Traditional Publishing vs. Direct Publishing

Q. What are the relative pros and cons of traditional publishing vs direct publishing via Story Merchant Books:

A. 

Traditional Publishing:

3-12 months response time.

All publishing rights to publisher in perpetuity.

You retain dramatic rights.

Print and ebook.

1-2 year time lag between start and publication.

0-Low advance, unless 4-5 publishers are bidding.

All marketing dependent on you.

You lose control of cover design.

You have no control over you book's epage.

No ability to revise or alter once published.

No control of retail pricing.

After 2 years, royalties reported/paid every 6 months.

No interaction between you & publisher on marketing.

You need to work through a publicist to market.


Direct Publishing from Story Merchant Books:

1 month maximum response time.

You retain all publishing rights.

You retain dramatic rights.

Print and ebook.

1-4 month time lag between start and publication.

No advance.

All marketing dependent on you (with SM advice).

You retain control of cover design.

SM's special relationship with the estores allows us to add enhancements to your page.

Full ability to rise or alter once published.

Full control of retail pricing.

After 90 days, royalties reported/paid every three months and update on request.

SM advises you on marketing.

SM Book Marketing Service eliminate the need for a publicist.