Path to Publication : Print on Demand (POD)

[Urgeschmack]

You might want to take a look at lightningsource dott com - those guys basically offer you "true" print on demand, full creative control without any significant up-front costs (50$ set up costs). You DO have to do everything yourself but at least you don't need to pay them. I'm in the process of publishing my fifth book with the German equivalent, "Books on demand" and so far it feels better than working with a "real" publisher. Everyhing is mine, including the faults (which really is cool).

[1415donna]

i jsu got my first book published by xlibirus publishing it is called (expressions of love ) by frank robinson .and it has been over 1 year and still have not seen any money on my half of the deal they keep giving me the run around telling me only 5 books where sold .but i know there was more because i signed 19 my self so there you are this companey is not good for pod publishing

[NagualElias]

lulu is free to upload and print your book. I mainly just wanna use them to get my book out there and do the marketing myself.

[sammieseagull]

Hi.I'm totally needing a really random piece of art for my cover. Any clue how I can get this?is createspace on nanowrimo safe to use?

[TheBigThoughful]

BRO- everything you said is defined in PRINT on DEMAND. Duh you can't find it in book stores, if you could that would presuppose there is a demand.

[resfalgio]

Thank bro, I am Luan vidad, thank for your video!!!! It help and it is honest...!!!!!

[mrsticky005]

Hey, checked out your site and saw you published a book called "Gone" on Kindle.

Does it cost money to publish on Kindle? What happens if you don't sell anything?

[SamProof]

@mrsticky005 sorry I just saw this. It doesn't cost any up front costs to publish on kindle. they take a percentage of the sales.

[mrsticky005]

@SamProof

Thanks for the information. :)

[KissMeKillMe46]

"I'm not gonna have a happy ending, that guy dies at the end of my story! Eff you."

Awesome.

[stonehouse2005]

nothing I didn't already know...

[xBillyTheKidx]

Is there a follow-up to this video I'm wondering?

[GeekVids909]

PublishAmerica is the worst publisher that I know of. They only claim to be a traditional press when in fact they're a vanity press. My advice to anyone seeking a publisher is to stay away from them.

[StatelessDave]

Get a girlfriend or a Dude if that's what Rocks your boat... But do get a life...

[elbatmanjibaro]

Rob Zombie !

[Aloria]

PublishAmerica is a well known scam.

Go look at Writer Beware. They name the scammers.

[carl6188]

I have a question. Isn't print on demand the same thing as vanity publishing? With the only difference being that on demand is exactly that..."on demand." I do not see that much difference in these two types of printing or publishing. From what I have understood, unless you are a well known, published writer, you have to write on "speculation." Am I wrong here? Only well known Authors should expect an advance.

[Aloria]

No. The company I went with doesn't make me buy anything at all. I've made money off what I wrote. Vanity publishers will make you pay out the nose.

[MindfulCorvus]

It always irritates me when we are so wasteful. I mean common, tearing off the covers and then throwing away the book....that is just sad. Wasteful.

On another note, for me personally, I would only self-publish my own book for particular reasons. For example: Im an artist, and it would be great to have my own book to sell right out of an art show, gallery, or festival, etc. People come in, see my work, buy either, originals, prints, or now, books. =)

[SamProof]

@MindfulCorvus

Honestly that would be a perfect example of when Self Publishing makes sense.

People come in, they see you're art but can't afford hundreds of dollars - so bamn a 30 dollar book right there they can buy instead? perfect example.

Stay Strong

-SamProof

PS - where can I see your art?

[tomaskirsten]

fuckin bait

[unavailable1000]

So how do you feel about RJ self publishing? Seems like they have a lot of options to nickle and dime you out of your money, and I'm not all that impressed with their art, but they seem to be a little more informative and upfront then the other 'vanity' self publishers. Also they offer an ISBN something I haven't seen from the others. And they claim to have a distrubiter that will sell your book to stores for a 1 time fee, deducted from actual sales. But I'm still skeptical of them.

