Firstly, many thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule - I know you have a lot going on at the moment with new books coming out etc. We would like to look at the area of publishing, specifically self-publishing so have prepared a set of questions for you.
Angela, in your experience, why do people self-publish?
The common thread is that writers are motivated by a desire ( and passion!) to get their work out into the big wide world, and to make their mark by doing so. Self-publishing offers this opportunity, avoids rejection, and puts the author in the driving seat.
It’s important to choose your self-publisher carefully though, depending on the services you want from them and how well you feel they can help you.
How do you feel you stand out from other self-publishers in this respect?
Blue Ocean Publishing is a friendly, approachable publisher with a personal touch: we offer a totally bespoke service, with keen prices, where the individual customer comes first. We are happy to give you personal advice at all stages.
How long from enquiry to finished book approximately?
It's really a piece of string, depending on whether your book is finished, or just at the ideas stage. If your book is written and doesn't require any editing, the design and production stages can take as little as a month.
Can the author supply their own photos/artwork?
Yes, provided they are supplied to the specifications needed by the printer. We at Blue Ocean Publishing can advise on this.
What about marketing? Where are the books advertised?
Marketing is an add-on, as some people have already worked out how and where they will sell their books (friends, acquaintances, local shops, website, etc.). We can offer you a basic marketing package tailored to your product for just £110, and we can market to your requirements over and above this.
Books are generally advertised on Blue Ocean Publishing's website, on the author's website, on Amazon, E-Bay and specialist websites, if appropriate. Books may be accepted at bookshops, particularly smaller independent retailers. Certainly, and we here at Struggling Authors will do all we can to market new material.
So, can a self-published book still be picked up by a 'big name' publisher later on?
Yes; this is quite a common occurrence and a good way of ensuring that you get your written words out there! It's worth remembering that authors such as Beatrix Potter, Mark Twain, Virginia Woolf and William Blake were originally self-published before being taken on by a mainstream publisher. Remember, you have the rights to your self-published book and can do with it exactly what you want; a mainstream publisher will normally want you to transfer these rights to them.
How closely do you work with the author with regards to editing/rewriting etc?
The author is the driving force behind the self-published work and they are the key decision maker, unless they don't want to be. Blue Ocean Publishing's editors are expressly briefed not to edit any more than absolutely necessary. The author is encouraged to approve any rewriting.
So, overall, how easy is the process?
The process itself is simple and goes like clockwork. Blue Ocean takes any strain.
At what stage should an author make enquiries? Should the book be finished and edited or can they approach you earlier?
It's a good idea to make initial enquiries as you begin formulating your ideas, so that you get a feel for the number of words you need to write. We need to know details of format, length, number of copies, amount of colour and the services you require before we can give you a price.
Please go to http://www.blueoceanpublishing.biz/index.php?pageid=6 for further information.
Nice plug there Angela, so, is there anything you would not print?
Blue Ocean would not print anything libellous, pornographic or where copyright permission has not been granted, if needed; apart from that, the world is your oyster. We can advise on obtaining copyright permission by the way.
How small a 'run' can an author start off with?
With us you can just have one book if you wish, but this is not particularly cost effective. Runs are tailored to the exact quantities you require.
Finally, what is the one thing an author must keep in mind when they are working on their latest piece?
I would say keep focussed on the message they are trying to put across in their book.
Many thanks for your time Angela and your words of wisdom
Glad to be of help, best of luck.
Angela
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