LBF Books / Let’s Be Frank Publishing

[Terra Aeterna]

LBF Books (aka Let’s Be Frank Publishing) Has anyone heard anything about:

www.lbfbooks.com/ (http://www.lbfbooks.com/)

They look a little peculiar to me. Am I just mega-paranoid? They're not on P & E. (Yet).

[tfdswift]

Why are you suspicious?

It does sound a little too good? But I don't know anything. I am just curious why YOU think it sounds suspicious, as I am still learning about this industry and a willing student am I.:hail

[CaoPaux]

Their "levels" do seem odd. To me, it indicates they'll accept books that they don't consider worth their full effort. Ick.

[vstrauss]

Not to sound cynical or anything, but I've never yet seen a publishing operation that offered different "levels" that didn't extract a fee of some sort. Either that, or these people are severely clueless.

- Victoria

[maestrowork]

I know the people who are running LBF Books. They DO NOT charge any fees and is positioning themselves as traditional (not self-publishing, Vanity, POD, etc.) They are very new, and probably a little clueless at this point. But they are legit. They currently publish a monthly journal (and yes, it's a paying market, albeit very small amount). They have scheduled their first book releases this fall.

However, they're probably not your best bet since they're so new and small.

The way I understand it: they're doing the level approach and using POD printing technology to cut down cost and risks. They're very small (did I mention that?) and do not have the $$$ established publishers have. But they're not vanity like Publish America or iUniverse and there are no fees/costs. They go through the same traditional publishing process and there are no fees on the author's part. Now, I've never seen their contracts so I don't know if they're fair.

[Terra Aeterna]

Thanks y'all. :)

[tfdswift]

I have just been approached by lbf books... I don't know what to do next...

~~Tammy

[tfdswift]

I have been approached by LBF Books.... They want to see my whole manuscript.... What do I do? Do I trust them?

My mentor, who I would normally turn to, is out of town for awhile:smack ... I need some guidance here.... I am open to suggestions... Anybody????:huh (desparation is setting in) (will Tammy have a nervous breakdown?)

~~Tammy

[Editrx]

If they are that small and are using POD technology to "cut down on costs" (POD breakpoint is 300-500 copies, depending on the printer you use -- I just had to do a breakdown last week for some ARCs, so I know of what I speak), I'd be very concerned that they didn't have proper or adequate distribution.

I haven't gone to look at their site due to time constraints. What do they say is their distribution scheme?

[DaveKuzminski]

By approached, what do you mean?

If you mean that you did not contact them first and they contacted you, then be suspicious. Most publishers have more than enough submissions to keep them busy. They don't need to approach anyone who isn't famous or well known already.

If you contacted them and they asked to see what you have, then you should trust them. That's how the process works.

[tfdswift]

No, I did contact them first but I never expected to hear from them so soon. I am just a little wary because of other posts on this board. I will send them the manuscript unless someone comes on and gives me a reason not to while I am doing the final edit.

Thanks,
~~Tammy:thumbs

[mammamaia]

1.
in their 'publishing with us' they brag that 'Unlike some,' they don't charge you anything...

2.
there's no mention of what YOU get paid, when and if they actually print your book and put it out there for sale...

3.
nowhere else on their site can i find any mention of what the author is paid or when... and no sample contract to check for hidden snags...

if all you want is to see your work in tangible book form, this may be an ok way to do it... but it will NOT make you a 'published' author if this is just another variation on the vanity press/pod scheme, as it seems to be...

to be 'published' you must be PAID for your book, not give it to someone for free, just to get it printed... that's how to tell a real publisher from a scam or vanity press...

have you checked this bunch out at preditors and editors?... or at writer beware?... if not, i suggest you do, before sending them anything...

love and hugs, maia

[mammamaia]

and it doesn't look all that good to me...

tdswift, see my reply to your other post on this... i wouldn't advise doing business with folks who seem to have so little knowledge of the publishing business themselves... and it won't make you 'published' if they're not a regular royalty-paying house, that markets and distributes to real bookstores...

hugs, maia

[tfdswift]

Maestro says they are a traditional publisher yet new. They are not listed with P&E, nor could I find them on Writers Beware. I, too, could not find a publishing agreement or any place that mentioned what they pay other than they said that payment depended on the work itself.

Even the guy from P&E (sorry I can't remember your name off the top of my head) said I should trust them. I personally was thinking I would go ahead and send the manuscript and let them read it and then see what they offer IF they want to publish it. I have learned that I should always get paid and I should never pay a fee.

So everything should be okay, unless I sign something and I don't plan on doing THAT until I have read the offer and looked carefully at the small print. I do have a paralegal degree and I know a thing or two about reading contracts but still I would never sign unless my mentor or some other qualified person told me I should.

Do you think that is a fair approach??? Anyone????

<Tammy waits patiently.... tapping her fingers on the computer....> lol

~~Tammy

[vstrauss]

I think they may be well-intentioned. But I have to say they look amateurish to me, based on their webiste. Hbbyist publishers often aren't able to market or distribute (let alone edit or design) their books.

Also, it's wise just as a general rule of thumb to wait until a publisher has been in business for a year or two, and has proved it can take books all the way through the production process (this also allows you to assess the books' physical quality and how successful the publisher is at things like getting reviews and getting books into stores). Many small publishers bite off more than they can chew and go belly-up without ever publishing any books--which can be very inconvenient for the writers, rightswise.

>>I do have a paralegal degree and I know a thing or two about reading contracts<<

Publishing contracts in a class by themselves--they have clauses that don't occur in any other kind of contracts. You need specialized knowledge in order to be able to properly evaluate a publishing contract.

- Victoria

[DaveKuzminski]

My advice is, of course, based upon the premise that you're only letting them consider your manuscript. Until you sign a contract, you're under no obligation to them. If they accept your manuscript, you're still under no obligation. At that point, it's up to you based upon what they offer in the contract they offer at that point. Basically, that's when you will know whether you want to deal with them.

So long as they don't have an exclusive, you can submit to other publishers as well.

So far, I don't have any complaints about that publisher. Nor do I have any other information to really go on.

[tfdswift]

QUOTE:

"Also, it's wise just as a general rule of thumb to wait until a publisher has been in business for a year or two, and has proved it can take books all the way through the production process (this also allows you to assess the books' physical quality and how successful the publisher is at things like getting reviews and getting books into stores). "

__________________________________________________ __

How can they get books published and prove themselves if they don't get books submitted to them?

Everbody has to start somewhere... me included.

Also the comment about being a paralegal, I also said I would not sign a thing unless my mentor or some other authority on the subject told me I should do so. Believe me I am walking on the cautious side. After what happened to me with Janet Kay, I am now a big wimp.

~~Tammy

[vstrauss]

>>How can they get books published and prove themselves if they don't get books submitted to them?<<

There's never a shortage of people to submit books, even to the worst and most amateurish-seeming of publishers. That doesn't mean you have to submit.

I wouldn't hesitate to submit to a new publisher that was staffed by people with lots of previous professional publishing experience, even if that publisher had no books out yet. But I'd definitely hold off on a publisher whose staff was inexperienced, because publishers like this so frequently fail--and even when they limp on for a while, don't do their authors any favors, because they so rarely have any notion of how to market and distribute. The Internet is crawling with publishers like this, and more of them pop up every day. IMO, you're better off with a decent fee-based POD--you'll get about the same level of service, possibly a better-looking cover, and you can be reasonably sure the company will still be there a year from now.

Probably this sounds horribly snobbish and elitist. It isn't meant to be, really. It's just based on a lot of observation of Internet-based publishers.

- Victoria

[tfdswift]

I appreciate any advice right now. I think I will hold off for a few days until my mentor gets back and see what they think. I thought it would be harmless to submit, and only detrimental if I signed a bad contract. See, I am listening and always willing to learn.:grin :hail

Thanks for taking the time to give your opinion.:hug

~~Tammy

[Whachawant]

There is nothing wrong with LBF BOOKS... yes they are a small company.. but anybody doing any type of business.. starts out small... The editor is a published author. The VP is a published and world renowned artist.. the Art director for Opinions magazine is another world renowned Artist..
All of which have assisted me in getting my career choice a boost.
Hey Editrix... they use LuLu.com.. which offers ISBN numbers and does not stop at a publication of 500 / nor does Authorhouse.com. LuLu offers packages to those on a budget ,.. including corporations. Considering Writers Post Journal has consecutively been in the top 200 of their magazine sales I say they're pretty legit. I work with a Childrens writer whose in the 1000 and we all get respectable sales..

Oh and to mammamia.. get with the 21st century.. times are difficult cause competition has increased at least 5 times.. exposure and publication is important to Artists whether written or visual. Ya gotta start somewhere. Proving you can deliver is what these small magazines and ezines offer as well as free exposure. ..

So why don't all of you nay sayers .. give this one a shot .. ya might be surprised.

........:head

"..Experience is the only true knowledge".. Albert Einstein

[XThe NavigatorX]

*son of a b*tch*

I typed a long-ass response to this and ended up with "Html comments aren't allowed." I didn't put any friggin' html in here! roooooaaaar @ ezboard

[XThe NavigatorX]

okay... here's a condensed version. The original was about 500 words.

Lulu = good choice for individuals who must vanity POD

Lulu = horrible choice for publishers.

isbn service through lulu = Lightning Source

SO you have author -> LBF -> Lulu -> Lighting Source -> Amazon/Ingram/etc.-> consumer = A very expensive book w/tiny profit for author.

Silver Level on LBF site = Lulu's free service, which means LBF has no vested interest in book doing well.

[Risseybug]

I looked over this site. And, actually, it looks like they have a good start. The "levels" to which everyone was referring, seem to be their way to protect themselves. The "silver" is the newbie book, after six months a "gold" book is one they promote more actively, and if your book is received well, you get the "platinum" treatment, meaning they print you in hardback. Which, let's face it, is rather expensive for a book that hasn't sold anything.

I would want to know how much a book would cost if I purchased it from Amazon or B&N, which, BTW, is misspelled on the site. It's the NOBEL peace price, the bookstore is Barnes and NOBLE. Or Chernobyl, if you are my aunt and think that's funny.

If the books wouldn't have an outrageous cover price, this little press actually sounds like a good deal.
Perhaps Dave or Uncle Jim can take a look see and give us their opinion.

Because we bow to their magnamimousness. Or something.

[Whachawant]

Look ....we all crawled before we could walk ..... thats what this company is doing and thats what it offers ...

there are quite a few publications that offer the same thing that are underground and I don't here you guys complaining about them ...

so ... Like I said before ...It's important for artists .." written or visual to get published"...be it small time or big time ...and that 's what this company advertises if you're up to there standards ....

Keep in mind if everybody submits ...chances are there are going to be some people who will be rejected...

As with the so called big time publications.....
and what the hell do they know..
they turned down Julia Child, Stephen King, and at one point in time ...... Alfred Hitchcock...
so .....shut up and take one step at a time... whether it be lulu... or an ezine........


:head

[emeraldcite]

one thing upstart companies often forget is that professionalism, above all else, sells...

[Whachawant]

True....professionalism does sell ....and it usually starts at the bottom...
:head :head

[Risseybug]

Well, I e-mailed them and was answered quickly AND professionally. The books they have on their site sell for between $9.99 and $14.99, which to me is NOT out of the norm.


It sounds as if they are worth submitting to.

[vstrauss]

If they use Lulu, that says it all right there. (X--I wish you'd re-create your longer commentary--I think it would be very helpful).

>>The "levels" to which everyone was referring, seem to be their way to protect themselves. The "silver" is the newbie book, after six months a "gold" book is one they promote more actively, and if your book is received well, you get the "platinum" treatment, meaning they print you in hardback.<<

This level thing is exactly backward. You don't stand back and see if a book succeeds and only then start to promote it, you jump in at the start with marketing and promotion and make the book successful. Books don't magically become successful on their own--they need help, specifically the publisher's help, and if that isn't given at the start the book is going to have the same kind of "success" that most PA books do.

This kind of backward thinking is typical of publishing enterprises started by people who don't have professional publishing experience, and therefore have little idea of what's actually involved in marketing and selling books. I'm sure that LBF is well-intentioned, but it seems clearer and clearer that there's a serious lack of knowledge there.

- Victoria

[Risseybug]

I am sorry, I didn't really write that as well as I should have.
If you take a look at it, you will see what I mean. The lowest "level" is where they sell it on their site. Not that they don't promote it, but send it out into the world via their website. Of coures, author promotion is always helpful. Anyway, they say that they try it out in different markets to see where it would sell best. Kind of "try it out" before they make a big investment in a market that won't fly. Your book is still for sale while they do a bunch of market research, is I guess what I want to say.

