WHEN SIZE DOES MATTER
Friday, November 23, 2012 @ 11:30 PM
It is perfectly understandable that new writers find writing a paperback daunting. But, who says a book can’t be smaller? Remember, it was the iconic Mills and Boon publishers of romantic fiction who popularized novelettes.The average paperback has about 75,000 words; a novelette can be half that size. It will suit readers who want a lighthearted or informative read that isn’t too heavy and is day-digestible. Larger books are more plentiful because it fits in better with publishers marketing, investment and returns. You don’t have those hang-ups; your novelette or mini-bio is to go on Kindle. The advantage is that whilst the cover price is not significantly lower so hardly affects royalties there is less writing for you to do and ghost-writing fees are halved.
Is publishing a novelette more viable? Ghostwriting fees amount to €1,150 and are paid in five installments as the book progresses; e.g. €230 per 10,000 words. As a ghostwriter, I can, if you wish, flesh your 25k words to bring it up to say 45k / 50k words. The only other cost is €150 to have your book professionally presented with a front cover; copyright; everything including placed on Kindle books online.
Will it sell? Tell as many people as you can; use social networking like Face Book and local forums. If it is aimed at a particular market; romance, health, tourism, gay, adventure, pets; send your press release or advertise your book in appropriate media. I provide clients with a Press Release at half price at €50. If you require it a website for you and your book for just €100.
Both are advisable. Each time a press release is published you get about €100 value advertising free of charge. If you are advertising and have a website you save even more money. It takes much advertising space to present a book. Let your website do that for you. Take small advertisements n many magazines, each with your website link. You can also email your website link to conventional publishers around the world. All it is costing is your time and who knows? Many strike lucky.
The full package costs €1,450 in staged payments as you progress towards your goal at your speed. People spend that much on hobbies and don’t get any returns; authors earn from their books. It is an investment. Unlike other pursuits this is where your paying out ceases and your returns start. With a cover price of 2.95 you bank 70% every sale. Your book could sell in its thousands; income could be considerable. You have the status of published author.
Go on, you know you can. Those who do are just like you.