For nearly as long as I have been in the publishing industry, the term “self-publishing” has carried with it a certain stigma. Publishers who specialized in it were branded “vanity presses.” We hope to change that perception with the announcement of WestBow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson. This imprint officially launches today.
Although we receive thousands of submissions from aspiring authors, we only publish about 500 new titles per year. Until now we have had nothing to offer these authors other than a rejection letter and our best wishes for “finding just the right publishing partner.”
Because of my blog, I hear from scores of these authors every month. They have grown weary of trying to get their book into print. Unable to find a publisher—or even an agent—they are discouraged and ready to quit. It seems there are simply too many authors, too many manuscripts, and too little shelf space.
As a result, many authors have given up on traditional publishers. They have taken matters into their own hands. For the first time since such figures have been kept, print-on-demand titles outpaced traditionally-published titles in 2008 according to Bowker, the agency that publishes the Books In Print database and assigns ISBNs. Self-published print-on-demand titles make up the bulk of this expanding category.
Why is Thomas Nelson entering this segment? Three reasons:
- We think there is huge growth potential in this category. Increasing numbers of people are moving from being merely consumers to being creators. They want to express themselves creatively. Just witness the phenomenal success of user-generated content sites like YouTube, Flickr, and Scribd.
- We want to offer a legitimate alternative to traditional publishing. Why should all the power be in the hands of publishers? If prospective authors are convinced their book should be in print and are willing to fund it, they should be able to do so without the fear that they might be ripped off.
- We want to find the new voices for tomorrow. Publishers aren’t omniscient. We miss numerous opportunities every year. Finding the next bestseller is like searching for a needle in a haystack. WestBow Press provides us with a kind of “farm team.” We intend to watch the sales of these titles carefully. We will offer traditional publishing contracts to those authors whose self-published books begin to gain traction.
We also want to work with agents and consultants as “WestBow Press Affiliates,” so that they can help more authors realize their dream of getting published. Rather than simply send a rejection letter, they can now offer a legitimate alternative and earn a referral fee in the process. (If you are interested in our affiliate program, please send an email to Pete Nikolai, who is overseeing it.)
Is self-publishing right for everyone? Obviously not. But it might be right for you. It is worth considering if any of the following apply to your situation:
- You are passionate about your book idea but can’t seem to find a publisher or agent who “gets it.”
- You are weary of the rejection letters and just want to get your book into print—now!
- You really don’t care about selling a gazillion copies and becoming famous. You just want something to give to your family and friends.
- You are a public speaker and need a book to sell at your events.
- You want a published book to explain your business philosophy and provide a “calling card” for prospective clients.
- You know that even if a publisher agrees to publish your book, you are probably not going to get A-list treatment. You might as well do it yourself and keep the lion’s share of the profits.
- You are the pastor of a church and want something to drive your sermon series more deeply into the life of your congregation.
The name “WestBow Press” is particularly significant to us at Thomas Nelson. West Bow Street in Edinburgh, Scotland is the place where a young, eighteen-year-old visionary named Thomas Nelson first started his publishing company in 1798. It is our hope that WestBow Press can be the place where authors with a dream to be published can also launch their writing careers.
In creating WestBow Press, we are partnering with Author Solutions, Inc. (ASI), the world’s leading self-publisher. I have personally visited their offices in Bloomington, Indiana, along with my senior executive team and several of our publishers. I can vouch for the fact that ASI is an extremely well-run organization. Their primary strength is customer-service. They have hundreds of publishing professionals on their staff and deliver the kind of quality that you would expect from any trade publisher.
If you are interested in learning more about WestBow Press, please visit the new Web site. As part of this launch, we are offering a special “introductory discount” of 20%. This offer will end on November 15th.
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Great idea!
This is encouraging for someone who has never been published. I was ready for the long haul of rejections/disappointments while pursing traditional publishing.
If a person did well under WestBow Press, could they 'graduate' to TN?
I definitely agree with your point when you stated that self-publishing is not for everyone. That's why it is vital for every writer to asses the marketability of the book. It's also important to create an effective and practical marketing strategic plan for your book. Thanks for sharing this post!
Sincerely,
BookWhirl.com | You have a book…We have the Marketing Resources.
Mike, great to know you're thinking of the little guy with Westbow Press… I can't wait to see hw this platform will launch the next generation Lucado, Swindoll, and Maxwell (in terms of traditional publishing sales) through leveraging their social media accumen and digital platforms.
It's going to be an awesome day when WP titles outpace sales of traditional publisher titles in the digital publishing age (coming real soon with Apple's new E-Reader). These are very exciting times… thank you for the brilliant strategic move… keep "making it happen".
I've read several self-pubbed books and have found that the stigma is well-deserved: poorly written novels still outnumber the well written ones. If your prediction is true and your lead is followed by other major publishing houses within the next 24 months, I wonder if readers will start buying books according to the imprint that offers the best quality read.