Which is a diligent business practice for a small company just starting out, I suppose. Then they move you up from the "research" phase to the next one, where you go to the bookstores.

Don't ask me why I am defending them, I have no stake, it just seems like people are bashing them without warrant. They seem on the up and up, just trying to publish books.

[emeraldcite]

Don't ask me why I am defending them, I have no stake, it just seems like people are bashing them without warrant. They seem on the up and up, just trying to publish books.

There's two sides to this coin. It's great what this new company is intending to do. They want to produce affordable books, use a traditional publishing model (kind of), and help new authors get their feet in the door.

You then have to consider how useful this is to the author. They might be "just trying to publish books," but they have to publish somebody's hard work. You have to look at the author's benefit in this case.

I'm not saying that this company is not worth looking into, and I'm not saying that it is. I don't think anyone is bashing the company, they are just scrutinizing the model. Bashing the company would be: "I didn't get what I want and they suck!"

If a company can't stand the scrutiny, then I don't believe that it's a solid model.

Besides, the wild, unprofessional comments alone lead me to believe that, although well-intentioned, they might not be ready for the publishing industry yet. It's a tough industry that requires professionalism with authors, professional authors, and distributors/bookstores, etc. If you're not professional in your dealings concerning your company, who is going to dump money into it to buy books to put on the shelves.

just my humble opinion.

[Risseybug]

Ok, this is true. I guess we are all just a little cynical in our old age :rollin . Trying to protect ourselves as well as get our books published.

I just didn't see a "PA" like company when I looked over their site.
BTW, I did submit a query to them, so I'll see if I get accepted and what happens with them. I also submitted to D3 press and Tyrannosaurus press this week, all small publishers.

[Risseybug]

Ok, we'll see how LBF works, they asked me to send the entire ms. For which I am ECSTATIC, they seem to be very friendly! :)

Don't worry, I'll ask you all before I sign anything. I was just happy to get a "yes, let's see" after all the "no's".

[TT]

Does anyone have any questions regarding LBF BOOKS?

Please do not slate any company that is trying to help people get on the ladder of success.

Teresa Tunaley
ART DIRECTOR
OPINIONS MAGAZINE/LBF BOOKS

[Whachawant]

All right .. you want feed back Ill give ya feed back..

this is from the editor....

I've read the post and am kind of chuckling, instead of making me irate, it makes me feel good. Too Good to be true? Wow, are we really making that much noise?

I'm not gonna sit back and defend a lot. I will say that darned idea I had for the "levels'" was silly. Too many people questioned about it. I thought I took it down from the site, I didn't. My error, it's gone now. Do we offer the levels? In some manner. Not the Silver, that was dumb, now I just reject a good book if it doesn't have a definite marketing niche. I guess it was my way to give authors a chance.

We are not POD, we do not use Lulu for our ISBN's or books, we use them for our ARCs, and The Writers Post Journal, which has seen its last print month with Lulu (It is going to the book printer). We are contracted with and use an off set printer who has been in business for over 100 years. We purchase our ISBN's in "lots" from Bowker, and this is an expense. The WPJ has an ISSN, assigned and printed on the back of each journal.

What kind of gets me is that there are so many e-markets out there, and e-zine that do not pay. Yet, we give a nominal fee (Because we do not have ads) and we're questioned.

Distribution? Marketing? *another chuckle* I'm preparing over 400 press releases per book next week, not too mention the book stores (over 50 per book) we contact to get signings, or the reviewers we send copies too. Each title is submitted to specialty distributors and books sellers for consideration and shelf placement. That doesn't mean they will take them, but if they do. *whistle* We use Baker and Taylor, because I don't want a POD stigma that Ingram's carries. To me, we do more than most little publishers do.

Yep, we're small. Yep, we're new. And the thing is, we're so small, and so new, that I am hands on in everything. In fact, I do about 80% of all the LBF/WPJ work. 7 days a week I work, 12 - 16 hours a day, and right now, until these books take off, I am doing so without pay, everything that comes in is paid to contributors, and reinvested in the company.

Don't trust us, that is fine. I really don't know where my position would be if I were you. I do, however remember the days before POD when it was rejection after rejection, and a struggle. We, as authors jumped at an opportunity because they were few. 1 in 10,000 shot. But I suppose today's technology leaves room for doubt in new ventures that sound "to good to be true"

I read each submission, each one myself even if a reader does read it. Again, if you don't like us, don't submit. If you have submitted and want to pull your submission, let me know, I'll do so. I have about 100 short stories waiting for a read, and a lot of authors and poets who would love the open spot.

JDM


ya alll have a nice freaking day now ,... ya hear..

:head

[tfdswift]

I am very anxious to hear what they tell you. I have not submitted my whole manuscript to them yet, they have asked me for it. I am still not sure if I am going to. But I would love to know ASAP if everything is on the up and up.

I may still send my ms, I am just not sure. Good luck!:thumbs

~~Tammy

[TT]

Whachawant....you beat me to it... I think I know who that is ...thanks for the support

TT
ART DIRECTOR
OPINIONS MAG
WWW.LBF BOOKS.COM

[XThe NavigatorX]

I apologize for making it sound like you print using Lulu when you do not. It did sound that way, but obviously I was wrong.

Best of luck to you guys and all your projects.

[btrobertson]

My name is B.T. Robertson, the first officially published author by LBF Books in Pittsburgh, PA, USA. I am writing to set the record straight, and maybe make some of you feel at ease about this new publisher.

First of all, check out my site at <a href="http://www.btrobertson.com" target="_new">www.btrobertson.com</a> and then <a href="http://www.authorsden.com/btrobertson" target="_new">www.authorsden.com/btrobertson</a>. There you will find lots of info, and see proof of my Platinum "Level" book that was accepted for publication in February 2004 (I have the letter hanging on my wall, in case you don't believe me). I can also vouch with a first hand accounting that LBF cares very much about their clients. Why? I live in the same city as the CEO, Senior Editor, and editing staff. I have met with them personally on several occasions during the publishing process.

Now, all this being said, I can at least somewhat understand why people would be skeptical, but to say that they have "no knowledge of the publishing business" and other non-factual comments, is just unfounded rumors, and makes no sense to me at all. They have a staff who cares about the writer. I received a quality edit on my first manuscript that I would've paid up to $3,000 for at other houses. They follow through with their promises bound in their well-written contracts, and have never breached one item within.

All this is well and good, and I welcome any challenge to my assessment of LBF Books. But, it is my opinion that any house that handles writers the way LBF does will succeed immensely in today's day and age because it's just unheard of. Maybe "levels" sounds suspicious, but maybe that's because no other publisher has thought of doing it that way. I don't know all the answers, but for pete's sake, give them a chance. I feel very thankful, grateful, and indebted to how they have treated me, and I am overwhelmed by the sheer quality of my book. I have the ARC in my hands right now, and it's absolutely awesome. I couldn't be any happier with the way my submission, acceptance, edits, art design, marketing plan, and all the other phases of this have been.

Just to give you all a small taste of their belief in the writer, here's this. My first trade paperback publication contains 10 full page interior original art pieces, a custom drawn cover, and a custom designed, digital map. How much charged to me? Zero, nothing. How many authors do you think that happens to on their first time around? Not very many. LBF made that happen because they took a chance on me.

Again, this is the testimony of a published author through LBF, and it can be verified. I hope this not only helps those of you out there with real concerns and questions, but also sparks an interest in LBF as a viable publisher who cares about their clients. Thank you, and please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding this post or anything else writing/publishing related. I've been given a great chance, and I am willing to help others as much as I am able. :)

Sincerely,
B.T. Robertson
<a href="http://www.btrobertson.com" target="_new">www.btrobertson.com</a>
<a href="http://www.lbfbooks.com" target="_new">www.lbfbooks.com</a>
Author of the Chronicles of the Planeswalkers novel series

[XThe NavigatorX]

Again, good luck BT. Your book sounds good.

[James D Macdonald]

I received a quality edit on my first manuscript that I would've paid up to $3,000 for at other houses.

Authors do not pay to have their books edited by their publishers. If you run into a publisher who attempts to charge you for editing, walk away.

How much charged to me? Zero, nothing. How many authors do you think that happens to on their first time around?

Every single one at a legitimate publisher.

Money flows toward the author.

[HapiSofi]

I'd rate these guys as "gormless." They're full of vim and want to make a go of it as a publishing house. They haven't yet found out that the best way to make a million dollars in book publishing is to start with ten million dollars.

At moments they sound like an old-fashioned fanzine. I wish that's what they were doing.

[btrobertson]

So, you're claiming that only legitimate publishers do those things for their authors...and LBF Books did that for me...so you've answered everyone's question regarding LBF Books...they've done the "legitimate" thing according to you right? Just making sure. :)

And I also know through experience that agents and publishers alike will charge money for edits. Now, maybe that isn't the norm, but that's what I've experienced. Since I'm not a publisher nor an editor, I can only claim what I've experienced. I know for a fact that I was quoted by several different "editing" firms, and they all came in around that price. Now, if that wasn't the "norm" to be charged for editing, then why the need for editing firms at all? I'm just curious because my experience doesn't seem to jive with what I'm hearing. I'd love to hear more information, and other information that may prove that LBF isn't "legitimate". Sorry, I'm just scientific about some things, especially claims such as these.

Regards,
B.T. Robertson

P.S. Thanks to all who are actually happy and optimistic about your particular publishing situations. Nothing's perfect, but we all give it our best...no need to bash the efforts of others. :)

[James D Macdonald]

And I also know through experience that agents and publishers alike will charge money for edits.

If this has been your experience, you've been hanging out in the bad parts of town. That is not the norm in legitimate publishing.

I have no opinion about LBF -- I hope that they're wonderful, treat you right, and get you lots of readers. As far as they aren't charging you anything, that's completely in line with common practice.

Why the need for editing firms? There isn't a need. Do they exist? Yes. Do I recommend that a writer employ them? No. The only cost a writer should bear is the postage to send his manuscript to the publisher.

(I admit a certain irony here -- I myself offer paid editing. Which is what I need to get back to doing right now....)

[pepperlandgirl]

You don't need editing firms at all. If you submit an MS that's good enough to accept, they'll do whatever work that needs to be done for free. That's what they do. Anybody who asks for money to read, edit (I mean, other than private arrangements), or publish is running a scam.

[btrobertson]

Well, good explanation, and I'm truly glad that it is the norm. And fortunately I didn't get charged by who I chose. Thanks for the info, and good luck with your edits.

[btrobertson]

Again, I agree, and I'm just glad that LBF isn't doing that to their clients...just more of a good case for them.

B.T. Robertson

[Risseybug]

I am so glad you posted here, Mr. Robertson. I actually sent you a message through the LBF site, b/c I wanted an author's opinion. This thread pretty much answered all the questions I had for now, and I am very comfortable submitting to them.

Jackie seems very upfront, and very friendly. I am sending my ms. this week.
Even if she rejects it, at least someone in publishing will finally have read the whole thing, and not just a chapter.
The editor in chief, Jackie, has her own website, if you want to check it out. I found it enlightening.

They are willing to give me a chance, so I am willing to give them one too.

[ncq13]

Keep us posted Rissy. I have a prequel to a series that I am working on that needs a home and I am going to be VERY careful where I submit to this time... So I'd love to hear your experience. Perhaps you should think about Behler Publications too, if you are thinking small press, they seem to be doing very well.

[btrobertson]

Well, I can tell you that the best thing about Ms. Druga-Marchetti is that she's honest. And honesty is what you need to have as a writer.

Good luck with your submission, and I hope to see you as part of the LBF family one day. :) Let us know how it goes!

Sincerely,
B.T. Robertson

[Risseybug]

I asked about Behler, but they are not accepting any children's books. But they are another small publisher who seems to be going in the right direction!

[ncq13]

Hey thanks for all of the info, BT.
I look forward to hearing about your experience further down the line, so please keep us posted. Even with Bookstore doors being slammed in my face, I'm still not entirely soured on the idea of publishing with small (non vanity) presses.
~Kate
katestamour.com (http://katestamour.com)

[tfdswift]

okay I am confused.

So does Whatchawant (?) have anything to do with LBF Books or not?

And there has been so much double talk.

YES or NO - You have to pay for editing with LBF?

YES or NO - LBF uses Lulu?

YES or NO - LBF is a regular publisher, only small and beginning?

