SOME INFO ON SMALL PRESSES

         Here are a few thoughts on small presses from my panel notes:

 

SMALL PRESSES:

1. They are more likely than big presses to take risks on projects they believe have artistic merit.

2. Where major publishers promote a book for the first 90 days—small presses will continue to promote it for years.

3. Small press authors earn money primarily through royalties: roughly 10% on print sales and up to 25% on e-books.

4. Small presses pay small advances $1,000-2,000—or none. Earn out quicker. Royalties come sooner.

5. Ask a lot of questions about their distribution and marketing.

6. Ask about the expected print run.

7. Small press authors can expect to get a lot of attention from the editor, designer, and even the owner.

8. Often you'll get more say so on the cover design.

9. Although you may get more control with a small publisher, don't expect full control.

10. Small presses expect the author to do a considerable amount of promotion.