Self-Publishing Self-Publishing

[Ronnnie]

I have been exploring some of the publishing companies that offer to proofread, publish, and market your manuscript. They sound great but when I looked further, there are lots of complaints or they look like scams.
What are people's thoughts on them? Is there one that people would recommend? I am speaking with a representative from Tellwell Publishing tomorrow.

 

[BrianY]

There are a zillion reasons to stay away from companies like these. For a start, you should know how to proofread. Other members will know much more about the rest of the process.

 

[DanRiversBooks]

Some companies take control of a lot of your creative rights when you read the small print on their contracts.

 

[Sedayne]

Hi @Ronnnie

You need to exercise extreme caution.
There's a difference between self-publishing - which is hard work but retains a high level of author control - and companies that offer to do the hard work for you at a price with no guaranteed return.

I don't have first hand experience - it's a route that terrifies me.

Award-winning @Nikky Lee might be the best person to advise on this. But it's a combination of excellent writing and good business skills that have brought her success - not paying vanity presses.

She shared a useful overview of types of publishing in this thread - worth a look.

My guess is that TellWell falls into either hybrid or paid services - take a look at the chart on the link and see what you think.

 

[Ronnnie]

Hi Sedayne,
Thank you. Yes, Tellwell is paid services-they don't have any rights or take royalties. I'll take a look at @Nikky Lee's posts now.