Hello everyone. I have read a lot of negativity surrounding so called vanity publishers especially for new authors.
I have been offered a pretty fair contributory publication by Pegasus and Austin Macauley for a children's book I have written.
Having explored self-publishing, some of the quotes for this which include much the same service as the two publishers above are in excess of the contribution both publishing houses are asking for and don't include the same promotion and publicity Pegasus and Austin Macauley offer.
Talking it over with an independent book shop owner he spoke quite highly of them, particularly Pegasus.
My question is this: As a new author how else can you get work published? Most publishers don't accept unsolicited manuscripts and getting an agent seems well nigh impossible.
I am seriously tempted by the vanity publishing route. It appears they are cheaper than most self publishers and at least and there is a comfort in being with an established publishing house.
Thanks everyone.
Please don't go anywhere near them, they send exactly the same stuff to everyone. they pretend they are considering the manuscript, then tell you they can't take on all the costs but think it is so good it needs to be published, and then try to get you to pay them more than you would spend with a reputable self-publishng service. The books then go to a dark place and are never seen again.
Just don't fall for it, they flatter writers into taking a very expensive deal.
Hi Suzanne,
I was also offered a contributory contract by Pegasus and for me it raised a number of red flags - the fact that they could cease printing your book at any time (so after the first few promotional copies are done, if they want), that they had the final word on the manuscript and cover design, that there was no specific advertising and promotion set up, rather, just vague promises of what they 'might' do, and that I had to sign over the rights to my book as well as paying a large amount of money up front. I also did my research and found them on several warning lists, as well as many upset authors fighting to get back the rights to their manuscripts, after Pegasus just stopped printing their books. For me it didn't seem like the right thing to do, no matter how glossy and seemingly positive their initial contract seemed. My recommendation, should you choose to go with them, is to have every detail of that contract scrutinised.
I have self-published - I work with a professional editor and cover designer, promote through NetGalley and Amazon, as well as on social media, and it's still cost me less than half of what Pegasus wanted me to pay. Plus, I retain full control of my manuscript and get up to 70% royalties. However, it is a lot of work, and I understand that's not for everyone.
Whatever you choose to do, good luck!
Helen
Many thanks for your replies Adrian and Lorraine. I will certainly do more research and ask a few more questions of both publishers.