How to Start Your Own Publishing Business by Rose Jackson-Beavers
“If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.” I learned that very important lesson from my mother when I was a little girl. Those words of wisdom stayed with me into adulthood and inspired me to start Prioritybooks Publications. Dubious experiences with local publishers also motivated me to start my own company.
The first time I worked with a small publisher, I found at least thirty mistakes in my book. Although we sold 500 copies, I lost interest in writing and felt like my career was over before I ever really started. I shared my feelings of desolation with the publisher. She began the task of teaching me how to publish my own work. She encouraged me to revise my book and to keep my head up. She answered my many questions about the publishing industry.
The next time around, I contracted with another small publisher to complete two novels. Even at this point, I still had not done enough legwork to understand how to publish a good book. The publisher assured me that she had edited my work. The cover the company suggested for one novel was horrible. I substituted the cover and began the arduous task of selling both novels. They sold extremely well. Unfortunately, my joy did not last. I received a phone call from a dear friend: "I love the book, but there are too many errors,” she said. “I couldn’t put it down. You did a great job.”
So, I reread the book. To my dismay, there were so many mistakes, I just cried. The novel was full of misspelled words and missing punctuation. It was a mess. I went to my husband and told him I felt I had been duped. I had paid for the work with my Visa® card. My husband advised me to call Visa®. I did. They got my money back.
By this time, I was so angry and disappointed that I was determined to become a publisher myself. I studied and learned about the market. I contacted professionals who had expertise in editing, book design and illustrations. I was determined to republish my works according to my standards.
I wanted to write but feared that submitting my manuscripts to a traditional book publisher might do me more harm than good. I don’t think I could have handled the rejection. And I certainly didn’t want to give up my love for writing.
Through my company, Prioritybooks Publications, I have published two of my own novels and books by several other authors. I am living out my dream. My novels, A Hole in My Heart and Backroom Confessions, are now available through major booksellers and local book stores.
I coauthored A Hole in My Heart with 15-year-old Edward Booker. The novel, inspired by a true story, chronicles the trials of a 13-year old boy whose drug-addicted mother pursues a path of self-destruction. The teen, who lives in the midst of poverty and violence, wrestles each day to stay on the straight and narrow path. This book is receiving many positive reviews from students and adults throughout St. Louis and in other parts of the country. Backroom Confessions is a sassy tale of five social workers who are charged with helping the needy while living soap opera lives of their own. This book is also garnering great reviews.
My company is now working with other writers. To date, I have published five other authors, and my client list is growing. I haven’t given up on my hopes of having my work accepted by a traditional publishing house, but right now I am happy with publishing my own work. I also enjoy helping budding writers experience the same joy I did when I first saw my own words in print.
I owe my success to the three P’s – passion, perseverance and patience. Life is good, but I wouldn’t say it’s charmed just yet. Now that I have my own company, I work even harder.
I’m not just writing and editing anymore, I am nurturing new authors, negotiating contracts, dealing with vendors, checking email and doing a lot of phone work. I continue to write for magazines and newspapers. Six months ago, I began writing for the Web.
Mama was right. If you want something done right, do it yourself.
Rose Jackson-Beavers is chief executive officer of Prioritybooks Publications. Her books are available through www.Amazon.com and www.Borders.com. Her company also makes the books available at www.prioritybooks.com. Email Rose at rosbeav03@yahoo.com. |