YES or NO - LBF has published books on the shelves of stores?

I am sitting on the fence and I would like to know which side I should jump off to.

~~Tammy

[maestrowork]

As far as I know, LBF is not vanity and no, authors don't pay anything. Nada. Editing services are part of the deal (at publisher's expense). They're very small so they're using POD technologies to contain cost and risk. I don't know what POD printer they use.

[Risseybug]

Whatchawant is a friend of the editor, don't know who exactly. I know they are a friend b/c the editor personally e-mailed me and told me that the post would be apprearing.

Also, if you read that post carefully, they no longer use POD publishing, they use an off set printer, like any other traditional publisher. They used to use Lulu for printing the Writers Post Journal, but have switched that too.

Yes, LBF is a small publisher, just starting out.

NO, they don't have any books on shelves yet, their first releases are scheduled for this Oct. You can now pre-order any of the the five or so they have coming out for a very reasonable price. But they are going to work to get them in brick and mortar stores.

They have a list of several others scheduled for release as well, don't know the date on them.

Just cruise around their site, you should find most of the answers you need. www.lbfbooks.com

[James D Macdonald]

YES or NO - LBF has published books on the shelves of stores?

This is the sort of question I encourge any author to ask of any publisher, and it's the sort of question the authors can answer for themselves by cruising down to the local mall and looking.

[btrobertson]

Call the Chapters Book Store in Lower Burrell, PA, USA, and ask them how many of my books they ordered for their "brick and mortar" store. My first signing in their store will be October 2nd or 9th depending on their schedule. Also, as was mentioned, ask LBF Books directly via an email query about how many books they're ordering for the physicial stores in the Pittsburgh area (i.e. Barnes & Nobles, Borders, Waldenbooks, etc), and you'll probably get an answer of about 100-125 books, or thereabouts (not for each store, obviously, but in total). I also know that once they get into distribution channels, our books will be located in Borders and Barnes & Nobles all around the country. Not to mention the fact that our books will be sold on Amazon and some other online discount stores.

And, as was strictly pointed out a few times, publishers shouldn't charge for editing, and LBF Books does not charge for editing. I received no bill for artwork or editing in any form.

I hope this helped to clear up some of the confusion. Good luck, and hopefully this finds you on my side of the fence. :)

Regards,

B.T. Robertson
<a href="http://www.btrobertson.com" target="_new">www.btrobertson.com</a>
<a href="http://www.lbfbooks.com" target="_new">www.lbfbooks.com</a>

[vstrauss]

>>once they get into distribution channels, our books will be located in Borders and Barnes & Nobles all around the country.<<

It'd also be helpful to know what LBF is doing to make that happen. Are they taking steps to get their books carried by a distributor?

- Victoria

[btrobertson]

Of course they are. I think sometimes people expect so much in such a short amount of time. Ingrams is one of the largest distributors that Barnes & Nobles and Borders order from, or at least that's what I've been told by not only LBF Books, but also from folks who work at those stores. I've spoken to a distribution representative from Borders, and he also mentioned that once the book has been "put in" to Ingram's system, they order it automatically every time it nears their inventory limit. Umm, I don't know what that all means really, but I know for a fact that LBF Books is working directly with those distributors to get our books in there.

It seems that people are jaded into thinking that every small publisher is a bad one, or at least that's the feeling I'm getting in here, if you'll all permit some slack to say so. I know that there are some bad ones out there, maybe more bad than good for all I know, but I'm telling you from experience that LBF is doing everything right at this point, and I wouldn't have signed the contract if I didn't think so.

And there's a situation that I've been able to share with a fellow fantasy author that I've met in person that bears mentioning. He has been published by a publishing house that is currently on a list of publishers to steer clear of. I guess I won't mention said publisher's name to be cooth about it. But, in comparing situations, he's got it a hundred times worse off than I have it right now, and he's very bitter over it...not toward me, but toward his current publisher. And I say 100 times worse off because I honestly don't have a bad situation at all with my publisher. I realize that not every publisher may be good, and maybe we all have a right to be skeptical, but it seems that no matter what we all say to sway this board's opinion of LBF, it's not really doing much.

B.T. Robertson
<a href="http://www.btrobertson.com" target="_new">www.btrobertson.com</a>

[Sher2]

<It seems that people are jaded into thinking that every small publisher is a bad one, or at least that's the feeling I'm getting in here, if you'll all permit some slack to say so. I know that there are some bad ones out there, maybe more bad than good for all I know, but I'm telling you from experience that LBF is doing everything right at this point, and I wouldn't have signed the contract if I didn't think so.>


You're selling me on LBF, B. T., and I don't even write Fantasy.

Anyone have any recommendations for publishers of Southern fiction?

[James D Macdonald]

Southern Fiction?

Writer's Market is your friend.

Meanwhile, look at Bellebooks or Hill Street Press.

[Risseybug]

I've been sold, I think, at least for now :) Crossing my fingers that the whole ms. impresses the editor as much as the first chapter.

[LaVerneRoss]

It says on their site they moved. To where? I also contacted them with my book. Have not heard anything back yet. Does anyone have any answers? They sound pretty good from what I have read, here and on their site. But since getting 3rd degree burns from the other publisher...(you know who), I am still cautious.

[TT]

LBF has moved servers and hosting. You will find the site easier to navigate and faster loading.

If you have any queries or problems, please feel free to register and lodge your comments in the new forum.

You comments will be answered by the Editor and may help with any misconceptions you have about LBF.

Teresa Tunaley
Art Director
Opinions Magazine
www.lbfbooks.com

[DaveKuzminski]

Now, that sounds like a good sign.

Good luck with your publishing.

[vstrauss]

>>Ingrams is one of the largest distributors<<

Ingram is a wholesaler. It provides warehousing, ordering and fulfillment services for booksellers. A distributor does all that, plus maintains a staff of sales reps who pitch the distributor's books to booksellers--much as the sales reps who work for large publishers do.

Generally speaking, unless a small publisher is carried by a distributor or maintains its own sales staff, it'll be up to the authors to get their books on shelves, if at all.

- Victoria

[absolutewrite]

First, to Whachawant:

>>Considering Writers Post Journal has consecutively been in the top 200 of their magazine sales I say they're pretty legit.

Huh? The top 200 of whose magazine sales? Lulu? This means nothing to me.

>> Oh and to mammamia.. get with the 21st century.. times are difficult cause competition has increased at least 5 times..

Your statistic for this is...? I'm guessing writers have ALWAYS felt times were tough and competition was high. Nonetheless, new writers can and do make legitimate sales to major publishers every day.

>> exposure and publication is important to Artists whether written or visual.

Yes. And so is money. And so are sales. "Exposure" in the book world is vastly overrated.

Look, first of all-- Whachawant, no one here has done anything wrong, so you can quit banging your head against walls. I understand you work for them and feel loyal. That's cool. But burgeoning writers have a right to discuss publishers to determine where to send their work; research is an important part of the process. When a company doesn't have a track record, we have to think critically to assess their potential.

Now my unsolicited opinion:

You're right-- there's nothing wrong with being new, and I think LBF has the right intentions. But intentions don't pay the bills.

You have someone who just admitted she does 80% of all the work. It's admirable that she works so hard, but that being the case... why try to take on so many projects at once? Especially before having any idea how the publishing world works?

Each book takes a monetary investment on the publishers' part as well as a time investment-- for printing, cover art, publicity, postage, editing, ISBN, etc.

I've worked with two small presses that are still new, but I have the utmost faith in both of them, partly because they were extremely selective and chose to allocate their resources to only a few books, rather than taking on many books, magazines, etc. and hoping something would fly.

What LBF is doing is asking authors for a favor: "Please put your faith in us and we'll try to do right by your book." That's fine, but not a favor I'd grant them if I had other options. Why? Because I have no proof that they'll succeed; they've already made some early mistakes (with the "levels" and the POD printing) that show they don't yet have a strong handle on what they're doing.

I think it's a good step that they're switching to offset printing, and not out to rook writers with hidden fees. So if it were a choice between a vanity press and LBF, I'd definitely give LBF the advantage. But I'd wait and see-- just a little while longer-- they have a few authors who have already signed on to be the guinea pigs. I wish them the absolute best of luck. Now the rest of us get to wait a few months, then visit our bookstores to see if they had success getting their books distributed.

That's the test. It's a simple test. It's great when an author gets books into local stores and has signings, but the real test is to see if the book appears across the country from the author *without* the author having to walk into stores and beg.

You won't need to ask the publisher if they've succeeded at this; you'll just need to walk into two or three stores and look for LBF titles. That's it.

[Greenwolf103]

That is all I need to take away from this thread. :hail

[tfdswift]

Hey Uncle Jim,

I would cruise the local mall if I had one!!!:rofl I need to kind of rely on all you city folks to be my eyes and ears for that sort of thing.:lol

Maybe I should look into moving to a real town.... Nah! Then I couldn't have my still in the backyard.:rofl :ha Just kidding!

~~Tammy


"Today is the best day. Yesterday is gone forever. Tomorrow will never arrive." ~ David Wolfe

[btrobertson]

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>they have a few authors who have already signed on to be the guinea pigs<hr></blockquote>

Ms. Glatzer,
I must admit that your recent post raised my eyebrows, and some of your points make sense. However, I must say that referring to me as a "guinea pig" is unfair, and quite honestly, unfounded. Since no one seems to know whether LBF will or will not succeed, then is equally unknown if the authors are or are not guinea pigs at this point right? My book wasn't published solely on the fact of being an experiment for a new publisher, and I would take offense to that if it weren't for the fact that it's doing quite well, and has been requested for review by five different places without even being officially released yet. Not to mention that my book has been submitted to the Small Book Press of Barnes & Nobles booksellers, which has to be accepted first to be put into those stores, correct? Please, correct me if I'm wrong here, but B&N has to accept a book for distribution, it just doesn't magically show up there because the publisher says so. So, in light of this evidence, would you say that LBF is doing something for me as an author to make sure that my book gets a chance to be shelved in B&N? I spoke with a manager at my local B&N store, and he gave me information that suggested as such, but LBF had already submitted to them without me even having to tell them.
My work wasn't published solely on the notion that there's a litmus test going on, nor would I have accepted my contract if I thought that my work was chosen simply as their "test". Give the authors some credit at being able to get published by being able to actually write, instead of insinuating that we got published just to be guinea pigs. We bang our heads against walls at those kinds of insults.

[Risseybug]

I don't think that Jenna meant any offense by it. "Guinea pigs" being a generally broad term for the first to try anything new. With that definition, your book might be considered a "guinea pig" of the NEW publisher. I think the term "test case" might suit it better. A chance for all of us writers out here to see how this untested publisher is going to make out.

It sounds like LBF is doing everything right, but outsiders need the tangible proof - ie: books on shelves.
I am still waiting with bated breath on a decision from them. I am in the reading queue. I have no idea how many are in front of me. From everything I've read and been told about them, it sounds like they are gearing up to do great things.

[Whachawant]

Jenna
Before I read your opinion in this forum, You meant nothing to me .. so way to go you advertised yourself and it didn't cost you anything,.. exactly what certain authors do all the time... just to get started...

and sales from anywhere even small time mean something to someone.... ,

Oh by the way no they(authors) don't make sales to publishers everyday... considering the most famous now received rejection letters before making it big...and they too had to bite the bullet a couple of times and do things for free just to get exposure..

exposure is overrated......???? the freaking editor for lbf struggled for years before she got a break and that was through advertising... I took on a second and third job to support my career goal, I'm glad it worked out for you the first time ..but some people struggle up the ladder differently.......

Strong handle on what they're doing?... for crying out loud ... Bill Gates didn't have a strong handle on what he was doing.. neither did 'Suess' ,... or any other person we now make reference to for doing great things and taking a chance... you also just admitted you were taking a chance on .,... not one but TWO small time publishers... Ya gotta take a chance somewhere... and LBF is on the right track... They continue to expand on a regular basis and I consider this a good sign...

... and for all who are interested... not that you should care..

IM NOT ON THE PAYROLL....I have done work FOR them but I don't technically work for them ...

I will tell you this ... as a result of the small time exposure.... I've proved that I can deliver on time and with quality.... and its been a big help to me..

Oh.. you're right Jenna .. It doesn't pay bills(intentions)... but, for the short term it will get you noticed...


