41
Marketing Loft [Public] / Re: 8K books in one year, really?
« Last post by Lynn on January 20, 2025, 07:16:35 AM »Either/or? Probably more like and.
These are not exclusive motivations.
These are not exclusive motivations.
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Recent Posts
42
Marketing Loft [Public] / Re: 8K books in one year, really?
« Last post by LilyBLily on January 20, 2025, 05:36:06 AM »I'm glad you made that a two-number list. As much as we are in business to make money (Listen up, IRS! This is not a hobby!), for many of us, the "something to say" part is far more important than the "sell X on the internet" part. Something to prove comes next, also before selling stuff.
43
Marketing Loft [Public] / Re: 8K books in one year, really?
« Last post by PJ Post on January 20, 2025, 05:19:57 AM »Setting aside the black and gray hatters...and AI as an editor, spellchecker, etc.
There are basically two business models for writers:
1 - the priority is having something to say. AI makes no sense in this scenario. It literally defeats the purpose of picking up a pen in the first place.
2 - the priority is selling sh*t on the internet. It could be t-shirts or fidget spinners, but e-books have a super low barrier to entry, so here we are. For this model, AI (in all of its forms) makes total sense because it scales up production. It allows one writer to publish in lots of genres with lots of brands and on lots of platforms - easily. None of the books need to sell all that well for the entrepreneur to make a reasonable income - and it's all above board, no different than ghost writers, a content mill or using robots in factories.
If we look at this from a business perspective, the question of whether or not human writers are more virtuous than AI bots is irrelevant. The world doesn't owe us anything.
And considering the fact that Amazon now has their own AI, I don't think they really care anymore.
There are basically two business models for writers:
1 - the priority is having something to say. AI makes no sense in this scenario. It literally defeats the purpose of picking up a pen in the first place.
2 - the priority is selling sh*t on the internet. It could be t-shirts or fidget spinners, but e-books have a super low barrier to entry, so here we are. For this model, AI (in all of its forms) makes total sense because it scales up production. It allows one writer to publish in lots of genres with lots of brands and on lots of platforms - easily. None of the books need to sell all that well for the entrepreneur to make a reasonable income - and it's all above board, no different than ghost writers, a content mill or using robots in factories.
If we look at this from a business perspective, the question of whether or not human writers are more virtuous than AI bots is irrelevant. The world doesn't owe us anything.
And considering the fact that Amazon now has their own AI, I don't think they really care anymore.
44
Writer 101 [Public] / Re: The Justice Department cracks down on something I would deem a vanity press
« Last post by Anarchist on January 20, 2025, 05:08:05 AM »Twenty years ago, if you were bamboozled, you could argue ignorance. These days, there's no excuse.
Check out what ChatGPT spits out with this rudimentary prompt:
I'm an aspiring author. I've written a book and I want to publish it. I don't know how to do this. Should I pay a company to publish it for me?
----------- START CHATGPT RESPONSE -----------
Congratulations on writing your book! When it comes to publishing, you have several options, and it's important to consider the pros and cons of each before deciding whether to pay a company to publish your book. Here?s a breakdown of your options:
---
### **1. Self-Publishing (Do-It-Yourself)**
You take full control of the publishing process using platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, or Draft2Digital.
**Pros:**
- **Full creative control:** You manage everything from cover design to pricing.
- **Higher royalties:** Platforms like KDP offer up to 70% royalties.
- **Cost-effective:** No upfront payment required, aside from optional services (editing, cover design).
- **Fast turnaround:** Your book can be published within days.
**Cons:**
- **You handle everything:** Formatting, marketing, and distribution are your responsibility.
- **Learning curve:** Navigating publishing platforms and book promotion can take time.
**Steps to Self-Publish:**
1. Format your manuscript (using tools like Vellum or Kindle Create).
2. Design a professional book cover (consider hiring a designer).
3. Choose a platform (KDP for Amazon, IngramSpark for print distribution).
4. Upload your book and set pricing.
5. Develop a marketing plan (social media, ads, book reviews).
**Recommendation:** If you're willing to learn and put in effort, self-publishing can be a cost-effective and rewarding option.
