the side of caution.
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