Oh by the way ,..... when I went to Absolute Write.. there was a line that caught my eye...
"IF YOU CAN READ OUR EMAIL, YOU CAN TAKE OUR WRITING COURSE...."--(I still don't like this line)


"HEY RISSEYBUG... I LIKE YOUR UN BIAS OPINION' ... KEEP POSTING

"BT ... keep posting.."
THIS POSTING HAS BEEN EDITED CAUSE IM A MORON AND DON'T NEED EVERYBODY TO BRING IT TO MY ATTENTION
waht
p.s.:head

[lastr]

EVERYBODY NEEDS CRITISISM IN THERE LIFE

Politeness, spellcheck, and parsing appear to be missing. :ssh

[Whachawant]

lastr
yeah I know I can't spell thanks for pointing that out... :head

[SRHowen]

My thoughts exactly--sheesh.

Shawn

[XThe NavigatorX]

Whatcha...

I don't understand. You say you don't work for them, but when you posted your first message in this thread, you put in the subject line "Re:checked their site....matter of fact I work for them.. "

So what's up with that?

[pepperlandgirl]

whachawant, it only takes a moment to make your posts decipherable. Just because you're posting on an Internet MB doesn't mean that you should throw out spelling, grammar, and good form. You may have had a point buried in there somewhere, but I sure as hell couldn't find it.

You also sound unreasonably angry. Have you taken any posts here personally? And if so, why? Quite frankly, if I was an editor or publisher, and had somebody like you speaking on my behalf, I would be extremely embarassed and maybe even ashamed. You're certainly not doing her any favors.

[Risseybug]

Yeah, that was a little harsh - just my unbiased opinon. Jenna IS a professional, and I don't think she was trying to dis (did I just say that) anybody. But this is a Beware forum, here things are looked at with a bit of a critical eye, not a personal one.

I am sure that, given time, LBF will prove themselves and this discussion will be moot. Their first books come out in less than 30 days. Let's give this a rest until then.

[btrobertson]

I must actually take the side of Rissy and the others, Whatcha. When I posted, it wasn't to fuel your fire, or anyone else's, to the point of angry posts like that. I pointed out one item in her post that I thought was a tad insulting due to the nature of the comment, but I didn't post a flame to her. Whatcha, your post is a flame, and flames take your point, no matter how good it is, and tosses it out the window. Now Ms. Glatzer's reply, though professional it may be, most likely won't be very nice. :)

I must also ask that you refrain from posts like that because what is does is puts your angry opinion in front of LBF's, and makes it a poster-child for them, which as one of the replies stated, isn't helping LBF's cause any. These folks, especially and including Ms. Glatzer, have a right to state how they feel based on the fact that they are free to do so, and they may have the experience in the field to back up what they say.

Ms. Glatzer told us that a simple test is to go into the booksellers near us, and see where books are. I decided to run her test, and her books are in every one of the eight Pittsburgh area Barnes & Nobles' stores, and every one of the Border's stores. Does she have a point about things? I'd say she's earned it, and my guinea pig response post wasn't nearly the offensive piece that you wrote, Whatcha. Let's not call people unprofessional twits, while at the same time acting 10 times more UNprofessional ok?

We all want to succeed in life in some way or another. Me? I really could care less about money at this point, and you can ask anyone who knows me. I believe that my sacrifice is my decision, and it is my right based on my situation. But that's not everyone's way of thinking, nor may it not be their goal, but it works for me. I want exposure, and I don't want to trade small return profits of my first book now for what may turn into a huge return in the future by reinvesting it in my own marketing. LBF and other publishers do what they can, and LBF is doing it well, but it's also up to the authors to do things for their own exposure too. I believe they go hand in hand with success. No, it's not all about money, and I would argue that with anyone, but Ms. Glatzer is looking out for authors too with her advice. No one will respond badly to a good argument, but flames will only incite defensive responses, and a bad name for LBF.

Thank you.

[Whachawant]

WOW DON'T ASK WE WHAT I WAS ON THE OTHER NIGHT.......
All I know is I should shut up and let what ever happens happen.
Jenna,... I apologize to you for my rant .... I was way out of line...
To all others who have the intelligence not to drink and bitch on this forum... I also apologize to you.
Yes I was a little mad,... (at alot of things) and should not have been on here. From what I can remember and think of now .. I probably misinterpreted your post at 1:00 am after a Friday night.

Yes I have done work FOR lbf. I don't technically work for them. (just to clarify)...on that first post I should have made that clearer.....
Don't blacklist me or the LBF corporation ... I, for one, am highly defensive about my career choice(especially after some liquid courage) and I still feel that the beginning negative opinions of some people are completely ignorant... I am confident lbf will do fine and time will tell.

Once again.. my apologies and... advice to you all

"DON'T DRINK AND SURF"
:smack

Peperlandgirl... yeah, I read it three times the day after and I couldn't find my point either.. :smack
... it has since been edited....
In no such given way am I like that regularly.... and I hope my apology is enough... ... well ... back to banging my head.:head

[Risseybug]

Hey, it's cool - we've all been there.

[lastr]

At least you didn't spill your drink on the keyboard :grin You can go back and edit that post though if you would like - this board is kind that way, gives us another chance to reword things when we have eaten our feet (which I also have done in the past - ugh day old sock taste is nasty).

Have a good morning cup of java and smile. :coffee

[Whachawant]

<HTML><BODY TEXT=FFFFFF BGCOLOR="#000000" LINK=FFCC33 VLINK=0000FF ALINK=FFCC33>
</HTML>

[tfdswift]

LBF Books has asked to see my whole manuscript. I am currently revising it with help from a reputable mentor. They say they are willing to wait for the revisions. I don't know about all the do's and don'ts of getting published but I do have to say one thing for LBF Books. They are very nice and hospitable. I have never gotten one rude or pompous response from them. I like that Jacquelyn is nice and seems to treat everybody with respect. Just for personality, I think I will give LBF Books a fair and unbiased "Good Luck".

~~Tammy

“Today is the best day. Yesterday is gone forever. Tomorrow will never arrive.” ~ David Wolfe

[Risseybug]

Good luck with that tfdswift. I submitted to them without any qualms. Still waiting on a decision, hoping the ms. gets accepted. I have a bit of faith in this little company.

And your right, Jackie is VERY nice.

[Whachawant]

That's a really good sign tfdswift,...glad to hear you've taken the plunge.. Things are looking good and will get better.

I hear the site is being revised and is getting good reviews. Maybe you all should check it out.

Peace
<img border=0 src="http://www.absolutewrite.com/images/emoteClap.gif" />

[Risseybug]

since you seem to know, Whacawant. What are the odds of a ms. getting published by lbf after they want the whole ms? This is purely for my own personal edification, b/c I am impatient. It's not in my nature to like to wait. Yeah, like a little kid I am.
I understand if you don't want to answer, you don't want to speak for Jackie. But since you told tdf that a request for a whole ms is a good sign, I was just wondering...
You can private message me if you want, or e-mail me: risseybug@aol.com

and how's this for an emoticon... http://www.nevrast.net/forum/images/smiles/gandalf2.gif

[DaveKuzminski]

Risseybug, you can't determine odds in a situation like this since they don't have to accept anything. Odds can be determined only if they have to accept something out of what was offered.

[Whachawant]

Risseybug,...
...you're right,... I don't want to speak for Jake...but by my observation what ever tfdswift submitted, it was worth Jakes time to contact tfds and take a look at the whole ms. Something must have caught her eye... or sparked imagination. That's pretty much it.

Impatient are you?,... well join the club. I've been impatient for quite some time,(damn that took 10 years to say). I think we'll have to take a lesson from Jake on this one... called determination. You just gotta keep going. Keep in mind they do have limited staff and Jake reviews ALL SUBMISSIONS. That's a big sack of paper to tackle(whether digital or parchment) . She looks at each piece with the same scrutiny and professionalism.
They(the corp) have been busy going through changes, just in recent months. Staff, advertising, new printer,...I highly doubt you've been forgotten.

As I recall,... some where on the site you can check your submission status.(I guess Jake for saw us impatient people)
If you have something in mind,... submit away....

To keep your mind off of things, you might just want to start a new project.

peace

p.s. cool emoticon

[Risseybug]

Darn, you're too fast for me. I was going to come back and delete that post.
I did submit, and she requested the whole thing. And I know she's gotten the ms, I am just waiting on a decision. Like I said, patience is not a virtue I possess. <shrug>

I did visit the new site however, and it looks great!

[tfdswift]

I just want to say that I appreciate this particular thread. I have alot going on in my life right now and I don't have alot of time for surfing and checking out every site mentioned (although I wish I did). I try to make a point of checking my emails and checking the AW board (somedays I don't even get to do these), but I am able to check on LBF by coming here and seeing what all is going on. So thanks guys to all who have posted on this thread.

Also, Rissey, I just want to say good luck on your ms. But, believe me it gives LBF more credibility that they are taking a while to get back to you. It means they are truly reading your ms and will make a decision based on what they read. I am not a patient person, either, but I have learned (the hard way) that waiting on a decision can be a good thing.

As newbies, we have to learn to have patience and develop thick skins in this business. I am not there yet, but I wish you the best of luck.

~~Tammy

“Today is the best day. Yesterday is gone forever. Tomorrow will never arrive.” ~ David Wolfe

[Whachawant]

No problem Rissey, at least you can set your mind at ease... GOOD LUCK...

Tfdswift... and Rissey... keep at it no matter what happens and you can always ask the members of LBF for advice..... :hug

[SRHowen]

or better yet rubber skin, things just bounce off--most of the time, unless someone makes it personal---:jump

[absolutewrite]

Been away from this thread for a few days. Few points:

B.T., I really didn't mean to offend you with the "guinea pig" comment. Like Rissey said, I'm just using that as a generic term for anyone who tries something new-- not at ALL saying that the only reason LBF is publishing your work is so they'll have something to experiment with. If your posts are any indicator, I'm guessing your writing skills are excellent.

I truly am wishing you and LBF all the best. Part of my job here is to help writers figure out what to look for in a publisher, and I want to add LBF to the list of publishers I can recommend without hesitation. With them, everything is based on hunches right now. Even with an experienced publisher, distribution can be very difficult. My book Outwitting Writer's Block, published by Adams Media (a reputable mid-sized house with a strong sales history), is still struggling to find its place on bookshelves, despite great reviews and outstanding online sales. New publishers are at a bigger disadvantage because they can't prove to bookstores that their books sell or that they know what they're doing with publicity.

Just about anyone can get titles listed with Ingram and Baker & Taylor, and it doesn't mean they'll find their way to bookstore shelves. Vanity presses are routinely listed with them, but receive almost no bookstore play. There has to be some kind of sales force (by a distributor or in-house reps hired by the publisher) getting out there and getting the books placements on shelves.

And back to Whatcha's rebuttal: I'm sorry that it seems otherwise to you, but I will reiterate my statement: New writers can and DO sell books to major publishers EVERY DAY. I didn't say new (or experienced) writers never receive any rejections, and I'm not sure how that got twisted. If you like, I'll start pulling out statistics and examples. Actually, here are three that all came in one issue of Publisher's Lunch:

Kyo Maclear's THE LETTER OPENER, set in 1989 in the
Undeliverable Mail Office of Canada Post, where a woman
spends her days sorting through orphaned letters and
parcels, and where she comes to know a Romanian
refugee who briefly works beside her until, one day, he
disappears without a trace, to Phyllis Bruce at Phyllis
Bruce Books/Harper Canada, by Jackie Kaiser at
Westwood Creative Artists (Canada).

Film and television writer Nina Shengold's first novel
CLEARCUT, about a salvage logger whose impulsive
decision to pick up a hitchhiker draws him into a volatile
love triangle, set in the untamed splendor of the Pacific
Northwest in the mid-1970s, to Diana Secker Larson at
Vintage, in a nice deal, by Phyllis Wender at
Rosenstone/Wender (world).

Wade Rubenstein's first novel GULLBOY, set in
contemporary Coney Island, Brooklyn, packed with
allusions to Thomas Mann, Cervantes, and other
classics, the story a peculiarly misshapen foundling and
the working-class ne'er-do-well who adopts him -- in
the process transforming himself into a workaholic
parent who tragically neglects his new son's complex
emotional and physical needs, to David Shoemaker at
Counterpoint, by Scott Mendel of the Mendel Media
Group (world English).

-
Although I don't know any "famous authors" who can't get published anymore, if an experienced author stops getting offers, it generally means the author's sales record has dropped off, the author hasn't come up with any new marketable ideas, or the author's work has gotten really sloppy. It's not that publishers are closing their doors to experienced authors with great new work... or even to brand new authors with great new work.

