Many literary pundets continue to make claims that authors should aim their efforts strictly towards traditional publishing; that other forms of publishing, self-publishing, subsidy publishing, print -on-demand publishing, are scams because the author does not realize the kind of support, promotion, and sales they expect. Critics of the self-publishing services industry paint a picture in which authors at traditional houses sell lots of books and are fairly compensated, while authors who use publishing services receive promises alone. Now one bestselling author, published by a very prestigious publishing house, and listed on the New York Times bestsellers list, tells a very different personal story.

As an established author, Lynn Viehl received a $50,000 advance from Penguin Group to publish her mass market novel Twilight Fall. The book has been very successful, having sold almost 90,000 copies. Her earnings to date on the book have been $24,500 with no money due currently, and she thinks it will take several years to earn back the full advance. Even after she does earn the full advance, she believes that after taxes, commissions to her agent, and other expenses, she will net $24,500 on this bestselling book. By her calculations, the publisher has grossed $450,000 on sales. A full accounting of her experiences including her last royalty statement can be found on her blog, Genreality.

The image portrayed by traditional publishing houses and by literary pundits about all the benefits and advantages of traditional publishing overlook much of the reality. Sales in the 90,000 range are considerably above average. Many publishers are happy with sales of 5,000 copies. And yet with authors receiving 5 or 7 percent on sales and having the responsibility for covering expenses as well as much of the burden of promotion and publicity, the truth is far different than the spin.

While the old prejudices remain, many in the publishing industry have now come to understand the merits of self-publishing and of the companies that offer services and support to authors who wish to take the publication of their own books into their own hands. The vital concern is that authors find ways to select and work with a reputable company that has been in business for a long time and that promises realistic services they can deliver.  Dont' be fooled by dream weavers on either side of the argument.

Having worked in both trade and subsidy and self-publishing, I know first hand the advantages of each. Dorrance Publishing offers a variety of programs to fit authors' needs, budgets, and expectations. There has always been a place for the services of Dorrance and other reputable publishing alternative companies, but now more than ever, with the democratization and leveling of the playing field in publishing, the place is expanding and growing, for good reasons.