[SamProof]

@unavailable1000

I'll put RJ on my list to review. I'm thinking of picking this series of videos back up in the winter.

I've seen a few places that offer ISBN.

what kind of book are you trying to publish?

-SamProof

[unavailable1000]

I wrote a science fiction novel that I'm sending off to a agent. Thanks to you and what I've read on the net, I now know to stay away from vanity publishers, but still I'd hate to see all that work go to waste.

[Aloria]

Createspace is actually pretty good.

they will actually list you on Amazon - because they are a subsidiary of Amazon. They've started offering a marketing service (for a fee). They don't charge anything to list a book. You and they make money when a book is sold and only then. Otherwise, the book is in digital format and they only require the cover and body text be in PDF format. There is no contract.

[Lightseeker94]

I'm thinking of working with Authorhouse self publishing, could you please give me some advice on the company.

[SamProof]

@Lightseeker94

What kind of book are you trying to publish? is it a fiction, non-fiction, self help, etc?

and for the record I've checked out Authorhouse and didn't see anything that exciting about what they offered.

-SamProof

[MsFaffinette89]

Because I have these great ideas that I would like to present to certain publishers (O.H W.O.W in particular), and I think I could get the idea out better if I have a physical product.

[SamProof]

@MsFaffinette89

Well most of my thoughts generally pertain to Fiction writers.

Traditionally with non Fiction works, you don't have to even have the finished product to sell it. The publishers ask for a synopsis, outline and possibly a sample excerpt.

-CONT...

[SamProof]

So having a finished book could actually go either way depending on the company. It may give them a better sense of the overall vision, or they may find the whole thing gimmicky, or think the author is stuck on having it presented only in that way - Publishers are always going to try and change something, just to make it there own.

CONT...

[SamProof]

Personally i think it's an unnecessary cost to add on to your submission.

That being said, non fiction varies so much if I knew more details I might change my opinion.

Hope that helps!

Stay Strong

-SamProof

[MsFaffinette89]

Yes it helps... Thanks Sam.

[SamProof]

@MsFaffinette89

Cool, good question!

Stay Strong

-SamProof

[MsFaffinette89]

What about if I use Print on demand to create a book idea to give to a publisher... do you think that would work?

[bundleHastings]

I'm a successful self publisher in the UK and everything this guy says is true here, as well.

[dbnoho]

Hey Sam. I agree that POD is something that has been taking advantage of people. As many people just have a dream to see their writing in Print. For me it came down to a few companies, Infinity Publishing being the one I've decided on. BUY YOUR OWN ISBN. If not, they do own your work. Also make sure your work is yours on all fronts, Movies, Audiobooks, plays etc etc. That it remains yours. And that there are no 7 year contracts. Very important. Kinko's should set something up. Much easier.

[velvet741]

1.-copy and paste

2.-paste it in 2 different videos

3.. hold breath for 10 secs

4.- look at your hands

[eternaltrooper]

I watched this one video on youtube were 3 authors were speaking and they basically said to find out the agents of the authors who's books you enjoy . That seems like a good idea to me .

[SamProof]

@eternaltrooper

yeah I've heard that as well. Seems like a good idea to me as well.

Stay Strong

-SamProof

[eternaltrooper]

Great video . So what is your recommended path for a first time author ??

[SamProof]

@eternaltrooper

also in answer to your question. I would suggest trying to get short stories published in magazines & websites, blogging, and possibly going to writers conferences (though I've yet to do that myself, so that's speculation)

Stay Strong

-SamProof

[eternaltrooper]

Thankyou for taking the time to reply to me . What kind of books is it that you have created ? I think I would choose an agent over print on demand especially if I found an agent who was well established , gave resonable marketing terms and also some good copyright terms . I suppose each individual has an indivdual set of circumstances . I would like my book to be adapted for screen someday even if I have to go back to college to learn to screen write properly . Thankyou for your videos.

