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.
Suzanne, don't do it.
You will regret it if you do.
Vanity publishers are con-merchants who prey on would-be authors, who are desperate to be published. They only care about taking your money. All you'll end up with a few copies of your novel and no book sales.
You could self-publish, but I suggest your money would be better spent by employing a highly recommended professional literary editor. There are professional literary services available for you to choose on this site.
I hope that helps.
Good luck.
The sum you quoted on your other post about Pegasus would be unlikely to be recouped by you, Suzanne. They are in this for profit, first last and always. They are are on several warning lists, as I mentioned in my last response.
Whether you go with any of these companies is entirely up to you, but you must get a copy of the contract and have it scrutinised by someone versed in such things. You need to be absolutely sure what they undertake to do for you and where. They may well promise to publicise your novel: but they could do that in their own in-house magazine, and it would count - wouldn't bring you any sales, but it would fulfill the brief at at no cost to them. Where do they advertise? What's their budget for advertising your book in particular? Who will stock it? Do they edit your work properly? You have the right to the answers to all these questions in advance, on paper. (Always, always leave a paper trail.) Never sign a contract without having all the facts in writing to support it. If anything is at all unexplained or unclear, don't sign. It's so tempting to just say, 'But it's a publishing contract,' and sign it anyway - which is what many such companies are banking on. I'll say it again: they are in this first and foremost to make money.
It's your choice; but you need to make it an informed one. Do your research, Google the companies, check out any complaints, and study the paperwork closely.
Good luck.
Lorraine