That is the question?



It used to be that the big decision as to whether or not a manuscript was ever dusted down polished up and revealed to the world was taken by the traditional publishing houses. Of course there has always been Vanity Publishers. But these were never a serious contender that threatened to change publishing in a big way. However, over the past decade or so On Demand Publishing has been steadily gathering momentum and is now a serious alternative to the big publishing houses.

My aim with Archy The Flying Dolphin was to write a fantasy adventure? a rollercoaster ride of fun, excitement and danger, where evil lurks around every mysterious corner. All the colorful and memorable characters came naturally, from the story, as if they had been there all along. But my overriding goal was always to keep my reader intrigued and entertained.

And my next step was getting published, taking the various options into consideration.

P.O.D.

Print On Demand Publishing is not new. But over the past decade or so it has evolved and is finally making its mark in the world. By printing books to order it eliminates the initial expensive runs. Publishers or Self-Published Authors are not left with piles of books unsold that end up being destroyed. The downside is that high street prices for on-demand books are slightly higher. But the upside is your book is never out of print. You can launch your book as often as you decide. You can even use it to test the market. If your book has been rejected by the traditional houses, through on-demand publishing you can prove that your book has an audience and was a winner after all. Remember, the pressures on traditional publishing are ever increasing. They are inundated with manuscripts. It's no wonder they pass on the majority of submissions. But if you publish through an on-demand publisher and your book starts to perform on the open market, it's not uncommon for the traditional publishers to show an interest.

X Factor?let's be honest!

When going down the route of on-demand publishing a writer must be realistic. Not all books are totally commercial vehicles that have potential to become bestsellers. So be honest about the limitations. Go into the venture with your eyes wide open and your goals clearly set. That way you will enjoy the experience and create a possibility that you will realize achievable goals. Steer clear of improbable hopes and dreams in order to avoid the heartbreaking disappointments. However, if your book truly has the potential to end up on the bestseller list and be turned into the next blockbuster movie, then employ a professional reader/editor to confirm your belief, find the best marketing company you can afford, and'go for it!