I'd welcome everyone's views on this.
I've been offered a publishing contract (yay!) There are always 'buts', aren't there? The company wants to intially offer my novel as an ebook with potentially a paperback run, based on demand. Small volume hard-copies would cover requests from existing readers who order through my website.
The big advantage of a deal like this is access to publisher marketing - they have contacts I don't. The disadvantage is I already publish this way, with no 'middleman', so lose a large degree of control.
What would you do?
Adrian, the problem is no-one wants to invest money in an unknown in the current climate. It's true I'd be no worse off staying as I am, but no better off, either.
To play devil's advocate, as far as I can see the only way to increase exposure, hence book sales, is to involve an industry professional, which I certainly am not. Of course there's a risk, but otherwise I'm standing still.
Anyway, my horoscope this week said I need to grab at opportunities LOL
Congratulations. You can't go wrong with historical right now, can you.
I think that is the way all publishing companies will go in the future but only the smaller ones are doing it right now. The giants don't seem to have given testing of the digital water the nod just yet. They will. I think one day all new authors will have too prove digital sales before they get a print run.
Perhaps the thing to do would be to seek advice on the contract offered. There are organisations that offer advice on just contracts. You could ask the Society of Authors if they think what is being offered is fair, removing the question of whether you could make more on your own and just testing whether what you have is standard and right for your work.
Have you researched the publishing company. No paperback copies? They appear not to want to invest in your novel. You are no worse off continuing as you are.
I would not accept a publishing contract based on potential E- Book sales.