I have been writing since 2010. At first it was poetry. Then short stories. I would submit to online journals. They’d approve and publish. After a while a bulk of my writings became available online. I decided to compile and publish them through traditional mode.
I started sending samples of my work to known Publishing Houses (PH). Months went by without a comeback. Soon I learned about slushpile, i.e., a kind of a dumpster where submitted works of first timers and lesser known writers (in print medium) languished. I was even told there was no market for poetry and short stories. This seemed contradictory because my experience said readers loved reading them online.
I also learned about literary agents to whom writers submitted their work for evaluation and onward submission to PHs. However, the evaluation was more from a commercial perspective. A paid and time consuming service with no set deadline for a revert which could be in the negative as well.
Self publishing had just started making inroads. However, it was considered downmarket and a last resort for rejected writers. Established PHs also did self publishing on chargeable basis which only included printing of the book. Any add-ons like editing, book launching etc were extra.
Weighing the pros and cons, I decided on self publishing which seemed a better option than an indefinite wait. The PH which was a name in the field turned out to be helmed by an ill-reputed person. He too kept me waiting on the pretext of being busy in launching books of other authors. I politely backed away.
It took me a few more years to find a well meaning PH which largely published books by retired defence personnel. We negotiated on the publishing amount. I forwent the royalty. They forwarded a contract which was by and large unilateral the entire onus of breach being on the writer. The marketing of the book would be my baby but they agreed to give me a few complimentary copies for review and publicity.
The editor was sincere to the core. We discussed and re-discussed the handful of short stories which I intended to get published. Editing turned out to be a two way process and involved ‘n’ number of drafts and re-drafts from her as well as my side. Finally, it was time to go for printing.
The cover jacket was made by one of my very good online friends whom I had never met in person. The PH was reluctant to give her the due credit. But I was adamant. Then the day dawned when my book went on-shelf. All these happened with a demanding job. I had to, as per HR policy, take special approval from my Organisation to get published.
My friends and acquaintances appreciated my work. However, due to paucity of time I couldn’t go in for aggressive marketing. There was no mechanism to find out the actual sale of the book too. Although the monetary gain did not matter but the lack of transparency in the system was an eye opener.
Years later when I approached the PH for e- publication of the book I was told my manuscript was compromised by one of their former employees who had run away with the soft version of the documents.
😔😔😔😔
I’ve heard intellectual copyright. That person who runs away with the soft version of your manuscript seems guilty of it. I’m sorry to hear that, gc
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Yes, even I am worried about that. Thanks Hazel.
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My pleasure, gc
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The road to publishing seems rarely to be straightforward and never easy. Thank you for sharing this.
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Yes, I shared my experience for all to know what exactly it is that goes in the name of and in the world of publishing.
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It’s a real shame that some give publishers, including reputable self publishing companies, a bad name. It makes it very difficult as writers!
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There are some well meaning PHs no doubt. But the renowned ones are out of reach. One needs contacts and connections.
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Some hard lessons learnt
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True Derrick. I learnt it the hard way. I think KDP is a much better option now.
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बड़े कठिन हे पब्लिशिंग के रास्ते,और फिर कोई आपकी मेहनत चुरा ले,कितना बुरा लगा होगा आपको
आपके पास कोई कॉपी होगी ना
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हां नुसरत कॉपी तो है। डर इस बात का है कि वो मेरा काम अपने नाम से न छपवा ले।
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हां वह बात टू हे,इसी लिए तो चुराया होगा
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Having read your book, I can say that you did the rightest thing by getting it published. You have termed it as a short story book but it contains lengthy stories too. My publication experiences have been no better than yours. Anyway, let’s be happy by writing on our blogs and enjoy the appreciation of the readers coming to us through their comments. I have not liked this post because I can’t decide whether I should like it or not.
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I know you’d agree with me Mathur Sahab. However, partly I am responsible as I did not spend much time in publicizing the book. If I go for publication again I will do so.
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Hello Geeta ji, not much is lost if you still want to republish and market it well this time!
Since you have the copy, it’s still your intellectual property. If you’re interested in doing an e-book, limited hard copies, and proper promotion, let me know. I’d be happy to help work out a plan for you!
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Are you in publishing?
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I’m in Research, Marketing & Communication and have experience in Book Publishing and Promotions. I understand the business side of it.
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Ok great. Let’s see what transpires.
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👍
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Oh, no, Geeta. Publishing is a difficult way to make a living. We don’t need sabotage.
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Yes, it is Mary. Thank you very much.
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Congratulations on being a published author Geeta. I’m sorry that it was such a long and hard process. But I hope you have saved a few copies of your book
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Thank you Sadje. Publishing is not always easy.
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You’re welcome dear friend. Publishing is not profitable either, unless one is already an established writer.
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I knew publishing was hard. Looks like a battle.
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It was for me, yes Ganga. Others may have a different story.
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That must’ve been really tough to go through… 😔 But honestly, the way you kept going despite everything says a lot about you. Your writing deserved better, and it still does 🤍✨
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Thank you Rajeshwari. Life is not a bed of roses as they say.
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Wow… what a story… thankfully we have our blogs, with control and voice!
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Yes, that’s true ..
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Learning the hard way as they say.
I always enjoyed your short stories and poem, Geetaji. Have you thought of giving it any chance? I mean e-publication.
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I am in the thinking mode. Let’s see
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Part of a contract should be how much money will be spend for advertisement. To get a book published is only the first step, but then it’s important how many copies you’ll sell. Will you do lecture tours, talk shows or book signings etc.?
We wish you good luck
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Yes, you are right. But the contract did not include all these
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Ma’am, I’m so sorry to learn about your challenging experiences with publishing. I always cherish reading your collection and you truly deserve more visibility. Of course, as another commenter thoughtfully noted, your blogs continue to inspire readers including myself and I wish you abundance of creative endeavors ahead!
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Thank you so much Deeptangshu
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R Didi
Thank you for liking my post ‘smile’. 🙏🌹💐
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You are more than welcome
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