tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post3698398497871971135..comments2024-03-18T06:16:18.802-05:00Comments on A Newbie's Guide to Publishing: Book Country FailJA Konrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-420234699699495282016-05-02T14:29:01.914-05:002016-05-02T14:29:01.914-05:00Can someone please recommend a good illustrator?
...Can someone please recommend a good illustrator? <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-72559341428971573372015-03-27T15:02:02.821-05:002015-03-27T15:02:02.821-05:00Book Country lures would-be authors with the possi...Book Country lures would-be authors with the possibility 0f Penguin noticing their book and offering them a book deal. From what I can tell, no one has gotten a traditional book deal - books have been published as e-books. (Not that there's anything wrong with that. Thank you, Jerry Seinfeld.) But I think a lot of people are dreaming of book deals with hardcover books and book tours and all the rest. Dream on. They have a literary fiction section, but a huge portion of the books workshopped on the site, and that seem to receive the most attention, are fantasy fiction. Fine, if you like that genre. But the whole site seems oriented toward that genre.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-23716365759644240942014-10-21T13:08:30.149-05:002014-10-21T13:08:30.149-05:00Whenever I tried uploading on Book Country it alwa...Whenever I tried uploading on Book Country it always says, error saving project. And when you write to them they say " We can upload it from here". It is fun sometimes, not to mention in the profile that you managed sales and marketing for leading dot-com in the world. It is funny to see how you can upload 5 books on Amazon or anywhere and not on book country, I scratched my head on the meaning for free self-publishing.Hypno-NLPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17025778486988124319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-18767633144968118932014-10-21T13:03:28.308-05:002014-10-21T13:03:28.308-05:00" Learning Never Ends", After working fo..." Learning Never Ends", After working for the world's biggest dot-com<br /> company and having 5 ebooks on leading websites, I learnt from Book Country that Only I get an error when I upload ebooks even after formatting 5 times and trying for 2 days, even when their own system says that my format is error free. And, when I write to them, they say that " Oh we can upload it from here but we don't face any problems"...It's fun when you don't mention in your profile that you worked for world biggest dot-com company..Anyways. Time to focus on other upcoming publications. The authors rule the content and not the publishers ! So what exactly is FREE SELF PUBLISHING ? Cheers Bye.Hypno-NLPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17025778486988124319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-18989254797186072992013-11-22T07:13:32.316-06:002013-11-22T07:13:32.316-06:00Someone should buy BookCountrySucks.com and set up...Someone should buy BookCountrySucks.com and set up a warning site.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-89241425715571627822012-02-17T07:03:22.833-06:002012-02-17T07:03:22.833-06:00Hi Joe,
I am new visitor to your site. Its really...Hi Joe,<br /><br />I am new visitor to your site. Its really very helpful post. I learn many thing about the self publishing.<br /><br />Actually its make me to give a try to publish some useful information.<br /><br />I like your post and blog. I have two web directories, I have included your site on my directories.<br /><br />I will come back :)<br /><br />Thank your for sharing.<br /><br />Regards,<br />MaranMK Maranhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10290176832045550853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-44913470763773251552011-12-01T16:55:35.955-06:002011-12-01T16:55:35.955-06:00Thanks for the info. I want to stay away from the ...Thanks for the info. I want to stay away from the con-artists in this business.Cyn Bagleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08404416186783891402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-71628298097520156442011-12-01T15:58:33.065-06:002011-12-01T15:58:33.065-06:00I'm honestly astounded. Really? Almost $300 fo...I'm honestly astounded. Really? Almost $300 for self-formatting? Please. Those same $300 get me several boxloads of promo copies from CreateSpace, which, if I may point out, charges <i>nothing</i> up front, has a how-to for everything, and if there is any charge, it's for a proof copy, which is <b><i>optional.</i></b> <br /><br />That's right, you can have a trad-pub print book for free. <br /><br />Penguin really has some nerve. Self-publication had been designed to exclude the middle man, but here's the middle man stomping back over. Book Country is nothing more or less than a vanity press.Katherinehttp://www.katherinegilraine.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-87046822330940452672011-11-25T12:12:06.967-06:002011-11-25T12:12:06.967-06:00Here ia the CEO of penguin talking about Book Coun...Here ia the CEO of penguin talking about Book Country Fast forward to minute 5:35<br /><br />http://www.astralroad.com/2011/07/15/astral-road-interview-david-shanks-ceo-of-penguin-group-usa/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-83370464202464477572011-11-23T00:16:55.461-06:002011-11-23T00:16:55.461-06:00Well, would ya look at the stones on these guys!