[smokinjoe1111]

POD works good as far as I am concerned but there is NO MARKETING and that is the hard part. I went to a book publishing seminar and quickly realized that first time self published novelist is at the bottom of the book food chain. But what else is there. After a hundred rejection slips what is an un-published author to do? At least POD gets a book in your hand. My company which really isn't a company except for my own publishing needs is called Shooting Star Publishing

[SamProof]

Are you talking about "The Star Invaders"

[SamProof]

are you referring to the short stories he put out in college?

[SamProof]

well I never said "Every", sure there are a late of smaller publishing houses that can't/don't pay anything up front. But the larger publishing houses will, and generally you'll have to have an agent to deal with them in the first place. So an agent is going to try to get as much as possible to take his chunk.

and one of the main points I talk about with POD is that you have to market yourself for it to work.

[starone091705]

Their oft cover "books" are more like pamphlets, the color printing options are very limited (my prints didn't even come out the same colors as they were in the files), customer service wasn't good, etc.

[starone091705]

lulu sucks, imo

[FalconMan1960]

I have to agree with you. Seven years with Publish America with no creative control? PISS OFF!

[SamProof]

Yea they were one of the companies I was most appalled at. I couldn't believe the length of that contract for the promise of absolutely nothing.

[FalconMan1960]

I'm an author. And sadly, he's absolutely right. I called a San Francisco Barnes & Noble and they told me they would not carry my book. Look me up-- my name is Joel Krupa and I'm a struggling horror author.

[SamProof]

Thanks Joel that's good for people to hear

[schrijfeenboek]

this is funny! i subscribed.

[ib2fast]

Good Stuff!

[SamProof]

Cool man, look forward to it.

[SamProof]

you know if you're doing short stories I'd look toward magazines to get published.

[SmokeTwoJoint5]

Dang man, you look just like Rob Zombie...SUBBED!

[rampartpress]

Rob Zombie is a pretty smart guy!

[00red00baron]

Goodluck w/ the book thingy. I caught your DIY nomination and tip-toed through your stuff. Nobody wants to be a poor writer but sometimes if you just do it and put it out there,make the art for it's own sake,let go of control,the rest will come.

I see quite a few niche books do well w POD. Especially if you have a blog or web forum to encourage new eyes to it. I am not a writer but I get the hesitance. It's like-- shameless self promotion?? SURE!, except if it costs money...waaa waaa.

[infamouswriter]

I started out using Lulu and was very upset with the result. So upset I signed up with a printer and started my own POD firm. I do it as an art, don't live off the income it brings and therefore don't charge much at all. I think writers should retain rights and creative control, should get the most for the money they spend and spend as little as possible. If I get a book that I think would have a market with a traditional publisher, you bet that author gets an e-mail from me telling them so.

[DreamWritersInc]

yeah, i have to say i agree with you- erin

[Sankanyu]

you got any tips for songwriters ?

[SamProof]

You know what, I'll see what I can dig up and make a video about it. My brother has been doing a lot in that industry so I'll pick his brain.

[Sankanyu]

wow thanks :D

[batling]

I've used lulu in the past. The are pretty good, you have to edit yourself and get a gally copy to check your margins...

but their publishing packages are fair priced. $90 for basic package with isbn and listing on online markets.

Free...if you don't want it listed or an isbn...(i chose this for my hs journal that way its harder to find)

I'd love to send you my work sometime if you'd be interested.

x

Lo

[trophycan]

I checked out POD for my book- then put a couple simple pieces on a pod site, few to no hits. Then started working keywords, still few hits & no results. With thin traffic to content it hardly validates the effort, say nothing about income. But if you do your own marketing and also have an audience - then pod might be an ok distribution method.

[SamProof]

I agree with that.

[gibax]

The mustache portion of your beard is excellent.