This was actually the point I was making in an earlier comment about price. "Self-publishing" is not the equivalent of merely "printing." Too many authors go the cheap route, thinking they are getting the former but, in effect, only getting the latter. At WestBow Press we provide the kind of editorial help that ensures you put your best foot forward. The editors cant turn a mediocre novelist into a Hemingway (any more than a traditional publisher can), but they can offer significant help to authors who are willing to listen.
Linda,
Mike is right when it comes to editorial help; however, I collected some comments from Publishers Weekly, for reviews they did for traditionally published books:
"Clunky pacing and cartoonish characters"
"reads like a superficial TV script"
"overall silliness and lack of credible characters"
"a mechanical plot and an improbable ending far from satisfy"
"descriptions of technology and applications are painstakingly over explained"
"wooden dialogue"
Meanwhile, I have read some beautifully written books that were published as PODs and wonder why they didn’t get the attention they deserved. It’s a quandary to be sure.
As a fan of self-publishing, I have looked at a number of self-publishing companies and the services they offer. From what I have seen, WestBow Press appears to be right in line in terms of services and pricing. The big question that will have to be answered over time is what makes WestBow something other than Thomas Nelson’s attempt to jump on the bandwagon.
I am certainly interested in this new Nelson self-published line, which after a good night sleep and input from friends have come to the conclusion it is suitable, not so much for my fiction, as I am still confident there is a chance a traditional publisher will pick it up one day, but for my narrative history of Rajasthan- “Rajput”. Because of its niche quality, I know it is difficult for a traditional publisher to be interested since it is aimed at a limited audience, India, and more precisely, Hindu oriented schools. However, even though it is not completed, I can work miracles under pressure- I shall be in touch with your contact Pete Nikolai. As I am giving up building my patio to pay for this, I hope I shall make enough to do both!!!
Nice to see Thomas Nelson is jumping on the band wagon with Lifeway (who introduced Cross Books several months ago). The question is does your program offer similar or better benefits. I guess time will tell.
Yes, Lifeway was actually the first in our segment. Knowing how strict their standards are, this gave us confidence to begin a dialog with ASI. Thanks.
I'm now author #12 with Westbow and look forward to my book "Health As Mission" getting out there! Michael, thanks so much for providing leadership and vision in this publishing area that needs direction. I like the idea of Westbow being more an indie publishing house and think that's going to make a big difference as the responsibility for promotion and success is shared. Blessings, William
William, that is awesome! Great news.
As a multi-published author who has been in this business for more than two decades, I can speak first-hand on this topic. The vast majority of my 30 books have been traditionally published (two with Thomas Nelson), but I also chose to self-publish my train-of-thought writer's workbook, as I teach on the topic at writers' conferences all over the country and therefore have a built-in platform to sell the books. I'm thrilled to see TN offering this very viable option to talented authors who might not otherwise see their books in print. Congratulations!
Kathi "Easy Writer" Macias
As an author who considered traditional publishing at one time, I am now the author of two self-published books with another one on the way very soon to publication. I was never misled in believing my books would be on bookshelves everywhere in the country, but I did understand that I was responsible for the success of my book by heading up the marketing myself. Personally, I love that aspect of self-publishing. This is an exciting undertaking for Thomas Nelson and AuthorHouse and just another example of the innovative results generated by all the visionaries on the leadership teams at both companies.
This is smart move, and a great opportunity for new authors. I have two titles in POD now. It’s a very cost effective way of publishing, especially when you have an existing platform, whatever size that might be. Big savings on warehousing space for the book sellers and the publisher. Over the long haul this savings should be passed on to the consumer.
This is exciting news for the industry, but as Michael has pointed out, it's not new. Other publishers have met with great success using this model. Thomas Nelson is smart to jump on board.
As a fulltime freelance writer and publishing consultant, as well as an advisory board member for Author Solutions, I couldn’t be more pleased with this news. I write about the industry often and meet many worthy writers who cannot get their works published, which is so frustrating. Now WestBow Press offers good news, along with validation. Getting past the gatekeeper is something I often write about. Here is a link to just one blog titled “What’s an Unpublished Writer to Do? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carol-hoenig/whats-... Meanwhile, I wish success to all involved in this venture!
When I began writing books at age 59, I set two goals: write painstakingly researched books that touch people and make the books available to people who want them. I didn’t have the patience to begin hunting for an agent, not at 59. After considerable research, including conversations with authors who had been published traditionally as well as POD, I began working with AuthorHouse. Four books later, feedback from readers tells me I’ve been achieving my goals.
Thanks, Mike. This is helpful.
I think this is excellent news. It will give more hope for authors to make a full time living at writing books. A chance to move out of the minor leagues and go to the big show is awesome.
For those who are negative on the idea. Myself and another author who started out with IUniverse in its toddler stages did okay for ourselves. I got plenty of media attention. The other author got picked up by a traditional publisher. I wish this Westbow opportunity was available back in the year 2000. I have written many times on a Christian Writers site that POD is the future in publishing. Publishers must get on board now. Because I believe in the future authors can and will us technology to become their own publishing entity. I know people will laugh at the idea.
There has been a number of comments on cost. As a marketer of books I cannot believe the value being offered in the marketing packages. We either execute these type of programs or hire third party companies to do so on our behalf every day. The relative low cost and the value of the Westbow marketing pacakges make me want to hire them!
