Has anyone experience with Xlibris publishing services? I'm tired of being rejected by literary agents/publishers.
Replies
Thank you Lorraine. I'm taking your advice as well as Jonathan's. I know about KDP as I previously published with them. I looked at Xlibris proposed contract and I would have been overwhelmed were I not familiar with this kind of documents. So far feedaread seems the better option, but, as you say, if people don't like your book there is no way to force them to read it...
Athena, before opting for any such company, do your homework!
Check out as many self-publishing services as you can, and compare prices and what's on offer. Then look at work that's already published by these people - you may find them badly edited or poorly presented. Many of these companies are in it solely for the money and really don't do much for the author - but any that promise you sales are to be avoided, as it's impossible to force the reading public to buy your novel. Unless they are going to publicise your book widely, you're going to have to do that yourself, so take that into consideration. Never sign a contract with any of these companies until you know exactly what it covers, and what it ought to cover.
Look also at createspace and KDP: you could do the whole thing yourself at little or no cost (though getting an ISBN number is a must if you want bookshops to stock your book.)
Thank you Lorraine. I'm taking your advice as well as Jonathan's. I know about KDP as I previously published with them. I looked at Xlibris proposed contract and I would have been overwhelmed were I not familiar with this kind of documents. So far feedaread seems the better option, but, as you say, if people don't like your book there is no way to force them to read it...
Athena, before opting for any such company, do your homework!
Check out as many self-publishing services as you can, and compare prices and what's on offer. Then look at work that's already published by these people - you may find them badly edited or poorly presented. Many of these companies are in it solely for the money and really don't do much for the author - but any that promise you sales are to be avoided, as it's impossible to force the reading public to buy your novel. Unless they are going to publicise your book widely, you're going to have to do that yourself, so take that into consideration. Never sign a contract with any of these companies until you know exactly what it covers, and what it ought to cover.
Look also at createspace and KDP: you could do the whole thing yourself at little or no cost (though getting an ISBN number is a must if you want bookshops to stock your book.)
Good luck.
Lorraine
Thank you Jonathan.