---
### **2. Assisted Self-Publishing (Paying a Company)**
Some companies offer publishing services where they handle aspects like formatting, cover design, and distribution while you retain ownership of your book.
**Pros:**
- **Convenience:** They take care of technical aspects.
- **Professional assistance:** Editing, cover design, and marketing packages are available.
- **Time-saving:** They streamline the process, allowing you to focus on writing.
**Cons:**
- **High costs:** Many services can be overpriced.
- **Varying quality:** Some companies offer subpar services; research is crucial.
- **Profit-sharing:** Some companies take a cut of your royalties.
**What to Watch Out For:**
- **Vanity publishers:** These companies charge high fees but may offer little value.
- **Rights and royalties:** Ensure you retain all rights to your book.
- **Hidden fees:** Clarify what?s included before signing any contracts.
**Recommended Assisted Publishing Services:**
- Reputable companies like **Reedsy, BookBaby, and Outskirts Press** offer fair services without taking ownership of your book.
---
### **3. Traditional Publishing (Getting a Publisher)**
You submit your manuscript to literary agents or publishers and, if accepted, they handle everything (editing, distribution, marketing).
**Pros:**
- **Credibility and prestige:** Your book gets industry recognition.
- **Wider distribution:** Your book can appear in bookstores and libraries.
- **Marketing support:** Publishers handle promotion.
**Cons:**
- **Highly competitive:** It can take months or years to get accepted.
- **Lower royalties:** Publishers typically offer around 10-15%.
- **Less creative control:** The publisher has the final say on edits, cover design, and marketing.
**Steps to Traditional Publishing:**
1. Research literary agents and publishers that fit your genre.
2. Prepare a strong query letter and book proposal.
3. Submit and be prepared for potential rejection before finding a fit.
---
### **Final Thoughts ? Which Should You Choose?**
- **If you want control and higher earnings:** Go with **self-publishing.**
- **If you need help but want to retain control:** Consider **assisted self-publishing.**
- **If you dream of seeing your book in major bookstores and don't mind the wait:** Pursue **traditional publishing.**
If you're new to publishing, **self-publishing via Amazon KDP** is an excellent starting point to learn the ropes without a significant financial investment. You can always explore other options later.
Let me know if you'd like more details on any of these paths!
----------- END CHATGPT RESPONSE -----------
Even Googling "should i pay a company to publish my book" returns this AI response:
----------- BEGIN GOOGLE AI RESPONSE -----------
No, you should not pay a company to publish your book; if a company asks you to pay upfront to publish your book, it is likely a scam and considered a "vanity press," meaning they will not provide real publishing services and are primarily interested in your money, not your writing quality; legitimate publishers will never ask you to pay to publish your book.
Key points to remember:
Legitimate publishers don't charge authors:
A reputable publisher will cover the costs of editing, design, and distribution, and may even offer you an advance on royalties.
Vanity presses are a red flag:
Companies that ask you to pay upfront to publish your book are likely vanity presses, which often provide poor quality services and minimal marketing support.
Self-publishing is an option:
If you want to publish your book yourself, you can utilize platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, where you pay for editing and design services as needed, but you retain full control over the process.
----------- END GOOGLE AI RESPONSE -----------
When I hear that someone has fallen prey to a vanity press, I assume they're lazy and/or irrational. There are too many easy-to-access resources available that make any other explanation unlikely.
There's no shame in being lazy or irrational. We're all lazy or irrational about something. But if someone neglects - or chooses not - to do three minutes of research that could save them a lot of headaches, heartaches, and cash, well...
Check out what ChatGPT spits out with this rudimentary prompt:
I'm an aspiring author. I've written a book and I want to publish it. I don't know how to do this. Should I pay a company to publish it for me?
----------- START CHATGPT RESPONSE -----------
Congratulations on writing your book! When it comes to publishing, you have several options, and it's important to consider the pros and cons of each before deciding whether to pay a company to publish your book. Here?s a breakdown of your options:
---
### **1. Self-Publishing (Do-It-Yourself)**
You take full control of the publishing process using platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, or Draft2Digital.
**Pros:**
- **Full creative control:** You manage everything from cover design to pricing.