Thanks, Dale. Excactly what I thought the first time I saw them. (For everyone else: Dale is the VP of Marketing for our Non-Fiction Publishing Group at Thomas Nelson.)
You need to look into some of the research conducted during the Third Reich. ,
I've been thinking about Westbow since first reading this announcement. I've got something that might be worth publishing; only problems are I'm more than a little afraid and intimidated by the cost. Lots of saving to do, I guess.
I'm ready to publish and applied online. I can understand that West Bow might be overwhelmed initially, but how long will it take to get a response? I have people asking for my book!
I have asked someone in our offices to contact you. Usually, we respond within 24 hours. However, I noted that you are in Australia, so there may be some issue with the time difference.
Thanks for your patience.
Awesome – thank you Mr H
Recently there has been a lot of talk about self publishing. Although I do believe it is wonderful to be able to publish what we want when we want, we must be certain that our reasons for publishing are valid and compatible with this means. Why are we publishing? If the answer is because we want to make truck loads of money or become a famous well read author than I am afraid that self publishing is by no means the way to go.
You see, self publishing, vanity publishing or partnership publishing are rarely going to give a writer incredible results as far as money and fame go. However, if the writer really has something important to say; it is a wonderful way to help others. Often as we move away from the traditional route we can really lose track of what it takes to become a well read author.
Many times it is the literary agent who acts as a filter. A good agent will be totally honest with a writer about their work. The best agents will encourage a want to be author to continue working at their craft. Ten thousand hours is roughly the amount of exercise required to reach the optimal condition in any profession. Persistence is the key. The more we work at the things we are passionate about the better we become at being passionate beings that are ready to be all that we are created to be.
I think the first step in the life of any writer, preacher, teacher or any other professional is to get the Ego right out of their way. Protecting our ego only serves to hinder our growth and halt our progress in the field of choice. Let’s get things straight; we are never the best we can be right out of the gate. Being fantastic at anything takes initiative, persistence and passion. We must understand that we always have more to learn.
I called literary agents filters. They are just that and the big time publishers know this well. In fact, they count on them to present them with the best of the best. If an agent continually pushes through inferior work he/she will find themselves pushing at closed doors sooner than they would like. You see, they will lose the respect of the publishers who get hundreds of manuscript per week and have little time to read works that just are not up to par.
I understand the temptation that exists within the mind of a would be author to just tear off the bandage fast and submit their manuscript, but I highly recommend holding off submitting anything until the work is as good as it will get. By the way, literary agents and publisher do not want completed manuscripts; they are looking for a book proposal. If you don’t know what that is I strongly recommend that you Google it as soon as your done reading this essay. Please, do not send a complete manuscript. A good agent will generally receive about one hundred of these per week and have little chance to look at them even if they chose to.
I am very surprised that with the newest surge of self publishing companies out there that nobody has mentioned that one of a literary agent’s top priorities is to protect a writer from being read before their time. In my position I have had the misfortune of reading some self published works that have made this the most obvious purpose in any agent’s career. There are a lot of potentially great authors out there today. People with wonderful imaginations and enlightened souls, but they just are not ready to be read and it is a cold hard fact that they never will be read again by me. When an agent tells us no it is to protect us from damaging our name or our brand. Brand image is the most important thing in publishing and for that matter in just about anything else. If a writer is serious about having a career as an author I highly recommend working at their craft until they get to the point where they can acquire a good agent.
Just think about it for a minute. How many times have we gone to a terrible restaurant and rushed back to try another meal? I would say rare to never. Why would we? What we expect is the same slop we got the first time and we are not going to spend our hard earned money on that again. If we went to see a movie by a certain director and it stunk up the theatre we would be very hesitant to ever see another one by the same director. This is why it is crucial for actors and directors to carefully evaluate any script before they agree to participate. The future of their careers depends on it!
We would not want to eat a cake before the timer sounds telling us it is finished. I am not interested in dealing with anything that is half done and neither is the rest of the world. Many times a new writer’s work is just that. It takes time to create something worth reading. The process takes perseverance, practice and passion.
Another situation where self-publishing may make sense is if your material is of interest to a small, but active, niche market. For example, about 10 years ago I self-published a state history curriculum for homeschoolers. That project would never have been profitable to a traditional publisher, but has sold very well in its niche. A similar example might be a book that appeals to hobbyists–perhaps a manual on how to break horses or a hiker's guide to trails in a particular region. There is no expectation that these books would appeal to a large market, but they can generate interest within a specific readership.
It is interesting that Thomas Nelson and others are launching new imprints to attend to the self-publishing model. It is good news for self-publishing authors as the lines/credibility gap gets blurred when major publishers embrace this segment of the market. At the same time, LuLu, Amazon and other services that helped "user generated" content get published in the same form factor makes it increasingly enticing.
I think having a complete picture of all inclusive costs is one of the major hurdles for someone that hasn't gone through the entire process. $999 seems steep to the first time author to pay upfront without knowing if you'll also have to pay for cover design, editing, formatting, etc.