shirley.publish@gmail.com

USA TODAY says that 78% of the books published in the US are self-published. If so, there are a lot of authors out there looking for the right publisher for their books.

Looking for the right publisher for a first time author is a bit like fishing: sometimes you come back with nothing, sometimes you throw the bottom-feeding fish back, and sometimes you catch a trophy.

Not all publishers are for everybody, even if they are the best at what they do, you might not need the expensive services of a publishing company whose equipment costs a cool million for one press, and prints case bound, last-forever, smyth sewn books known as hard bound books with a library binding.

Instead, you might try a reputable POD or digital publisher who prints with the less expensive digital press and the less expensive binding, one who prints the mystery-romance size book with a soft cover that's known as a perfect bound book by your printer. It might do just fine.

Digital printers have become a first choice for a majority of self-published authors in the last five years, and with good reason; the covers are printed in brilliant colors, the books are good quality, sturdy, and inexpensive. Sometimes, depending on the page count, a book will be published for $600-$900 making it attractive and affordable to many novelist, poets, and non-fiction writers.

POD companies are a legitimate publishing vehicle for many people. it's good to know what authors are saying about them, though. You might Google the company-- Name of POD company+Complaints. See what you get.

Expect a few complaints, the problems should be minor. Publishing always takes longer than you'd think and sometimes it goes without a hitch, often there are adjustments along the way to the printer, small ones, and sometimes disagreements are unavoidable. Weigh the reasonable with the unreasonable. Below are 10 questions I would ask.

1. What do I get for my money? in plain words, and you might have to explain it to me several times.

2. Do I own my book after publication or does your company own my book?

3. If I have applied for copyright on my book and have received it, will my copyright be reassigned to your company if I sign your contract?

4. Who will generate the press PDF or final file for my book?

5. Do I have to purchase additional software in excess of $100.00 to make the final PDF?

6. Does your company accept Microsoft Word or Word Perfect files?

7. How much are corrections and under what terms are they charged?

8. How long will it take to publish my book?

9. Can I expect to find my book on a Barnes & Noble shelf or other book store you have agreed to market my book or am I obligated to request that the book be placed on the shelves of book stores?

10. How will I receive payment for books sold and how often, and at what percentage?