A...Well, would ya look at the stones on these guys!<br />As a total newbie myself, I can honestly say I would never go for something like this.<br />Luckily, after reading this blog for a month, I know better than to get duped by something that reeks as bad as this.<br />Thanks for the info, Joe!H.L. Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15865391340919855491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-17306939351470474902011-11-22T17:13:04.378-06:002011-11-22T17:13:04.378-06:00I've been thinking a lot about this, and I'...I've been thinking a lot about this, and I've come to the conclusion that the Book Country fail is good for self-publishing. Here's why.<br /><br />http://www.nopublisherneeded.com/thinking-longer-about-penguin/Jim Kukralhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14425767113258157119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-26274939752386356632011-11-22T08:07:58.491-06:002011-11-22T08:07:58.491-06:00I've been providing book production services f...I've been providing book production services for more than 20 years. And I know more than anything one of my services is handholding: talking to writers, explaining the process, offering advice.<br /> <br />Do you really think Book Country/Penguin will be a partner in your venture, be a consultant, and even a mentor? If so, I have a bridge to sell you. <br /><br />Smart writers find trusted professionals and establish long-term relationships. Honest book production professionals provide work for hire. They get paid for their time and talent, and the author keeps all the profits from selling the book.Sherry Robertshttp://www.sherry-roberts.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-511907407069879142011-11-21T23:49:42.919-06:002011-11-21T23:49:42.919-06:00I really hope that newbie writers won't fall i...I really hope that newbie writers won't fall into this obvious trap. This needs to be posted on Writer's Beware. I really liked Book Country for the critiques and community involvement. Now, after seeing/learning about this, however, it sort of leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. This is an obvious scam and writers need to stay well away.<br /><br />Btw, I'm an author and I do all of my formatting for my books. It's ridiculous easy, the process to format an ebook to kindle can be done in about 1-2 hours. Certainly not worth shelling out half a grand for someone else to do in about the same time. And who knows? They might be using a program to automate the process of converting manuscripts, which I wouldn't be surprised if that's what they're doing.R.M. Prioleauhttp://www.rmprioleau.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-65415090849983892292011-11-21T10:07:48.838-06:002011-11-21T10:07:48.838-06:00It's a toss-up between savvy businessman and d...It's a toss-up between savvy businessman and dirty rotten scoundrel. Some people might feel conflicted at having to make a choice like that. Thankfully, Penguin is not hobbled by this failing.Stephen Knighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08553469605843916631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-71380506197119754532011-11-21T09:10:12.179-06:002011-11-21T09:10:12.179-06:00Xfunc
Since you're not aware of the details o...Xfunc<br /><br />Since you're not aware of the details of this operation (or how indie pub is being done by many) I'll give you an analogy as it seems your speaking from a business background. <br /><br />Your business plan. A fundemental step in you starting a new operation. Not easy or quick, but relative to everything else involved in your startup (your operating logistics, budgeting and your market research and analysis) typing the plan itself is an exceedingly minor task.<br /><br />Lots of services, software and samples you can get to help. Not everyone's an expert on it starting out.<br /><br />I do the same thing...but I'm chargine 2-3x more than virtually anything else out there.<br /><br />But wait, there's more...I get a 30%cut of your whole business, forever, for only doing said minor admin task and absolutely nothing else.<br /> <br />I'm clearly targeting individuals starting out with zero or little practical experience...now what does that make me? Honestly?David L. Shutterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08357694121376734716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-31759742592896431772011-11-21T09:09:13.586-06:002011-11-21T09:09:13.586-06:00Look, I'm a publisher, and even I can see this...Look, I'm a publisher, and even I can see this is a complete scam. <br /><br />Now Penguin is no better than Publish America. <br /><br />You either pay for services (editing, packaging, formatting) or you pay royalties - NOT BOTH. <br /><br />I am so over the big 6, I can't even begin to describe it...Sarah J. MacManushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03430266551248332700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-26268237937861647212011-11-21T06:49:22.159-06:002011-11-21T06:49:22.159-06:00@XFunc_CaRteR
These are the facts.
