The economics of publishing have changed according to this interesting blog from LSE
Publish with a full publisher
1) Fight to get one of them to represent you
2) You get a few hundred dollars
3) You get an editor etc
4) You give up all rights
Self publishers include:
Xlibris, Lulu, iUniverse, Authorhouse, Trafford, Booklocker, Publish and be damned
Publish yourself:
1) Basics costs $500 (includes 10 copies)
2) Hire an editor of your choice (underpaid masters degree student): 20 hrs at $25/hr = $500 (up to a few thousand)
3) You get a choice of cover designs and interior layouts. They give you an ISBN and a barcode, register you at a range of online stores and Books in Print, and give you a Web page to promote your book.
4) You retain all the rights.
5) 10% of the cover price if you sell via online store
It seems you break even at 25 copies sold.
Posted by Anthony at January 25, 2005 05:47 PM | TrackBack