AuthorsTalk: Making the decision to go with a publisher

Why I Decided To Sign With A Publisher

by Stacey Nash

I’m aware that this is a somewhat controversial topic, but please… read on. I want to shed light on what it’s like to be published by a digital imprint at one of the big publishers.

Today’s publishing options are far more varied than they were ten years ago. Authors are no longer barred from entering the world of publishing by traditional gatekeepers. If you don’t have an agent, doesn’t matter. If you aren’t picked up by a publisher, who cares: Many people don’t even entertain the idea of submitting to publishers anyway. They want the control and freedom that self publishing allows. And as an author signed with a big publisher, I’m often asked but why? Why would you sign away your rights and a portion of your royalties when you could keep that for yourself?

There were a number of reasons why I didn’t want to go it alone. Why I chose to sign with HarperCollins’ Voyager Impulse line for my debut YA series:

• No financial outlay: If I was to self publish I would want to hire a professional cover artist, editor, copy writer, and publicist. These all add up to a large initial outlay and by signing with my publisher, I didn’t have to part with a cent. Yes, I don’t get as much money in royalties, but I think the pay off comes out about even.

• Industry professionals as mentors: Those professionals I mentioned above, not only worked on my books, but continue to guide me along the way. We’ve talked about future books in the series, marketing plans, and they even gave advice before my school visits and other public appearances.
  Market placement: My imprint is digital first, so my books aren’t in brick and mortar stores like authors whose books are with the more traditional imprints of HarperCollins. But there are online stores where they place my books that are not open to indie authors, such as department stores. This increases my reach much further than it would if I weren’t with them. Thus giving a broader sales potential.

• Publicity: All of the marketing doesn’t fall on me. My publisher creates swag, lists my books on reviewer websites, plus promotes them on social media and their website. This is all reach on top of my own reach, so it’s a fabulous bonus.

• Credibility: There is a certain credibility that goes with the name of some publishers. I don’t believe my publisher’s name makes my books any better than the next person’s, but there is instant brand recognition that goes with the big 5. Some readers like that brand recognition.

All in all, I love my publisher and am very happy in the choice I made by signing with them, but that’s not to say that my choice isn’t the best or the only option. As I said earlier, there is no right or wrong way to publish and I believe not only every author, but sometimes every book needs to walk a different path. Whatever your publishing journey, good luck!

And if you have any questions about my publishing journey feel free to ask away.

Stacey Nash writes adventure filled stories for Young Adults in the Science Fiction and Fantasy genres. She loves to read and write books that have a lot of adventure, a good dose of danger, a smattering of romance, and KISSING! Hailing from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, she loves nothing more than immersing herself in the beauty and culture of the local area.

Author of the Collective Series; Forget Me Not and Remember Me.

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Anamae is drawn into a world which shatters everything she knew to be true.

Since her mother vanished nine years ago, Anamae and her father have shared a quiet life. But when Anamae discovers a brooch identical to her mother’s favorite pendant, she unknowingly invites a slew of trouble into their world. They’re not just jewellery, they’re part of a highly developed technology capable of cloaking the human form. Triggering the jewellery’s power attracts the attention of a secret society determined to confiscate the device – and silence everyone who is aware of its existence. Anamae knows too much, and now she’s Enemy Number One. She’s forced to leave her father behind when she’s taken in by a group determined to keep her safe. Here Anamae searches for answers about this hidden world. With her father kidnapped and her own life on the line, Anamae must decide if saving her dad is worth risking her new friends’ lives. No matter what she does, somebody is going to get hurt.

Forget Me Not
Amz US / Amz UK / Amz CA / B&N / iTunes / Kobo

Remember Me
Amz US / Amz UK / Amz CA / B&N / iTunes / Kobo