Amazon is the...@XFunc_CaRteR<br /><br />These are the facts.<br /><br />Amazon is the biggest bookseller in the world. They are on the way to controlling 50% of the overall US book market in 2012. They already control 60-70& of the US e-book market. They have millions and millions of customers in the US and across the world, several multiples bigger than their nearest competitor (of which there are many). If you upload direct to Amazon, you will keep 70% of your royalties.<br /><br />If you upload to Amazon through Book Country, you will only keep 49% of your royalties (plus get charged a hefty upfront fee for the privilege). You will also get the advantage of their own direct sales channel. However, if anybody thinks that Book Country will be responsible for significant direct sales, they don't have a clue what they are talking about. Book Country's writing community has only 4,000 members despite the fact that it was founded almost seven months ago, is backed by the largest trade publisher in the world, and has received a huge amount of media coverage. Direct sales through their site will be miniscule.<br /><br />No-one is dismissing anything "out of hand". We are aware of the details. This is a rip-off.David Gaughranhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13236692339928690142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-53980947158720395032011-11-21T04:49:13.178-06:002011-11-21T04:49:13.178-06:00what makes writers so gullable?what makes writers so gullable?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-56388458054665343342011-11-21T04:19:21.077-06:002011-11-21T04:19:21.077-06:00Writers are losers when it comes to business. They...Writers are losers when it comes to business. They focus on what they lose, not what they gain.<br /><br />Here's something they teach in Business 101. When you make a company, you have to split it up. Losers think, "Wow I'm giving up a slice of the pie." Successful business people, on the other hand, realize that even though they are giving up a piece of the pie, the pie itself gets larger.<br /><br />Put it another way, it may be worth giving up 30% of a product to get a manifold increase in sales. <br /><br />Owning 100% of something which earns nothing is owning 100% of nothing.<br /><br />Owning 70% of something which is on an established sales portal, and thus may earn far more money could be a better deal.<br /><br />I don't know the details of Book Country, but it's stupid to dismiss deals out of hand because one has to give up a share of the pie.XFunc_CaRteRnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-56492463705994540412011-11-20T22:47:23.092-06:002011-11-20T22:47:23.092-06:00Very interesting, and pretty uniform, responses to...Very interesting, and pretty uniform, responses to this issue.<br /><br />If you have a min: Google Penguin Book Country.<br /><br />My God, what a train wreck. Gonna be a tough Monday morning for some folks at Penguin tomorrow.David L. Shutterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08357694121376734716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-19008857000983901202011-11-19T22:22:14.004-06:002011-11-19T22:22:14.004-06:00Thanks so much for posting this - I have self publ...Thanks so much for posting this - I have self published through createspace, kindle direct and smashwords because they were free and some other indie author friends had told me about them! Thank goodness I didn't see this site first.Gladyshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08702698193032334221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-11891294538537548892011-11-19T13:29:20.915-06:002011-11-19T13:29:20.915-06:00Oh well, this is what happen when you go public wi...Oh well, this is what happen when you go public with your con. More power to them, I hope Book Country and Penguin enjoy being ballistics magnets.<br /><br />And David got a namecheck in the PC piece, too...free advertising! I now take back everything nice I've said about him. :DStephen Knighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08553469605843916631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-33934077139351044552011-11-19T13:02:35.556-06:002011-11-19T13:02:35.556-06:00Just checked JW Manus's post out...ouch, he wa...Just checked JW Manus's post out...ouch, he was very blunt.<br /><br />Been perusing, randomly clicking people's blog links on their side panels.<br /><br />Virtually EVERYONE has a scathing post on this. Name a bloging writer...I mean everyone. I don't think we can shoot any more holes in this lame, non-flying bird.<br /><br />Way to get the message traffic started Joe. Interesting to sit back and see what happens now.David L. Shutterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08357694121376734716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-44444166792285581962011-11-19T12:08:18.702-06:002011-11-19T12:08:18.702-06:00An excellent, thorough filetting of Penguin’s disi...An excellent, thorough filetting of Penguin’s disingenuous statement.<br /><br /><a href="http://jwmanus.wordpress.com/2011/11/19/how-penguinbook-country-is-running-the-con-game/#comment-860" rel="nofollow">http://jwmanus.wordpress.com/2011/11/19/how-penguinbook-country-is-running-the-con-game/#comment-860</a>David Gaughranhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13236692339928690142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-49264378954006398502011-11-19T11:42:18.080-06:002011-11-19T11:42:18.080-06:00"In all three packages offered by Book Countr..."In all three packages offered by Book Country, our ebooks are individually hand-coded, not run through a software program with no human intervention."<br /><br />Is it just me or does that sound like a crack at Smashword's meatgrinder?Patricia JLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17582005500429122486noreply@blogger.com