- **Higher royalties:** Platforms like KDP offer up to 70% royalties.
- **Cost-effective:** No upfront payment required, aside from optional services (editing, cover design).
- **Fast turnaround:** Your book can be published within days.
**Cons:**
- **You handle everything:** Formatting, marketing, and distribution are your responsibility.
- **Learning curve:** Navigating publishing platforms and book promotion can take time.
**Steps to Self-Publish:**
1. Format your manuscript (using tools like Vellum or Kindle Create).
2. Design a professional book cover (consider hiring a designer).
3. Choose a platform (KDP for Amazon, IngramSpark for print distribution).
4. Upload your book and set pricing.
5. Develop a marketing plan (social media, ads, book reviews).
**Recommendation:** If you're willing to learn and put in effort, self-publishing can be a cost-effective and rewarding option.
---
### **2. Assisted Self-Publishing (Paying a Company)**
Some companies offer publishing services where they handle aspects like formatting, cover design, and distribution while you retain ownership of your book.
**Pros:**
- **Convenience:** They take care of technical aspects.
- **Professional assistance:** Editing, cover design, and marketing packages are available.
- **Time-saving:** They streamline the process, allowing you to focus on writing.
**Cons:**
- **High costs:** Many services can be overpriced.
- **Varying quality:** Some companies offer subpar services; research is crucial.
- **Profit-sharing:** Some companies take a cut of your royalties.
**What to Watch Out For:**
- **Vanity publishers:** These companies charge high fees but may offer little value.
- **Rights and royalties:** Ensure you retain all rights to your book.
- **Hidden fees:** Clarify what?s included before signing any contracts.
**Recommended Assisted Publishing Services:**
- Reputable companies like **Reedsy, BookBaby, and Outskirts Press** offer fair services without taking ownership of your book.
---
### **3. Traditional Publishing (Getting a Publisher)**
You submit your manuscript to literary agents or publishers and, if accepted, they handle everything (editing, distribution, marketing).
**Pros:**
- **Credibility and prestige:** Your book gets industry recognition.
- **Wider distribution:** Your book can appear in bookstores and libraries.
- **Marketing support:** Publishers handle promotion.
**Cons:**
- **Highly competitive:** It can take months or years to get accepted.
- **Lower royalties:** Publishers typically offer around 10-15%.
- **Less creative control:** The publisher has the final say on edits, cover design, and marketing.
**Steps to Traditional Publishing:**
1. Research literary agents and publishers that fit your genre.
2. Prepare a strong query letter and book proposal.
3. Submit and be prepared for potential rejection before finding a fit.
---
### **Final Thoughts ? Which Should You Choose?**
- **If you want control and higher earnings:** Go with **self-publishing.**
- **If you need help but want to retain control:** Consider **assisted self-publishing.**
- **If you dream of seeing your book in major bookstores and don't mind the wait:** Pursue **traditional publishing.**
If you're new to publishing, **self-publishing via Amazon KDP** is an excellent starting point to learn the ropes without a significant financial investment. You can always explore other options later.
Let me know if you'd like more details on any of these paths!
----------- END CHATGPT RESPONSE -----------
Even Googling "should i pay a company to publish my book" returns this AI response:
----------- BEGIN GOOGLE AI RESPONSE -----------
No, you should not pay a company to publish your book; if a company asks you to pay upfront to publish your book, it is likely a scam and considered a "vanity press," meaning they will not provide real publishing services and are primarily interested in your money, not your writing quality; legitimate publishers will never ask you to pay to publish your book.
Key points to remember:
Legitimate publishers don't charge authors:
A reputable publisher will cover the costs of editing, design, and distribution, and may even offer you an advance on royalties.
Vanity presses are a red flag:
Companies that ask you to pay upfront to publish your book are likely vanity presses, which often provide poor quality services and minimal marketing support.
Self-publishing is an option:
If you want to publish your book yourself, you can utilize platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, where you pay for editing and design services as needed, but you retain full control over the process.
----------- END GOOGLE AI RESPONSE -----------
When I hear that someone has fallen prey to a vanity press, I assume they're lazy and/or irrational. There are too many easy-to-access resources available that make any other explanation unlikely.