And when I say "exposure is overrated," here's what I mean:

Take as an example a print-on-demand vanity press, or even a well-intentioned traditional press with no experience. They'll print your book. They'll get it an ISBN, list it with a wholesaler, put it on Amazon, put it on their website, send out press releases and maybe some review copies. Presto: Now you have "exposure." Your name's on a book and people can order it from the world's biggest online bookseller. They can usually order it from bookstores, too.

Problem is, that book will likely never see a store's bookshelf outside of your local area (and that's only if you can convince the manager). Three years from now, that book has sold 40 copies, mostly to your relatives. It's hard to resell it to a traditional publisher now because not only do you have to sell reprint rights instead of first rights, but you've just shown them that it looks like a bad investment.

Worse, when you try to sell your next book, you now have a track record-- and it's a bad one. If a publisher were to check into your past book sales to figure out whether or not to buy your next book, you have a big strike against you.

In the book world, the only people you want "exposing" you are the ones who have the capability to sell your book on a mass level, to the chains and the major independent stores and libraries, usually. Possibly to the educational market or by direct sales.

Whether you care about money or not, you definitely want readers, right? The more the better? If no one can find your book, no one can read it. My whole point here is that it's time to wait and see if LBT can deliver the readers.

When I mentioned the small presses I've "taken a chance" on, I didn't do so blindly. I asked questions, I looked for quantifiable results. One of the presses had put out only about a dozen books at the time I signed with them... some of which had sold almost 100,000 copies and were still going strong, and had received great trade reviews and foreign rights sales to boot. Still a risk because they had never put out a book in my category before-- which made me a guinea pig-- but a calculated risk. I trusted that they had the industry knowledge and tenacity to ensure my book's success. It was a wise risk. They've done well by me, and I plan to write for them again and again.

[Whachawant]

Jenna,...
I believe clarity was my problem there,... when that posting was put up I wasn't in the best of shape and pretty much mad at the world and somehow I managed to type in my password correctly and went on a free for all.... I'm glad you were away long enough so that I could edit the posting, but my apology:cry (and the current posting) still stands... and strangely enough I agree with the fact that new writers get a break... however lets define New...
New(?) writer making a major publication after how many small prints and major rejections?.... by this time this 'NEW' writer isn't so new any more... He/she has made the mistakes and is now ready to take the next step..... That's all I'm saying... all of your examples have published their first book...yes .. I'll give you that... but I found the people listed have past histories and experience in writing and creative arts.... ALL OF THEM
HECK,..Wade Rubenstein is a former journalist, lawyer, boxer and painter, so he could write the book, illustrate the book and if the publisher didn't like it he could punch him in the head and defend himself in court.....(lol)...I consider this quite the asset when approaching something like a book publisher .. wouldn't you?
I regard NEW as one who has never had a publication (small or otherwise)

As for exposure I guess I could see your point, .........except if the small press did all the things you mentioned and It's on the web,. and an ISBN which major wholesalers can order the book how could it just stay in a local area? .... and how could you not see some relevant revenue from the book?
There are some pretty strong search engines out there... and if you type in what you're looking for (i.e. horror, new release,new author) somehow that book is going to pop up. I don't know maybe I'm just over-experimental ,:shrug (is that a term?)

...and in the last paragraph of your post.. you still admitted you took a risk... NOW... THAT JENNA, I admire you for.... (Calculated Risk?... I wonder how many people invested in Enron and Nortel are sick of hearing these words used together)


I think we're all Guinea pigs in life's rat race......

[btrobertson]

Ms. Glatzer, thank you for clearing up the guinea pig thing, and thank you for the compliment as well. <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif" /> Your tests proved your point, so I must then assume you know your stuff. I'm hoping that we'll see LBF rise above all this, and I'm betting that my book will be watched like crazy from now on. If you also haven't checked recently, LBF Books' website has a new look, and it's great! <a href="http://www.lbfbooks.com" target="_new">www.lbfbooks.com</a> And thank you to everyone who has supported LBF Books. As a fellow writer and reader, I also thank everyone for their support, and wish everyone good luck in their writing endeavors. <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif" />

B.T. Robertson

[arainsb123]

*Intentionally blank*

[btrobertson]

The best seller isn't released yet, but is being placed with Amazon.com very soon. I'm not sure what Amazon's policy is, but I'm assuming that with a new author, they won't list it until it's actually released. My guess. But, as the author of that book, I know for a fact it will be available for sale there. Hope that helps.

B.T. Robertson

[Whachawant]

arainsb123.....

Once again,... LBF has gone through extensive changes...
Quote from page 2 the editor herself.....

".....I've been...preparing over 400 press releases per book next week, not too mention the book stores (over 50 per book) we contact to get signings, or the reviewers we send copies too. Each title is submitted to specialty distributors and books sellers for consideration and shelf placement....."

LBF has switched to a printer that will handle high volume.

....and no you won't find anything on amazon. YET!!... cause the scheduled release for all books, journals and what ever else their preparing for isn't until October....
(which is less than 30 days away... wow time flies)and they'll be on shelves......

As far as I know book sales have not been disclosed, nor have I inquired.


B.T. Robertsons book is mentioned on Barnes and Nobel site and it also says scheduled release in October.. You can, however pre-order if you wish.....

As for your other questions I would suggest to inquire to LBF directly instead of this forum.

GOOD LUCK! ....and remember.... don't give up....

P.S. LOOKING GOOD B.T.......:thumbs

[btrobertson]

Oh yes, here is the link to where my book is showing up on B&N's site. This must be a great sign. <img border=0 src="http://www.absolutewrite.com/images/emoteClap.gif" /><img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif" />

4th item down in the list! I couldn't be any happier!!

<a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?ATH=robertson%2C+b&userid=fm6NAiy9cq" target="_new">search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?ATH=robertson%2C+b&userid=fm6NAiy9cq</a>

B.T. Robertson

[arainsb123]

Thank you for the clarification. LBF seems like a great publisher!

[SRHowen]

they don't have a synop of your book--what is is about?

Shawn

[btrobertson]

There's a small synop of it on LBF's new site, and there's some info on my own site. Both links are below. I'm posting new info on the synopsis on my site later today, so stay tuned for more info. It's hard for me to to sum up my book, especially when it encompasses an entire series. <img border=0 src="http://www.absolutewrite.com/images/EmoteShrug.gif" /> I guess I just stink at doing a "short" synopsis. LOL

I'll see if I can do something for you here and now.

The book is an adventure/sword and sorcery fantasy fiction. While the title would suggest something on what it's about, I'll define a Planeswalker for my stories as an individual who is given the ability to transcend space and time, and travel across the Planar dimensions of the universe that I've created. More will be revealed as the series continues, but in Part Zero (named for the fact that I'm a computer geek who knows that most things in the computer world start at zero, not one), all of the story opens on the physical realm, or Plane, of Vaaluna. Vaaluna is a world very similar to our own, but the series will take readers to worlds that are very different in the rules of physics and such.

So, book one, part zero, is centered around the beginnings of the hows, whens, whats, and whys of the Planes. The main protagonist is a breed of elf known as the Krayn (pronounced "crane"). I've also been told that I've given a dual role as protagonist to my wizard character, Aeligon. Aeligon is not your cliche wizard with a gray beard that hangs down to his naval, and gray robes (*cough, Gandalf, cough*). No, my wizard has been compared to Sean Connery, or someone like that (I hope I spelled his last name correctly). Anyhow, bad things are starting to happen across Vaaluna, but since the knowledge of the Planes are little more than theory on Vaaluna, no one knows what's going on. So, a party of elves, a wizard with a really cool sidekick (not disclosing it since he's a good hook for originality in my stories), and more surprise creatures go searching for answers as an evil sorcerer lays the groundwork for some really bad behavior. <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif" />
I believe that my story is shaping up to be very original. Book two is currently being written, and there are lots of surprises and story development planned (of course). Also, it should be noted that book one is about 250 pages, which is considered short for a fantasy novel. I am planning book two to be about a hundred pages longer or more. I'm already enjoying the story, so stay tuned for more.
So you see, I stink at giving a nice, short synop of my work, but I hope this worked for you. Thanks.

B.T. Robertson
<a href="http://www.btrobertson.com" target="_new">www.btrobertson.com</a>
<a href="http://www.lbfbooks.com" target="_new">www.lbfbooks.com</a>

[Risseybug]

It sounds really great, and I think your post sums it up better than the LBF site. But they have limited space.

It's on my list of things to buy this week! Can't wait to read it :)

[Writingtodeath]

Hello all! I only know a little about LBF Books. My buddy has taken on the new magazine OPINIONS that will be released Oct 2004 through LBF Books. I am also a manuscript reader for LBF Books. My manuscript is also being considered by LBF Books. I was a PA author, but please do not hold that against me.

I have been writing for 12 years and research everything and anything before I get into it. Some how PA slipped through the cracks.
Anyways, Jackie the Editor seems like the up and up. My friend and I have been buddies for a few years and I really do not think she would steer me the wrong way.

I do know that I have read several manuscripts that were in need of help and some that made me sit up and say WOW!

I do not know about other readers for LBF, but I do know about me... I try to be fair, but honest so if your manuscript is read by me and it passed, you know it was honestly looked at and critiqued.
I edit, proofread and critique for a living and I take it seriously. I also run my own book review site with 4 staff members and 12-14 reviewers along with several columnist. I know what I am talking about.

I hope I helped!

writingtodeath

[Risseybug]

You didn't happen to get my manuscript, did you??

:LOL Just kidding.

[Katherinebs]

Has anyone on this board gone with ibfbooks? If so, what was the outcome and are you happy with it. :nerd

[btrobertson]

Katherinebs, I have been published with LBF Books, as my previous posts indicate, and you can verify that by visiting their website. :) Hope that helps. If you have any further questions of me, please don't hesitate to ask. Thanks.

B.T. Robertson
<a href="http://www.btrobertson.com" target="_new">B.T. Robertson's Official Website</a>
<a href="http://www.lbfbooks.com" target="_new">www.lbfbooks.com</a>

[LaVerneRoss]

Well I have sent in queries, and chapters for 2 of my novels. A horror, and a western. I have not heard anything yet. So far the IBF sounds good, still have some questions. I really want my books in stores, not just online ones. After being with (whispering) PA, I am extremely cautious. Guess time will tell.

[Whachawant]

Patience people.
With some publishers they only respond if interested...:ssh
These types of ones are fun...

(...or at least when I run through a list in a couple books I have, that's what some say)

....anybody else encounter these type of publications...? BT..? Jenna?

P E A C E ...

[maestrowork]

Yes, patience. Especially with a small, start-up publisher like LBF.

It may not be Random House. But PA it's not, rest assure.

[FM St George]

all things in due time, folks...

just do your homework, ask questions and get answers, like the fine folks have done here from LBF upon request...

do your research and you can't really go too far wrong!

:)

[Risseybug]

At this point, I am glad someone besides a person doing a critique is reading the whole thing and not just a chapter or two.

Guess it's back to working on my next book while the butterflies in my stomach do the cha-cha.
Maybe it's a conga line, not sure.:lol

[Katherinebs]

I've gone through the thread on IBF and still have a question.
I want to see if I'm getting it. Been in the hospital so long, seems my brain isn't functioning as well just yet. So I apologize in advance for anything stupid I may ask.

They publish books. You send them the query etc and they get back to you with a yes or no. If yes, they publish the book, handle marketing and it does go on shelves in book stores like Barnes and Noble AND also on line.. They help get you out there with book signings etc. They're a small new company with limited funds, but we all have to start someplace, including a never before published writer.

And those that worked with IBF is happy with how their book is handled. :coffee

[Whachawant]

You have it right.....I think ...

Except its LBF..

peace
:thumbs

[vstrauss]

>>and it does go on shelves in book stores like Barnes and Noble<<

I hate to cast a dark cloud over the love-fest (well, I guess I don't, or I wouldn't), but I'm dubious. LBF appears to have had some local success--maybe--in getting its books stocked. There's no evidence to date that that this will translate into national shelf space.

- Victoria

[Whachawant]

There's no evidence that it won't neither..

I still like the line ....

"Wait and see...." ...

This company will give you a chance ... if you're good enough.. besides there not PA ... that thread is up to 106 pages.. jesus..



"...trouble is , if you don't risk anything, you risk even more."-Erica Jong....:thumbs

[tfdswift]

I am still here, waiting and hoping for the best. I hope LBF shows us all.:D

~~Tammy

“Today is the best day. Yesterday is gone forever. Tomorrow will never arrive.” ~ David Wolfe

[Risseybug]

I preordered BT's book yesterday. Can't wait to see it :)

They (all the current LBF titles) will be released Oct. 5.

