If you don’t work with an agent and you receive unexpected interest in your books, here are guidelines that may keep you from signing a contract that doesn’t further your career:
- Make no hurried promises over the phone or email. Take the time you need to assess the offer and interest. Legitimate book publishing normally moves slowly, so anyone demanding immediate decisions should be regarded with suspicion. Books take time to write, so an author must not feel compelled to make a career decision during a quick conversation.
- Search the Internet to see if this person is who they say they are. Look everywhere. If you are only able to find people with that name or a close match working in a different field but not publishing, run away.
- Search the Internet to find the publisher. Again, look everywhere. No website or any way to find them? Run away.
- If you find a publisher’s website, read every word. An expensive website doesn’t mean the publisher is right for you. Don’t let emotions about being connected to a glitzy business carry you into a poor decision.
- Who is the publisher? Most publishers who offer edits and guidance for a fee are legitimate businesses. Numerous authors who work with these publishers buy many books they sell directly to their readers. While this model is perfect for some authors, it is not a traditional deal where the publisher incurs the bulk of the production expense and takes most of the marketing load.
- Still unsure? Ask around. Ask your author friends if they know this person and business. No one knows everyone but your author friends do, or they can find someone who does.
- Check your emotions. Scammers trade in emotion. They want authors to feel wanted and loved enough to part with their money. One method is to promise authors much more money than they dreamed they could earn through writing. The more money you’re being offered, the more you need to seek professional publishing advice. Everyone wants to think they’ve just been discovered and are finally being paid what they’re worth. While this could be true, a professional will ensure an impartial assessment and evaluation of your offer.
Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments.