Why to Self-Publish

Publishing vs. Self-Publishing

     Over the past decade, the major publishers have faced numerous problems. The number of independent bookstores is shrinking. The number of superstores has increased, but they carry lots of non-book products. Book sales are going down. The Internet provides a new outlet for business but is taking away business at the same time. The publishers are merging and each time they merge, it means fewer books get published.
     The list goes on. As a result of all these changes in book publishing, the average author finds it more and more difficult to get into print. In fact, the majority of large publishers are looking only for well-known authors, extremely commercial projects and media tie-ins.
     If your book doesn't fit any of these descriptions--and even if it does--you will find it extremely difficult to get published. You will have better luck with a small press. But be aware that small presses pay little or no money. You will have no say over what your book looks like, what's on the cover, how it is packaged, etc.
     However, if you decide to self-publish, you will have greater control over your book. Keep in mind that if you self-publish, or if you go with a "vanity press," you could end up with hundreds of books stacked in your garage or kitchen, with no way to sell them. Even more discouraging, editors at other publishing companies know the names of these vanity presses and pay no attention to books these companies submit to them.
     Toad Hall has been in the book publishing business for over thirty years. We will work with chosen authors to professionally publish a book. You will have a say about the cover and interior design. You will not have hundreds of copies sitting around gathering dust. In fact, we have the means to sell your book in bookstores and over the Internet. (We have already published numerous titles that are selling in stores and elsewhere.) Our books are reviewed by magazines and newspapers. Our clients are interviewed on radio and television. We also have international connections, and can submit your book overseas for consideration for foreign publication. And we also have contacts with movie and television producers. We have sold movie options to several books (such as the TV movie Roswell).
     We will work with authors for both fiction and non-fiction books. However, in order to be accepted by us, we will need to see the following:

the first 50 or so pages of the manuscript
a synopsis of not more than 6 pages, if it is a novel
an expanded outline, if it is non-fiction
if it is illustrated, sample copies (not originals) of artwork and photos
author biography or curriculum vitae

If we agree that the book merits publication, we will ask to see the rest of the manuscript. (Poets need only send us random samples and a total number of poems.) If we agree to work with you, we will negotiate an agreement that covers design, publication, distribution, publicity, etc. In exchange for paying the up-front costs of design, printing, and editing, you will receive a hefty percentage of all sales and the sales and licensing of subsidiary rights. Since the price is dependent on the size of the book, we are unable to give any prices here. If you have any questions, please contact us.

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