Dun Writin’—Now Whut? – 46 Recognizing Publishing Scams (A series by Susan Uttendorfsky – Owner of Adirondack Editing)

There are so many publishers—and types of publishing!—on the Internet that it is difficult to know who is legitimate and who is not.

Let’s first discuss the different types of publishing companies available currently.

• Commercial or Traditional Publisher: You submit your book to them, possibly through an agent, and sign over all rights. They handle all facets of publishing, including editing, layout, cover design, distribution, and (nowadays) a little marketing. There are no costs to the author, and the author typically receives a royalty advance plus additional royalties of 8 to 12%.

• Subsidy Publisher: You submit your book to them and sign over some of your rights. They handle all facets of publishing, including editing, layout, cover design, distribution, and a little marketing. The author makes a financial “contribution” or “underwriting” to subsidize the publishing, with no royalty advance, and the author is paid royalties from the very first book…