There's no shame in being lazy or irrational. We're all lazy or irrational about something. But if someone neglects - or chooses not - to do three minutes of research that could save them a lot of headaches, heartaches, and cash, well...
45
Writer 101 [Public] / Re: The Justice Department cracks down on something I would deem a vanity press
« Last post by LilyBLily on January 20, 2025, 12:36:43 AM »The saddest thing is to meet self-published authors at book fairs who have spent thousands of dollars on vanity presses and probably have a garage full of print books they may never be able to sell. If they do book fairs for years, they might, but that's just another expense on top of what they've already spent, and typically they might sell one or two copies only per book fair, not even enough to cover their costs. Met someone a couple of years ago who had paid a company over $5,000 to produce her book. At that book fair, the price of a table was $120.
46
Marketing Loft [Public] / Re: 8K books in one year, really?
« Last post by Bill Hiatt on January 19, 2025, 11:56:18 PM »His work shows none of the signs of AI images (and I see enough of them in the course of a normal day to have a pretty good eye for them). Also, he's someone who manipulates licensed stock photos rather than creating entirely original art. It took him a while to do a recent cover, even though what I was asking for wasn't anything really weird. It was just something that wasn't readily available as a stock photo. (I know because I checked.) AI could have done it easily. (I know because I did it as a test.) Eventually, he came up with something that made me happy. But nothing about that work process suggests AI. It suggests exactly the opposite.The reduced waiting period with my designer tells me he's losing business left and right. I used to have to wait two months or more. Now, he starts work on my cover eight days from my request--and can do three covers back to back for me. That speaks to a pretty empty schedule.Or quietly using AI himself
As a general practice, it's better not to assume people are doing something unless you have real evidence.
47
Writer 101 [Public] / Re: The Justice Department cracks down on something I would deem a vanity press
« Last post by Bill Hiatt on January 19, 2025, 10:59:08 PM »People have a tendency to believe what they want to believe. Tell an author that latest book can be a bestseller and have a movie made about it, and that author has a built-in bias toward accepting that statement as true. Of course, if one is willing to set bias aside and do some research, it's possible to develop a more balanced view.
People often don't do their homework. Back in 2012, I remember a company advertising, "We can get your book up on Amazon for just $150." KDP, as we all know, is free.
People often don't do their homework. Back in 2012, I remember a company advertising, "We can get your book up on Amazon for just $150." KDP, as we all know, is free.
48
Marketing Loft [Public] / Re: 8K books in one year, really?
« Last post by Lorri Moulton on January 19, 2025, 01:42:45 PM »"Someone has cloned M.L Wang's SPFBO champion, avoiding Amazon's copyright infringment detection by having an AI rewrite the text line by line.
Feel free to hit that report button on Amazon."
It's been pulled already.
Not there when I tried to find it to see the rank.
The paperback is still up, but I don't see the ebook.
What's the link? It didn't come up in the search I did.
No ranking, but it does have 11 - 1 star reviews.
https://www.amazon.com/Sword-Kaigen-Legacy-Frost/dp/B0DT7G3HGG
49
Marketing Loft [Public] / Re: 8K books in one year, really?
« Last post by TimothyEllis on January 19, 2025, 01:38:17 PM »"Someone has cloned M.L Wang's SPFBO champion, avoiding Amazon's copyright infringment detection by having an AI rewrite the text line by line.
Feel free to hit that report button on Amazon."
It's been pulled already.
Not there when I tried to find it to see the rank.
The paperback is still up, but I don't see the ebook.
What's the link? It didn't come up in the search I did.
50
Marketing Loft [Public] / Re: 8K books in one year, really?
« Last post by Lorri Moulton on January 19, 2025, 01:34:48 PM »"Someone has cloned M.L Wang's SPFBO champion, avoiding Amazon's copyright infringment detection by having an AI rewrite the text line by line.
Feel free to hit that report button on Amazon."
It's been pulled already.
Not there when I tried to find it to see the rank.
The paperback is still up, but I don't see the ebook.
ETA: No ranking, but there are 11 - 1 star reviews.
https://www.amazon.com/Sword-Kaigen-Legacy-Frost/dp/B0DT7G3HGG