[btrobertson]

Risseybug, I can't thank you enough. <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif" />

I appreciate all the support from you, and thanks for taking a chance on me. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

And stay tuned into my new website as well since there's information there regarding the next book in the series. I'm currently in the process of writing it, and it's going great. 15,000 words in. Art development is already commencing on the first three chapters as well.

Again, I'm a very modest person, so none of this stuff is geared toward bragging...it's meant to help motivate. Thanks again Risseybug, and the book will be out soon for those who have pre-ordered. I'll be in Texas all next week on business, but when I get back the books will be in. This is an exciting time for me, and I'm honored to be able to share it with fellow writers. <img border=0 src="http://www.absolutewrite.com/images/emoteThumbs.gif" />

B.T. Robertson
<a href="http://www.btrobertson.com" target="_new">www.btrobertson.com</a>

[Risseybug]

Hey, no problem. I wouldn't have bought it if the plot didn't interest me.

Good luck on the new book. My goal for my WIP is to get it up to 10,000 words in the computer by the end of Sept. Which is going to be tricky, since my calendar is so packed. I have a bunch handwritten, now it's time to punch the keys.

[tfdswift]

Is there any more news about LBF? I have been waiting and he discussion just seems to have broke off. What's going on? Did Rissey get offered a contract? Are we just waiting for October?

Is this thing on? Can anyone hear me??:bang 8o

~~Tammy

“Today is the best day. Yesterday is gone forever. Tomorrow will never arrive.” ~ David Wolfe

[Risseybug]

My ms is still in their hands. I sent a tracker today, so I'll see where it is in the process. I am going away for a few days, so when I get back hopefully I'll have an update for you. In the meantime, I will be spending my downtime with my notebook and pen, madly finishing an essay I hope to submit to their Opinions mag, and working on my next book.

If you go to the LBF site and look over their forum, especially the "Chat with the Editor" board, there are some good posts that get into the head of this company.

Jackie wrote a lovely post about how she looks over submissions. And I asked her some hard questions which she answered honestly and very thoroughly.
Basically she said it takes no less than a month and up to four to receive an answer on a ms. I know right now Jackie is busy preparing for the release of the first set of books in Oct. - mailing out press releases, etc...

Oct. 5 is not that far away. I don't expect an answer much before then. In the meantime, Tyrannosaurus books has asked to see a writing sample, so my wait continues on that front as well...

[Whachawant]

Something tells me things are a little hectic with the release of everything in October..
....and you're right, its just right around the corner. I'm pretty excited to see how the public takes to the new kid on the block, but I'm confident everything will be fine. I think Jake should take a much deserved vacation,.... of course I doubt that will happen.

How about you tfdswift?,..you sent something in didn't you? Any reply,.. ? Have you tried other places?

Have any of you seen the battle going on with the P.A. thread? Jesus, that thing is big. But, it does answer some questions ya might have about P.O.D. , vanity companies.
I can see where Jenna was going with the statement that 'if LBF was using P.O.D.' that you wouldn't see your book on the shelves. If you ever go to the boards on P.A. site thats all that the so called authors talk about. How 'all the members of their family have bought one or more to market'... what a crock. Some of those people need stronger coffee... their pleased with selling 40 copies of their book...give me a break. I'll tell ya it opened my eyes a little wider...... (THANKS JENNA)

I think LBF is set to fly,... good time of year to have new books come out..

Hey B.T., were you a fan of 'THE HOBBIT' and 'Lord of the Rings' ...?... Seems you're kinda going that route with your book series. I know a few people that enjoy that type of reading and I'll introduce your series to them....

Cheers to all.... :cheers

[btrobertson]

I guess you could say that my book is in the same "round-a-about" genre, but it also will cross lines into sci-fi as well. The reason is because I'm developing (currently) a system that explains how the Planes themselves are governed. It's highly complex and mathematical if you want the hard and fast of it, but it is able to be explained very easily once it's set up. I've got it all mapped out, so now I'm just setting up the laws that control it, and the overall plotline elements, which, of course, I won't divulge here. :)

So, if you know of anyone who loves fantasy and/or sci-fi, this book may tickle their fancy. :) Thanks for asking, and many thanks for spreading the word.

B.T. Robertson

[Whachawant]

B.T.

How long are you going to keep the series running? or have you decided?

Are you sticking with LBF on the series?

Have you figured out the situation with Amazon.com yet?(do they post after its been published)

(Inquiring minds)

:cheers CHEERS

[pepperlandgirl]

I submitted a chapter to LBF yesterday, but when I did I got a weird error message, so I don't know if it went through or not, and I don't want to unintenionally spam their inbox...

[DaveKuzminski]

Pepperlandgirl, I give it a second try after adjusting the subject to note "second attempt after error". Most people won't consider it spam if you sent twice and one attempt included that. They'd conclude that you received an error and resent as a precaution. At any rate, no one has ever complained about me doing that.

[Whachawant]

I agree with Dave, pepperlandgirl.
Especially when you explain yourself... Servers, nor your own computer are perfect and I'm quite sure the LBF site is well looked after as far as viruses are concerned.

Post again if there is a problem..

:cheers CHEERS

[maestrowork]

I also agree with Dave. Send it again and explain why you're submitting it the second time. They're very understanding.

[Risseybug]

Do you have AOL? I used to get the "Web site not responding" message after everything I sent (forum post and whatnot) but the message was still going through.

Just send it again, as others have said. No harm done, I'm sure.

[Risseybug]

I just ran a little check of the big online bookstores. Since Borders is now running with Amazon, it was a one-stop. But I visited B&N and punched in the title of Mr. Robertson's book.

Lo and behold, there came a listing. It's currently on the B&N site, with the notice that it will be released in Oct. I don't have the link to check where it will be on the shelves, perhaps someone else could check on that after Oct. 5.

I am guessing it will be on Amazon/Borders either very shortly or just around the release date.

[Whachawant]

B.T.'s book is also available for order on Authorsden.com

[pepperlandgirl]

Well, I submitted it the second time and got the same error...

[DaveKuzminski]

If you're submitting something as an attachment, try sending just a quick brief message with no attachments asking if your email is getting through at all. If you don't receive an error on your side, then it could mean that there's a problem with their email program, your email program, or both. A reply that they received it could eliminate their computer and email program as the problem.

I recently had problems with attachments also. It turned out that a part in my computer was going bad. It would let me send short emails, but anything long and many attachments wouldn't go in either direction. If your computer is old, that could also be the source of your problems.

Have you tried sending a similar length attachment to someone else? If that succeeded, then that might eliminate your computer and email program as the cause. This and the other suggestions won't, however, eliminate your ISP or theirs as possible causes.

Wish I could offer you a solid solution.

[btrobertson]

Sorry Whachawant, I was away all of last week, and didn't get a chance to respond.

This first series will be a trilogy, or at least that's what I'm planning now. However, the plotline and main story won't stop there. This trilogy will be the first trilogy in a larger hierarchical chain of series' framed around the central plot. I don't like planning beyond three books in a series, unlike a lot of fantasy writers that I know. I don't want to bite off more than I can chew by promising to my fans that I'll have a 12 book series. I will offer up to a trilogy, but nothing more at this point. I plan on writing more, but I'm not going to officially say that it will X number of books long right now. Expect a trilogy for sure.

And I do plan on sticking with LBF for the series. Unless someone comes along like Del Rey or Tor or Baen to buy the rights to it from LBF, I'll be looking to stay with them. Of course, we'll see how that all pans out once this first book hits the market in a few weeks.

I haven't talked to LBF in detail about Amazon specifically, but I know that once the book comes out, Amazon will have it. Other than that, I don't have any more info.

[pepperlandgirl]

It's an online form for submission. When I use their form to submit, I get an error that says something couldn't be found. I don't know if that means the "Thanks for submitting!" page can't be found, but the file has gone through safely, or if it means the server couldn't be found, and the file has been lost to the cyber-ether...

[Whachawant]

I reported it and its being checked out.

[DaveKuzminski]

Okay, that might offer a solution. If you know how to spot the email address the form uses, then copy that or write it down. Then use your own email program and stick that in the email to address. Attach your file and you could be good to go. Your email text might not match their format, but the attachment should still be good.

[Greenwolf103]

I've had that happen, too, with online submission forms. It usually ends up in the cyber-ether. So using e-mail is a good suggestion. Just let them know you couldn't use their submission form.

[Risseybug]

There should be an e-mail address on that form submission you can use if you have problems with the form. They had problems way back when I submitted, and they didn't get the first one I sent, so I e-mailed it. Check the page again, I am sure there is an e- mail addy to use. I think.

[Whachawant]

Pepperlandgirl,

I received an email from the webmaster, there was nothing wrong with your submission, it was just the 'THANK YOU PAGE' ...and has since been corrected.

Your submission has been received in their queue, and will be reviewed.
Best of luck, and stay creative.

[pepperlandgirl]

Thanks for checking it out for me. :) Now I can look forward to many sleepless nights while I wait for a reply. heh. :)

[Risseybug]

Being as I am awaiting a decision on my own book, I have been keeping track of what LBF is doing. The first books to be released are now available to order on Amazon as well as B&N, to be shipped after their release date of Oct. 5.

I will be checking out the local B&N too, to see if they carry it, after that date.

[Risseybug]

More updates...

I am bumping this to the top, and for good reason. Today I received my copy of Chronicles of the Planeswalkers, one of the first five LBF books.

It is a gorgeous book. I haven't had a chance to sit down and read it yet, but from an aesthetic point of view, it is very nice. Beautiful illustrations, lovely typset. A really well put together book. Way to go!

And my copy came signed :grin :b Thank you BT!

I will sit down and read some soon. I am looking forward to it.

[btrobertson]

This was a great post to see on the board. :) Thank you so much Risseybug. I had no idea you were one of the good folks receiving one of those five copies. I'm very happy to hear that you were as pleased with the sheer quality of the book, and artwork. :) I am so excited right now, and the book's still five days from being officially released. It feels like forever. Anyway, thank you very much for the compliments, and I hope you enjoy the book's story as much as the outward appearance. I appreciate your support.

Regards,

B.T. Robertson

[Whachawant]

Yo! B.T......

Just checked Amazon.com books for yours.
...and there is a response right now. States its not currently available, but it says to check back periodically. I guess Amazon takes its time in acquiring information on new publications. .... but you're on there bud.

:cheers
cheers

[tfdswift]

Well, It is past October 5th, what's the story? Is LBF going to make it? Has it's books been selling? Somebody tell me what is going on:shrug

~~Tammy

[btrobertson]

I had my first signing on Saturday at Chapters Books and Music, and it was a success. That store is now carrying my books. Borders in Monroeville, PA (local town to me) saw that my book is on their distributor's website, and also in their little computer kiosks in their stores, so that particular store is ordering a few, and will host a signing for me. Amazon is now carrying it. Barnes and Nobles is carrying it on their website, but not yet in their stores, but that's coming soon as well. The book has picked up sales on those sites, and through LBF's site too. I'm very excited at what's been happening thus far, a mere one week from the release date. Also, look for me at the West Virginia Book Festival in Charleston, WV at the Charleston Civic Center this Saturday and Sunday, October 16th and 17th from about 8 a.m. to 7 p.m both days. I'll be signing books, and handing out free gifts for those who purchase one. :) For those of you who live close, I hope to see you there. I hope this was an adequate update, and gives you a good idea of where I stand, and where LBF stands. Thank you all for your support.

By the way, the best news that I've been receiving on forums and such is that folks are really enjoying the book! :) lol I know that may sound wierd, but my fear, like every author's fear, is that the story won't be enjoyed. Contrary to my own insecurity, people are loving it, and posting how much they love it, which makes me very happy. :) Thanks to Risseybug too for all the kind words.

B.T. Robertson
<a href="http://www.btrobertson.com" target="_new">www.btrobertson.com</a>
<a href="http://www.lbfbooks.com" target="_new">www.lbfbooks.com</a>
Author of the Chronicles of the Planeswalkers novel series

[Whachawant]

Still impatient Tammy?

It does take a while to get a corporation off the ground...although, I must say B.T., your immediate success is impressive and will hopefully be a reflection on LBF as well. I'm sure the editors are currently working long hours.

Now what needs to be done is to get those magazines in stores and up in popularity. (Once again that's a time factor)

Keep the faith people,...its part of the equation to success......:thumbs

[Risseybug]

Ok, I know it's not official yet, but I just can't wait.
I got the news today from Jackie, the LBF editor.