[Aceswolf]

great stuff man. I personally don't write but I am an artist.

[Itachi66637]

Better then nothing.

[Callahan420]

long vid but informative

[imprintfilms]

this is my book its about this there two guy's in space and they go threw these zany adventures and because of my magical ADD its the most random and kinda funny book I've ever read.

[666DarkOverlord]

wow I dont get how u manage to do this ur working, ur writing and your vlogging and you still managed to get enough time to research a hell of a lot about PoD I find it hard getting the time to even dress myself properly a lot of the time lol

[agtwesingthrew]

Uhm yeah...

I'm gonna write books just so I could do this,

[MichaelTrow]

Always awesome.

[SamProof]

Thanks Michael

[DarkVelocity]

did your research then, didn't you

lol!

[SamProof]

I try man.

[DarkVelocity]

and so you should, its always good to know whats going on.

[laspac3]

good, job!

[gooberman86]

you look like jesus with dreads

[joshuaamatthews]

happy 100th!!!

[SamProof]

thanks buddy

[phillypa]

The net has revolutionized markets. POD, not the band, will be a favorable niche wether we like it or not.

[dante224real1]

i agree completely, rising authors need to have an alternate path to becoming a successful novelist.

i would personally start with a 3 page blog, written every week in a series for 4-7 weeks, just to gain readers, then, if it seems to be popular, i would start writing those 380 pages and (next comment on how authors should publish not found! ERROR 100100101)..... BZZZT....

[VladShadeu]

I'm 13 and plan to run a publishing house.

so generally i'll be publishing my own stuff.

[sharonafox1]

Always cool info from SamProof...Yeh...forget buying a fancy package...definitely not worth it.

Just watched an awesome interview with Jeff Bezoz of Amazon on Charlie Rose's show. Bezoz discusses this new technology (It's like a ipod book) they hope will revolutionize the book business and help assist new writers as well as old... digitally publish their work.

You can google Charlie Rose to find the interview.

[MikeSkullman]

Way to go "Raz"

[Jarnson]

I might be able to write a novel. I could. But i would like to write children's stories. I think i could come up with many different stories more productively than one big one.

[parisblonde]

smart and sexy wooohoot

[qualqui]

Wow, Sam! Your are one cool and brainy guy! Thanx for sharin' another interestin' vid, so's if and when i write a book, then thanx to ya, i'm not that much of a dork! btw, luved the 'Sam Proof Show and you with them cool dreadlocks tied up, totally awesome!!

[zacksmovies]

I like how the DIY category had such a high female demographic that they changed it to How To & Style. You better throw this video in the autos category to maintain your manliness, asap!!

[DarbysBored]

Fantastic videos I am really enjoying learngin about publication. GREAT JOB!

[BumbleTheBard]

The harsh reality is that there are millions of would-be authors wanting to publish, and a limited level of demand. Publishers and agents get tens of thousands of unsolicited manuscripts every week, so inevitably the vast majority get spiked. Very few publishers are going to take a punt spending their own money on an unknown author. Don't give up trying though.

[Dinzla]

congrats on the 100th video :)

[crymsonnite]

you're as awesome as boh3m3 :D

[Saraej14]

thats really interesting

I can see why you don't want to do it

[TimberGeek]

Congrats on video #100!!! Only time I've heard of any success with POD was a trainer who created a work book and used it as a teaching tool when training other trainers, so he created his own sales team. Not that he made a lot off the work book but he had decent workbook sales figures to help sell his training manual to a publisher.  "Next year when the house is finished, I'll have the time for Nanowrimo again."*

*Raphael the TimberGeek, Late Oct. 2005, 2006 & 2007

[Paperlilies]

NO RUM!!

[irejectreality]

are you writing a book sam, and what is it about?

[JealousGuy]

100th video, nice going! I might have to drag out my novel that I haven't touched in about 4 years and take a look, maybe try a re-write or something. Good luck!

