Nearing the completion of my manuscript, I began researching the pathways of publishing – traditional, hybrid, self-publishing, and self-publishing firms. Here are a few things I’ve learned, which will give you insight into the path we’ve chosen.
● Traditional Publishing. In traditional publishing, what concerned me most as a new author was the forfeiture of legal rights and creative vision, especially in a market that’s becoming increasingly secular and censor-crazy, even with Christian publishers. More popular authors exercise far greater leverage at this table, but editors subscribing to different beliefs can take issue with a manuscript and absolutely gut its message.
Additionally, a book’s publishing can be delayed for years or shelved indefinitely for many reasons. Another author already with that publisher might be releasing a work in that genre. The firm could change leadership, vision, or values. The market could shift, causing the firm to reevaluate. Politics and competing interests can emerge. The list of concerns here is lengthy and, again, once an author has signed a contract, that’s that!
● Hybrid Publishing. In hybrid models, authors work in a 50/50 fashion with a publisher, depending on the agreement. Typically, authors give up the timeline in book production, along with half (if not more) of book sales. Mine & Ralana’s desire is to take profits from The Soldier Code and reinvest in them. We’re building a 501c3, non-profit ministry, which will need fundraising resources and donor support. We want to create more books, tools, and entire events which change people’s lives. (I’ve got several more books & events inside me!) Moreover, we want to give resources away to those in need – to inmates, at-risk youth, struggling families, and more.
A final concern was how most hybrids want authors to make bulk purchases of their books to bolster the publisher’s bottom line. We believe God’s work should be driven by His Spirit, working through His people & the culture – not an author “pulling strings” to satisfy a company’s profit margins.
● Self-Publishing. In self-publishing the author manages and pays for every part of production: writing, editing, design, formatting, printing, distribution, press, etc. The author builds & guides a team of freelancers who contribute to any or all aspects of the work. Authors also market their own platforms in this model.
Now, this works great for someone with expertise in all these fields. So, the concern is obvious: most people don’t have that. Greater still, one set of eyes calling the shots on a project as big as a book is simply not a good idea. As Proverbs notes: “in a multitude of counselors there is safety (15:22; 24:6).” That’s why we chose the last model.
● Self-Publishing Company. In many ways, a self-publishing company is the best of both worlds. First, it allows authors to maintain their creative vision & legal rights to the work. Second, authors also benefit from a team of experts handling every part of the process – editing, formatting, production, marketing, launch, etc. Third, the firm manages the process, but communicates with the author on key decisions – editing, cover selection, jacket write-up, etc. – keeping him/her “hands-on.”
Some self-publishing companies require authors to use the company’s ISBN numbers on their books, resulting in compromised legal rights, difficulty in accessing the book, and limited to no visibility in sales data – profits and numbers. Paper Raven is a different company here also, and that’s one more reason we went with them.
From day 1, their work has been top-notch, exuding courtesy, care, integrity, quick follow-up, collaboration, and a willingness to educate us about the process. Their integrity has proven impeccable. When we have questions, they have answers or get them – fast! Their contract also ensures that all files, ISBNs, access, and profits will be ours. With them, the vision that God gave us can be fulfilled; the work is not tied down in any way.
Cost:
Naturally, the main question is cost. Traditional publishers pay for everything. Hybrid models split costs. In self-publishing an author foots the bill or fundraises. We’re doing the latter.
Those who know us know that we practice a work ethic second to none. We’re serious about stewardship with God & people. That commitment applied to the preparation of the manuscript. But don’t take it from us. Read what Brian Dooley, their Book Coach and Senior Editor, told me about the quality of the manuscript in his evaluation:
“I know I’ve been over this, but I can’t stress it enough. You just don’t understand. We review thousands of manuscripts a year, and we never see this level of organization and structure going into a work. Your manuscript needs no developmental editing! It can go straight to copy editing. The time and care you’ve invested in this work was obvious to us, and it’ll be obvious to your readers. Reviewing your manuscript was like handling a well-crafted artifact.”
You can imagine how overwhelmed we were by such a remark, and especially on my first published work. (Yeah, I cried after we hung up and praised God!) But here’s the kicker: because of that hard work, we’re saving $7,500.00 before we’ve even started the project! Again, this is unheard of in publishing. With God, not so much! Glory!
Here is a simple cost breakdown for the book project.
| Donations & Pledges received thus far ($12,822.00 + $9,500.00): | $22,322.00 |
| Money we’re saving from self-editing: | $7,500.00 |
| Remainder needed to finish the project: | $0.00 |
There it is – the bio, the book, and the breakdown. If you would like to support the work with a gift, just click the “Give” menu tab. If you have additional questions, drop me a note through the “Contact” menu tab above.
Thanks again for your interest in this project, and may God bless you!
For His Kingdom,
Duncan