Partnering with a Publisher

Deciding to pursue a writing career was easy. Publishing my first book was not.

In the summer of 2003, I neared the end of a three-year project to write my first book of humorous essays (The Wacky World of Womanhood: Essays on Girlhood, Dating, Motherhood, and the Loss of Matching Underwear). Next, I had to decide whether to pursue traditional, self-publishing, or print-on-demand publishing. As I read through huge stacks of information about each publishing choice and sent my manuscript to agents, I realized one important thing that would play an important part in my final decision – I wanted total control over how my book was marketed.

Once I realized what I really wanted from the publishing process, I faced the all-important and agonizing decision of what company would be the best partners in publishing my book, providing mentorship through the marketing process, and ensuring effective distribution of my book. The decision was not an easy one. I agonized for months. I researched, read articles, asked friends for advice, and consulted with my former boss. I narrowed it down to three companies and then down to two.

“What publishing company will help me achieve my writing goals?” I asked everyone I knew. They all just shrugged their shoulders because truthfully, only I knew the answer to that question. I eventually chose to publish my book with iUniverse and then I sat back nervously and crossed my fingers. Who could predict how it would turn out?

Five years and another book later, I can assure you that my experience has been terrific. I received the guidance, positive reinforcement, and information to make my adventure in publishing a tremendous success. And now, I’m a part of a newly-appointed, 10-member Author Council who is helping to guide two companies - AuthorHouse and iUniverse – into an exciting future. I recently traveled to Indiana to take part in our first roundtable meeting and as I listened to senior management share their many innovative and wonderful ideas that soon will be coming to fruition, I realized that the passion they share for ensuring the success of all their authors is evident. Our discussion was lively, as it always is when you bring together 10 authors who are passionate about their books, marketing, and mentoring other authors. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I learned that day, but I can assure you that many great things are coming in the future from the talented team at AuthorHouse and iUniverse.

Whether you are just thinking about writing a book or completing your manuscript and are ready to choose a publisher, I sincerely hope you will research each and every company and find the one that will provide you with exactly what you want. Don’t settle for anything less than what you deserve – great customer service, a team of experts who care, and executives who are always looking for ways to make the publishing process better, faster, and easier for all their authors.

Happy writing!

Read more about Vicky at www.wackywomanhood.com.