I'VE BEEN ACCEPTED! Actually, the ms was picked up by another author/editor friend of hers and HE read it. By all accounts, this man is a hard case with submissions. He read a bunch of LBF's mag (Writer's Post Journal) submissions and rejected most of them.
And then he read my book, and this is what he said.....


Anyhow, last night over a late dinner, he said to me, "You know, we have something with this novel. This is a good one. The woman can really write, at first i thought it was going to be the typical run of the mill story, but boy, she added a twist and got me. I think you should go with this one and take it."

So, YAY FOR ME! :)

[FM St George]

glad to hear it!!!

*does happy Snoopy dance*

good to hear one of our own getting good news like that!

w00t!

*falls off chair into dirty laundry*

[Sher2]

I'VE BEEN ACCEPTED! Actually, the ms was picked up by another author/editor friend of hers and HE read it.

Congratulations! You must be feeling on top of the world right now. Enjoy!

[ncq13]

Risseybug, HOORAY!! I am so happy for you!
~Kate
katestamour.com (http://katestamour.com)

[btrobertson]

Congrats Risseybug!!!! I can't wait to read it like you did my book!! I know how you feel!! :)

B.T. Robertson
<a href="http://www.btrobertson.com" target="_new">www.btrobertson.com</a>

[Whachawant]

Cheers to you Risseybug!

:cheers

[AlisonBurke]

LBF is publishing my second book and so far I have been very pleased with them. To me they are an old-fashioned publisher, dedicated to their authors and good writing. Plus they have some great art.

Alison

[Risseybug]

Do you post on the LBF forums, Alison? I don't remember seeing you there, unless you use a pen name.

You're not AB Wallace, are you? Just guessing, I'm probably wrong. It's been known to happen.

[tfdswift]

Congrats Everybody!!

I am still revising, but I know my book will be better for it. I will be looking for you all in the book stores!!

~~Tammy

“Today is the best day. Yesterday is gone forever. Tomorrow will never arrive.” ~ David Wolfe

[Risseybug]

Plus they have some great art.

That's what I really can't wait to see... how the LBF artists see my vision as their own. The illustrations of BT's book are really something. Very well done.
Teresa and Philip, et al (I don't know the others names) do a great job.

[Whachawant]

That's what I really can't wait to see... how the LBF artists see my vision as their own. The illustrations of BT's book are really something. Very well done.

I don't know them all but you can check out these sites.
One is Sean Simmans
Seans link 1 (http://www.scarletletters.com/current/012603_va_ss.html)
Seans link 2 (http://www.art-bazaar.com/ss_home.htm)
Teresa's samples are at
www.artstopper.com (http://www.artstopper.com)
Some guy by the name of Van Dyk (This guy changes his site alot so sometimes the link doesn't work)
Van Dyk 1 (http://www.portfolios.com/profile.html?MyUrl=VanDyk)

[Greenwolf103]

Alison, CONGRATS!!! :hug I hope it does well.

--Dawn

[AlisonBurke]

Hi Dawn and Rissey,

I just started looking at the forums at LBF. I will post there soon!

Alison (no pen name :)

[btrobertson]

Hey all. I know some of you have been wondering what's been going on since my book's release on October 5th, so I figured I'd share.

First things first, thank those of you who continue to support my efforts.

The West Virginia Book Festival was this past weekend (October 16-17), and it was a huge success for LBF Books. Not only did my book sell well, but the others did too. I have pictures from the festival posted on my website if anyone's interested in seeing them. At the festival, a representative from the West Virginia Public Library system approached the booth, and took some information on my book. He told me that if I get a positive review, they may order my book to circulate in the library system! That was pretty exciting.

I was approached by two different Pittsburgh area school districts to do appearances. First, I was asked to be a judge for a writing contest for one district (details forthcoming in November), and I was asked to speak in front of a class of sixth graders about writing. Sure, my book's not Young Adult per say, but educating the minds of budding youngsters is also a cool thing to be involved with.

Although the book isn't on the shelves of Borders or B&N yet, my local Borders and Barnes & Noble stores said that they will be ordering my book to put on their shelves in the coming weeks. This is very exciting because I can do signings at both stores here at home, which will build my writing resume for the future.

All these things are fine and good, but the best part of all this is that I have picked up some very cool fans. One young lady named Rachel has plastered some cool raves and questions on my site in the forums. She is reading the book right now, and is loving it. I met her and her mother down in West Virginia this past weekend. That's what it's all about: bringing the excitement and gift of reading to the youth. I can't ask for better fans and supporters, so thank you all for everything. I hope to see you on my site as well.

And I hope this serves as an encouragement to all of you who are looking to get published. Despite all the negative criticism out there, a small press can pull through. I hope to one day meet each of you during a book tour. ;) Thanks again!

[tfdswift]

Hooray for you BT:party :jump

I am still doing lots of work in the revisions part but I am very hopeful for a publishing contract in the end. I live in West Virginia and I think all that has happened to you is awesome. I hope things continue on a positive note.

~~Tammy

“Today is the best day. Yesterday is gone forever. Tomorrow will never arrive.” ~ David Wolfe

[Risseybug]

Yes, BT, I've been meaning to congratulate you. From what I've heard, it sounds like the WVa festival was fun.
I'm still plugging through the first book. I just haven't had the time to finish it. As soon as I do, I'll drop you a review or two. One on LBF, one on Amazon. Maybe one on B&N if I can squeeze it in.
I am enjoying it very much.

Congrats on the appearances! How's the next book coming? :)

[btrobertson]

Thanks Risseybug. The festival was a ton of fun, and it was great for LBF. I'm glad you're enjoying the book; you have no idea how much that excites me. And thanks for the future reviews, that means a lot too. I'm eagerly trying to get into B&N and Borders here in Pittsburgh, and have recently joined PARSEC, a Pittsburgh organization for Sci-fi and Fantasy writers and fans. :)

Also, the next book is coming along great so far. I just wrote about 2,500 words this past weekend, so slowly but surely I'm creeping along with it. I'm enjoying where it's at right now. Thanks for asking, and stay tuned to my website because that's where I post a lot of my progress. :) Good luck to you too!!!

B.T. Robertson
<a href="http://www.btrobertson.com" target="_new">www.btrobertson.com</a>

[maestrowork]

BT, congrats! I've just ordered your book. Truth be told, I am not a Fantasy reader, but I'm eager to support our fellow authors here. I think you deserve all the success -- the kind of enthusiasm and passion you have is inspiring.

Keep up the good work. We want to see your new book soon.

[btrobertson]

Maestrowork, I can't thank you enough. :) That is awesome, and I truly hope you enjoy the book in its entirety. I'm also excited to hear that my passion and enthusiasm is inspiring some. Mostly, it can be nauseating. LOL Just kidding. I'm a very excitable person, and this situation goes way beyond basic excitement for me. It's like Christmas times five. ;) Anyway, thank you very much, and I hope one day I get to meet you at a signing. I'm going to be announcing my signings via a Pittsburgh Sci-fi and fantasy organization called PARSEC, so if you live near PA, keep an eye out for me. :) I'm trying to set up as many signings as I can, but I think that the Christmas season is tough for signings. Just have to wait and see. Oh, and may I encourage those of you who are looking to order my book to pre-order through B&N and/or Borders. That helps us out with distribution immensely since we're using Baker and Taylor distributing. B&N will be releasing my book on the 28th (tomorrow), so look for it online there too. Thank you all again for your undying support, and good luck to you all as well on your writing endeavors. Please feel free to ask me questions or help; I'm more than willing to do so.

B.T. Robertson
<a href="http://www.btrobertson.com" target="_new">www.btrobertson.com</a>

[Selenia692]

Heya BT :D Congrats with everything, and let me know if you ever manage to venture south of Pittsburgh. I live right off campus of California University of PA (about 30 minutes south of Pittsburgh) so if you do any appearances there, I'd love to show up :)

And I can't wait for my clients to get round to paying me so I can check out your book, too :D

[btrobertson]

I grew up in Belle Veron, Selenia, so I'm no stranger to Cal U. :) I'll be sure to put that on my list of potential stops. Is there a local bookstore near there that you visit?
B.T.

[Selenia692]

Hehehe awesome. The only thing that's around here (that I could find) is the student union book store, there was one other one but it closed last semester. There's also the two libraries (the school's and the local one) here too.

The other closest bookstore is Walden's in the uniontown mall I think. Haven't went there in a while though :p

[btrobertson]

School bookstores aren't out of the question. If you want to, you can ask them if they support local authors that way. I think my book appeals to college-age students anyway, so that might be a good possibility. :) If you aren't able to, I'll contact them and see. Thanks for the info. :)

B.T.

[Selenia692]

Hehehe I'll go down there tomorrow and check then :)

[arainsb123]

I queried LBF back on September 6, and today they wrote back to me to request the full manuscript! This is the first time a publisher (besides PA) has shown interest, so I'm really excited!!

[Whachawant]

This company has a long way to go yet. But the positive responses keep pouring in. Congrats B.T. once again.

arainsb123, things are looking up, but, don't get too impatient yet. LBF has had some typical problems relating to staff illness, and computer shut downs recently. They're doing the best they can. .. Looking forward to next year.

Thank you all for purchasing LBF publications.
For short stories you should check out ....
Writers Post Journal.
&
Opinions Magazine.


... more to come...... :jump

[arainsb123]

So who else here is participating in LBF's NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)? I believe there are fifteen contestants. LBF's going to offer a publishing contract to the best novel written during November, and all the contestants who finish their novels will get a free copy of their novel (bound into book format) for posterity.

I'm up to over 13,000 words :D .

[Risseybug]

Hey Anders!
I'm in, and chugging along nicely. I had one of my famous ephiphanies last night and now the book that I hated is starting to grow on me. It might not suck that badly after all.

Did you see they guy that's done already???

I think only a few of us are actually going to finish.

[arainsb123]

Yeah, intimidated me quite a bit! But I'm doing very well, I think (over 17000 words at the moment).

[arainsb123]

Well, the LBF Books NaNoWriMo contest did, of course, end back in November. I was one of the finishers :) .

[Risseybug]

I did too, Anders, but you already knew that.

And I'm frantically cleaning it up to submit by Feb. 1. I even roped in a couple of beta readers :lol See, once I knew you had them, I had to have them too!

[arainsb123]

LOL, my betas have abandoned me. I had four; now it's down to two.

So if anyone would be willing to read my manuscript ... :D :lol

[Risseybug]

Yeah, I had four too. One is doing great, she's a real help. One has given me back the first two chapters, nothing else; one has given me half of one chapter, and the other is MIA.

So, at least I have one reliable reader. And she makes good points too!

[Dhewco]

Rissey,


I had five Beta readers and they all abandoned me. They "enjoyed my writing", but didn't like the "YA Fantasy genre" or were too busy with their own writing. Are your Betas writers too?



David

[arainsb123]

One of my betas is a writer (the only reliable one I have left). The rest aren't.

[Risseybug]

Yep, all four were from another writers forum. Hey, I think that one for four is a pretty good ratio :lol After all, they all volunteered, they didn't have to.

[arainsb123]

A great monthly contest in the spirit of NaNoWriMo run by LBF. Each month, you choose one of four wordcount goals. You use their system to upload your writing once a week, and the most prolific contestant each month wins a $20 prize. Free to join the club!

[drmelvinblair]

I see some folks on this thread that look deceptively familiar to me.

I am a writer, among other things.

I began my first NaNo as the principal part of a drunken bet with a friend, who then immediately dropped out, laughing hysterically at me as he departed the immediate vicinity!

I stayed for two reasons, and hit 50K in 18 days.

The first reason I stayed was because, somewhere around the 10K mark, the novel became "real" to me, and real good, too. I've spent my life living out some pretty incredible standards (or so I've been told). I think I have a decent idea of what is right, and what is good. I met real, good people during NaNo who, for no reason other than the fact that I was sharing a goal with them, gave me kindness, help, and hope during the event. Around the 25th of November, in the goodchatting NaNo lounge with some really nice people, I realized that, like so many other times in my life, a really good thing was about to come to an end. And, frankly, I did not want it to.

So! While sitting in the nanocorner, nibbling on my nanocookie, observing some really strange nanobehaviour, I whispered to a nanopal "where do you go when this is all over? I mean, what do you do?"
Whereupon, said nanopal and fellow nanonewbie told me about this really interesting site that had been discovered. It is a small, traditional publishing concern that really seemed, I was told, "to be trying to do it right". What my nanobuddy did not know was the impact that particular phrase has had in, and upon, my life. So, like the good little nanonewbie I was, I checked it out. And, I liked it so well, I took up residence there.

