[WBW]

Good morning All!!

On this great forum I've found a lot of advice specifically for ebooks. What I'm looking for is some sort of more general guide, about publishing in general. I have a few questions, which I believe a lot of people have when they first consider writing a book.


1) How to choose the right publisher: if I choose to go to a publisher, how do I choose? The obvious method is to look at who publishes books on the same topic as what I'm writing and approach them. Any other suggestion? Should I start with the big names and move down until someone accepts my book (if ever)?

2) How to increase the probability that my book is accepted: is there some sort of "code of good manners" when approaching a publisher? I have never even met anyone working in book publishing. Are you supposed to send them an email with a pdf? Mail them a printout? Schedule a meeting in person and give it to them? Also, people say that, when you look for a job, going through the traditional channel (CV submission on the website, etc...) is not as effective as going through one's personal network. Does the same apply to book publishing? Should I avoid sending emails to unknown publishers and focus my efforts on reaching someone in book publishing through friends of friends?

3) How to negotiate with a publisher: I know that first time writers can expect a VERY little share of the price (2%-5%). Is this information updated? Did the presence of Google Books and Amazon make this number go up a little bit? In addition, because of my position as witness of some events (see below, point 5), I believe I can get a little more. Does it make sense?

4) The most difficult question. Is it worth going to a publisher? I mean, I'm sure their distribution network, credibility, etc... is a lot higher than mine, but still, the share of the pie they take is huge. Getting 5% vs. 50% means that, before the publisher's services are worth what they cost, my book must sell 10 times as much as it would do if I just published it on Amazon. Or, even more "independent" way: I set up my own website, where you can either download my story as an ebook or order a shipment of my p-book, which I have produced by a printing company. I buy a bunch of Google Adwords and advertise my website and there I go.

5) Asking for feedback & protecting your book: I'll start with an introduction. I believe the value of my book is not in my "beautiful" writing (I studied a bit of literature, but I'm far from a professional writer), but in the events that are described in it. In the recent past I've been involved (together with a lot of other people) in events that ended up in the press (especially the sector-specific press) and I believe that the story from my perspective would be of some interest. I'm planning to publish it anonymously for privacy reasons. So here's the question: I'd love to have some people read it and give me their comments before publishing it. However, what prevents them from writing the story with different words and publishing it anonymously themselves? Is there a way to protect my work?


OK, I believe I wrote enough bullshit for today. Any help from people who know something about all this would be extremely appreciated.

Thanks! Merry Christmas!

A wannabe-writer