Liberated…Not all Publishers Work for Everybody

Publishing a book can be hard. Whether through a traditional publisher, self-publishing, or the non-recommended vanity press, each has their advantages and disadvantages. I’ve done both self-publishing and using a traditional publisher. No matter which you choose, you as the author will have to do a lot of marketing and the “selling” of the book. The traditional publisher helps you with editing, formatting, and giving you advice and help along the way. Each publisher you use will teach you new ways and techniques on how to sell and promote. When you self-publish, you are only using the ways you already know or what you read about. I’ve used a couple of traditional publishers and one was a good experience and the other, not so good. So, here’s why traditional publishing isn’t always for the best.

Sometimes we as an author are too attached to a piece of work. When we have a publisher take it and make it how they want, we want to control the product but instead, they’re in charge of the final product. Sometimes they let you use your own cover but oftentimes not. If you’re too attached, you might be upset with the final product but usually, trust the publisher and know they have your best interest in mind since if you make money, they make money. Once and a while, though, a publisher just doesn’t work out.

I recently was able to luckily break a contract with a publisher for my book and memoir, Letters from Fort Lyon Sanatorium 1929-1930. The reason is, even though I’m very attached to the project because it’s my ancestors that are written about, the final product was way below my expectations. I won’t name the publisher out of respect for those who work hard for the company and the many authors they have and have given opportunities to, but they just weren’t for me. After not fixing a few errors after saying they would on three separate occasions, they were still there. Then, printing a few copies once I was told the errors were fixed (and they weren’t), the printer had an additional fifteen blank sheets at the end, totaling thirty random blank pages at the back of the book. Very unprofessional. Also, in the very beginning, he said the final book would have a title on the binding, price on the back cover, as well as wholesale distribution. All three of which bookstores need to carry the book and all three did not happen. 

Luckily for me, I was able to come to an agreement with the publisher to let me out of the contract. It’s sad because being with the traditional publisher could have led to better exposure, the book I wanted to be exposed, though, was not one that I was satisfied with and happy to see. Publishers can help with help such as website promoting, social media posts, podcasts, and contacting media with the help of promoting your book. Sometimes, also, your book is just a number to them. Be careful and research who you choose to go with if you are fortunate to find a publisher to produce your work – which is a feat in itself.

So, now, I’m happy to finally release the memoir, Letters from Fort Lyon Sanatorium. Please check it out on Amazon and other online retailers and if you don’t see it at your local Barnes and Noble or library, please feel free to request it and help me out.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088PBPNB2/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=MOLLENHOUR&qid=1589608745&sr=8-4&fbclid=IwAR23dte1cyemNCdRlkjaapB6lOMKpM0HfHfm2lCh-ZBNTsEmTTvSwy3-cmU