[righthandgenius]

you make alot of sense dude, i even got all the way through!

[SamProof]

Cool and congrats. ;)

[RobotManGreg]

I always forget to leave a comment about the artwork in the back, I like it. Great to see someone who doesn't always need to do a video with green screen in the background.

[SamProof]

Thank you very much.

[Denton777]

You should make more DIY vids, there more entertaining :p

[CryKoda]

What's your book about anyways? I just recently subscribed not too long ago.. Ima look through your videos. Your a very entertaining guy.

[Fejklman]

ma u got the balls !! probably iam starting to be gay .. :-* xD

[KIERSZTEN]

r u into bob marley FTW  lol love your vids

[lane0065]

congratz on the 100th video!

[SamProof]

Hey thanks

[johnofjordan]

Question. Is the book as long as this video? lol

[SamProof]

Hahahahah. no, is that why i can't get i published ;)

[jjmazee]

Dude? Are you reading a telepromter? Or q-cards??? LOL! Read on demand! :))

[SamProof]

god I wish I had a teleprompter, than I wouldn't have to edit out 20 minutes of crap.

[sharonafox1]

Wow...100 videos!

Congratulations!

Thanks for putting out such great info in such an entertaining way!

[SamProof]

Thanks Sharon - btw I'm doing a 101st video collab, if you want in.

[sharonafox1]

OMG...are you kidding...that's like having Steven Spielberg or better yet Steve Martin ask me if I want to collaborate ... WOW!

However if I have to talk I would have a problem because I injured my vocal chords and my doctor says, "No talking, chocolate, coffee, spicy food, alcohol or anything acidic for the next 30 days. I have to communicate with family members with index cards and a sharpie...Can I take a rain check ...because I'd love to do a video collab...Let me know.

[SamProof]

OMG Sharon that's terrible! But fair enough. send me a quick video and flip over a sign that simply says "put me in!"

[mollyz2000]

awesome video, Sam. I personally think the 7-year contract thing is BS. If it was me, I'd only go in for a 1-year contract, and no more than that. But that's just me.

[ACTORDAVIDTRAN]

Congrats on the 100h video, u used to live in Reno?

[allpowersrise]

Muhahaaa...i invade your comment section yet again! Excelent video by the way, i myself have been looking into getting some of my work published and these vids have really helped.

[Adsnell2004]

just got done watching tim and eric...i didnt know you were gonna be in so much of it....funny as hell dude

[D3vilNight]

Go for it sam ! you can do it. DONT STOP HALFWAY that would be ... that would be, well it would probably something like .... stoping halfway I guess ...

[SamProof]

I'm good, I found a whole new story line and I'm just catching back up to where I need to be.

[TimberGeek]

That was going to be my suggestion, find that character that showed up on page #? to do something to advance the story and write the next 25k words about them.

[cinemastah]

2 months of dripping...damn sam you have too much free time.

[SamProof]

hahaha it's not like all I did was wait until paint dried and went to put the next layer on... I went outside, I had a life... it took maybe 5 to 10 minutes a day silly

[ranakatina1004]

thats some really good advice. i havent exactly written much and i havent published anything. but i was wondering... lets say i only wanted to publish one thing... how should i do it? where should i start?

[popsuckits]

***** for the research...yeah for 100...

[SamProof]

thanks and thanks!

[maiuat]

your really right about all of this i hand a 2 year con ... only 4 copy's were sold i couldn't stand 7 years and only 4 books every two i just couldn't

[unpicked1]

Oh, cafepress, I just opened an account there the other day to sell T-shirts with my design on them. I didn't know they did books, too. Well, this was pretty informative, because I though about using POD after I made a comic book one time. I didn't, but I thought about it. Well, take it easy.

[zanetrusdal1]

second wewt!!

[youwastemytime]

second comment!

[ghostdude99]

awsome

vid

[JustMeMyselfAndYou]

first view/ comment woot