I'm looking for a publisher. Are you a publisher?

We offer a "hybrid" publishing service that is oriented to authors and individuals who wish to self-publish their book(s) but do not wish to establish their own publishing imprint by purchasing a set of International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs). Our imprint service is known as Wythe-North Publishing and more information can be found by clicking on the link below.

What sets us apart from traditional publishers and subsidy publishers is the degree of control an author maintains over his or her original work.

What is self-publishing?

It is where an author acts as their own publisher: having the book designed and printed, selling and shipping the book, handling returns of unsold copies, and promoting the book.

What if I already have ISBNs? Do I have to use your imprint and ISBN?

No. Absolutely not.

If I have a set of ISBNs already, can you still provide print-on-demand printing services?

Yes. In fact, a number of publishers use our service as a convenient way of handling supply and inventory matters.

What if I just want a book for family and friends? Do I have to go to the trouble of using an ISBN?

No. Absolutely not.

What are the advantages of self-publishing?

Greater control and more income than standard publishing contracts are two reasons, for starters.

What are the disadvantages?

Out-of-pocket expenses (and these can be big!), handling returns for credit, lack of promotion, running a business if you aren't prepared for it, regular trips to the post office to ship books -- these are just a few.

What is the biggest hurdle a self-publisher has to clear?

Selling inventory. Even if a book is wonderful -- well written, crisp layout, outstanding cover -- if it doesn't sell, you've poured money down the drain. It is essential to know how, when, where, who, what, and why you will sell the book BEFORE it is even printed!

What is "print-on-demand?"

Print-on-demand, or simply, POD, is a printing process where books are printed straight from computer files directly to paper. One advantage is that small quantities (e.g., 50) can be printed at a time, as opposed to traditional offset printing, where quantities under 1000 pieces are simply not cost-effective.

Are there any drawbacks to keeping inventory?

There are three main issues when it comes to keeping an inventory of books. 1) Until inventory sells, cash is tied up that might be needed elsewhere. 2) Space is necessary to warehouse the books, free from humidity and insects. 3) Inventory is considered income by the IRS, and must be reported as such at income tax time.

Will I need a barcode? Why is an ISBN important?

If your book will be sold in bookstores and/or online (e.g., Amazon.com), then yes, you must have a barcode. In order to have a proper barcode, you must have an International Standard Book Number -- ISBN, for short. An ISBN is simply an identifying number for a particular book. For example, if you have the same book (words and pictures) printed in both hard cover and paperback, each version of the book would have its own unique ISBN. This is so bookstores, libraries, and customers can make sure they are getting the correct book when ordering.

If I don't use your publishing imprint and ISBN, where do I get my own?

R.R. Bowker is the North American agency responsible for ISBNs. A link to their website is provided on our Links page. Please note you cannot purchase one ISBN at a time; they must be ordered in a minimum set of ten. The price for a set of 10 ISBNs is currently $275.

How much money will I make on my book?

If you sell the book yourself directly to an individual customer, you will receive "full retail" on a book, i.e., the cover price (retail price) of the book. If you sell the book to a bookstore, you must discount the book the standard rate -- 40% off the cover price -- and sell the book at a wholesale price to the bookstore, which in turn sells the book at retail. If you use a distributor to sell the book to bookstores (handy for handling returns and boosting sales), then you must sell the book to the distributor or wholesaler at a discount of 55% off the cover price. The wholesaler then sells the book to a bookstore at the discounted price of 40% off the cover price. Here is how it works:

• Paperback book titled "Widgets and Whatnot" by Jane Doe, author and self-publisher, retail price $10.00:
  
  
• Sold directly to an individual, Jane earns $10.00 per copy.
  
  
• Sold to a bookstore, Jane earns $6.00 per copy; the bookstore, $4.00 per copy.
  
  
• Sold to a distributor, Jane earns $4.50 per copy; the distributor, $1.50 per copy; the bookstore, $4.00 per copy.

This is how retail pricing works; it is no different for books than it is for cars, washing machines, meals in a restaurant, or buying DVDs at Wal-mart. Everyone gets a cut. Don't forget that your costs for printing the book must come out of your cut. Figures shown are fairly standard; some distributors may negotiate a smaller pecentage in order to handle your book. Always clarify wholesale prices before shipping any orders or signing any contracts.

Why would anyone want to use a distributor or wholesaler?

Because it is their only business. They typically have contacts with buyers for major bookstore chains, have shipping and receiving departments, and handle returns. They can also provide some promotion on behalf of your book -- which, in all probability, will come out of any monies you may earn on the book.

You're making me think twice about doing this! Why would you do that?

We prefer our customers get started properly and have success, because we all win in that case. If you have established a good mix including a proper balance of direct sales, sales to stores, and using a wholesaler or distributor -- your chances of success with a particular book increase.