Which is the second reason I stayed with the NaNoWriMo. I received, every day since my arrival there, words of hope, encouragement, and good sound writing advice from fellow writers. I had no idea that much of the encouragement I was receiving was from the Publisher! I didn't even (I swear!) know what a word count was, much less have the first clue as to how, or where, to verify same. I am a proud member of N.E.R.D. and couldn't find a verification process. I am a very proud member of fmwriters--nope. I am a paid member of AbsoluteWrite--hunt uh. I got emails reminding me to update my word count at LBF. Not for the contest (yes, I'm in), and not for any other reason. That is just what these fine people did for me, personally. And, because they seemed to accept a newbie with wild dreams of international book signings (well, why go small?), a series, and a deep abiding belief in the work.

I haven't submitted my completed novel to them--yet. In the time I have come to know this group of talented, professional people (and I have come to know them) I have not had one moment's concern about their professional demeanor, standing, or business acumen. The little Goal Setter's Contest? Ummm, the top goal is 40K in a month--every month, folks. Unless, of course, you just happen to be the Publisher. And then your goal is 60K!!

And, she's ahead of schedule by almost 1/2 month! (Today) I submitted new w/c today of 15,561 for the previous week. I think that's pretty good, don't you. Well, evidently SOMEBODY didn't think it was enough, because said unnamed person (yon publisher person of female persuasion!) posted a new w/c of over 18K for the previous week! So, I'm sitting here taking a break from said best seller to write this, and wondering at the same time how I think I can afford the time.

I don't know if my work is good, or good enough. I don't know if I should trunk it and get a real paying day job. I don't know if this story has legs to get up out of the birthin' bed or not. I don't know if there is a single soul outside my house (well, actually that's not quite true--my Mom wants it) who will be interested enough to buy this work. And, I certainly do not know if there is a decent money-paying career in this little adventure for me. It's going to be a long haul with this hillbilly, and I am not willing to walk among the many. My goal is to soar with the few. (While I stand firmly on the clouds, building my airplane!)

But, I truly believe these people DO know these things. And, before I allow someone I do NOT know to pass such life-impacting judgements on my tender psyche, I am, I guarantee you, going to ask LBF to look at my work. In the two months I have voluntarily associated myself with them, I have seen nothing but the very best, even in system failures, lost submissions, and glitches. They don't have problems, they fix problems before they hang around long enough to be noticed. And they do it honorably, consistently, and professionally.

If these people tell me my work sucks, I will know that they took the time to read MY submission--not another one. And I will know WHY my work sucks. And that is all I ask.
I probably won't like hearing it. But, I can rest assured, it will be the truth. These people owe me nothing. I owe them more than I can ever repay, no matter how the MS goes. Because of them, Dr. Blair and his motley crew began, and finished, a good work. And, like my characters, LBF staffers have become my friends. The authors are my friends, encouraging me, giving me hope for one more good writing day, just because I am there. And, big or small, wide or tall, who among us couldn't use just a little bit of that every once in a while.

I'd love a mid 6 figure advance with Random House in the mail tomorrow. I'd trade it to hear any member of the LBF staff say:"WOW! That's a Novel!"

But, if you'll excuse me, there's this publisher lady that's crankin' out words at the speed of light, and I am going to catch her this time! Maybe if I can get her to stop and read my novel....hmmm <scratchin' beard conspiratorially>

Thanks for the opportunity to tell it like I see it. And, have no doubt, that IS how I see it.

Let's just see what we shall see, shall we?

We Shall!

Bud Fields

[arainsb123]

An "LBF: The Business" update posted by the Editor-in-Chief, Jaqueline Druga-Marchetti, on the LBF Books forum.

OK, sorry this took so long, but as I type this I am taking a break from year-end. Which is a (flicker wicker) because this is our first ‘real’ year end.

I’m not real sure what everyone wants to hear. But I’ll give the goals as best as I can.

Christine has asked me to take you through a hypothetical process of publishing a book. From send time, to read time, to publish time. Which is really interesting and I will do that. But for this thread, we’ll stick to business.

I won’t get into numbers of things sold. But I will say 2004 was better than realistically it should have been, but not as good as we hoped.

The Writers Post Journal was the rock. It remained solid. Sure, some months our readership was down, but it bounces back. Sales were down in December for WPJ, but no sooner had the New Year turned, and sale increased again.

Our books could have done better. We had one truly solid book, Holiday Voices. It exceeded its season expectations.

We brought on a new PR person, who has been working like a dog to solve our distribution problems. Yes, we’ve had some distribution problems. But, they look as if they are resolved thanks to LeeAnn.

We are small, and as long as we stay small, we can operate financially with smaller goals, if that makes sense.

I would like to blame all problems-book selling that is—on our distribution problems, in fact, I did. However, with the new PR person, some authors aren’t showing an initiative.

LeeAnn will work on press releases, and book signings, conferences, and most importantly getting the books on shelves.

Here may be some info a lot of you do not know. But the bigger houses take up 87% of the shelf space. We the small companies must fight for the remaining 13%.

As a bookseller for BN told me, and this is a quote, “The book has to have top-notch appeal, and above all, the author has to have one heck of an impressive resume or previous sale record, or else we reject it.’

His response was one that mirrored several that we received.

The plan of action now is to build the author’s resume. Book signings, and so forth. Another way to start is at the authors home base. Make some noise locally. If the local stores will carry the book, then, LBF and LeeAnn have some buying power in getting shelf space.

But the authors MUST follow through on LeeAnn’s work. If we contact a store, as we have done, the author needs to hit that store as well.

So with all this in mind, and the above as background info, I give you some goals.

For the year
We need to get at least two LBF titles stabilized on the shelf. This will open doors to other LBF books.

I want to not only work on getting the titles out there, but getting them out there right. LBF will work to change our publishing schedule from one year to two years. This is how it is done in the big house. This does not mean you won’t see your book in print for two years. Your book is actually printed and out for reviews at LEAST six month prior to release. If we release ARCs, as we originally planned, and have the ARCs (Advance review copies) out for six months, we can generate enough reviews and noise so that when the book is released, it has a resume with it when we present it to booksellers and movie houses. Also, this gives us a chance to see what works on the book and what doesn’t, hence making the changes ahead of time, instead of being too late when the changes are costly.

Most of our scheduled titles are contracted for 12 – 14 months publishing schedule. I intend to send out a letter to the authors of our ‘mid to late year 2005’ titles to see if they would be interested in making this change. The change would not effect the current edit/art schedule they are on, it would merely delay the official release of the book, so we can get ARCS out there for review and to schedule book signings, and generate a really comprehensive PR program for that title. I believe the really proactive authors will want this choice.

We have to be more than a wham-bam-thank you ma’am, get the book printed, and try to sell operation. We have to cunningly plan for each and every title. Time will allot that more than just printing the book will.


The First Quarter Goal of LBF is:

To have at least two book signings scheduled for all of our current authors. Again, the authors must follow through with LeeAnn’s work.

Monthly
Of course increase sales. I’d like to see a twenty percent increase in readership with WPJ.

With the new PR proceedings, I want to see book sales increase.

I’d like to see each of our titles sell 25 copies a month. What you say? That’s all? That’s all. That is steady sales. Despite all our sell sheets, and book store faxes and press release, we have two tiles that haven’t hit twenty five at all. When we send out to stores in a demographic area of an author, we truly expect that the author will be visiting these stores. Let’s face it, the store manager gets the sell sheet, looks, and puts it aside, but if the author walks in the store, that will make a difference.

So another goal. Get LBF authors proactive.

I know, there aren’t many LBF Titles, so it should be easy. Right now, at this point, LBF is carried by our magazines. When with six titles out there, the magazines should be carried by our books.

It will happen. In time and with TEAM Work.

I’m probably forgetting a ton of stuff, but that is the business end of it. And this post is already too long

[FM St George]

thanks for the update - just for the record, are LBF books returnable?

as in - if the bookstore orders in copies they can send them back if they don't sell?

[Risseybug]

YES! Absolutely, positively, without a doubt, yes. This publisher gets better by the day. With their first year under their belt, look for bigger and better things from them. My book being just one :D :rollin

[Hapsburg]

Rissey, which book is yours over there?

I sent a query at the beginning of the month. I would love to have them request the full ms and eventually find a home for the novel there. I like a lot of what they're doing and stand for.

I was checking our B T Robertson's book through them. You seen his bio and pic? He's a handsome chap I tell ya what...

[Whachawant]

WPJ was supposed to get a face lift.... What happened there?

Not sure if LBF wants to see the mag's they produce go completely commercial.. but what about advertising positions within the magazine. Near the back for instance. The rest reserved for the contributors. Companies like to advertise, and the magazine has a small circulation,.... so I have to ask....why not?

[Risseybug]

Yep, BT is a nice fella. My book hasn't come out yet. I just finished with the editing process. Next it goes to formatting and the illustrator gets a hold of it. Then, I guess, they print up the ARC's and gather some reviews, and then it'll be released. I think late this year.

I read Chronicles... it's very good.

Whatcha.. the main page did get a facelift. It's white now.

[Whachawant]

Heh!.. ya I saw that Rissey...I'm talking about the magazine.....

[Risseybug]

Oops, you're right. I didn't read it properly. All those initials confuse me sometimes :lol

[Hapsburg]

Rissey~

What genre is your book, what's it about? Give us a heads up!

Does anyone know any of the staff over there? Maybe we should invite them to participate in this thread...

I'm hoping to death for a full ms request, the more I read about them the more I want to work with them, I'm becoming obsessed.

[TT]

Hi all, I am Editorial Director of WPJ and Art Director of Opinions mag at LBF..I love to keep all with what is happening here and read all your posts...

Glad to see some of you join in at the LBF forums..

[Risseybug]

My book is middle grade fantasy. Meaning that it's for 9-12 year olds.

I know Jake, the editor in chief, and Teresa (hi T!), and a few others, just by virtual space. All are very nice and answer questions honestly and promptly. Well, promptly being a relative term :D Things do get busy there!

We have a fun litttle group over on the LBF boards.. you should check it out!

[btrobertson]

Hapsburg, I'm flattered for the compliment. Thanks. As for Risseybug and TT and others, thanks for your continued support. I couldn't do it without all of you. I've been very busy with work, and I'm also in the process of moving apartments. Moving to a nicer, larger place that will house my growing daughter on the weekends she visits me. :)

Anyway, I'm also at a loss because I can't post in here or otherwise participate in forums at work during the day anymore due to restrictions put on us there, which, honestly, isn't a bad thing. I get way more done now than I used to. LOL But, I am also here to report that book 2 is moving along somewhat nicely. I'm at a non-writing period right now; more motivational than anything. I got some video games for Christmas, some books, and lots of movies, including my final piece of the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy puzzle: the nearly 5 hour extended finale of Return of the King. :) So, my time has been spread thin, not to mention the moving and packing and work. Enough excuses, I'm 48,449 words into book 2, so I've got about 60% more to write if I am to hit my goal of 120,000 words for book 2 (which is 40,000 more than my first attempt).

Other than that, I'm just working closely with LBF's new publicist, who has really done well in getting activity generated for my book. Also, great news: Barnes & Nobels is carrying my book online now. This is major, as I can now go around the tri-state area here in the States and solicit the managers to carry them in the stores. I've printed bookmarks to pass out starting this week. So, things are going well, and make sure you all spread the word that anyone can go anywhere in the U.S. and have my book ordered at their local Barnes & Nobel store, or online at Amazon.com and others (Elephant books, Borders, etc.). If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask. I just didn't want anyone to think that I've simply fallen off the planet. :) lol Thank you all again for your support. It means the world to me.

B.T. Robertson

[arainsb123]

How's the shelving situation going? Could I find books from LBF on the shelves of my local Borders or Barnes and Noble?

EDIT: Oops, I missed that part of Jackie's post at first!

[Risseybug]

Anders, if you reread that post from Jackie, that's one of her goals for this year. That's one of the PR person's biggest jobs.

[Whachawant]

"We are small, and as long as we stay small, we can operate financially with smaller goals, if that makes sense."

---...well,...yeah.., ..but are you working on getting bigger...---

"WPJ was the rock......"


---O.K. but what about getting those magazines into the bookstore mag/racks.---

If there is a consistent following of the magazine, shouldn't it be in the racks already?

[TT]

Of course LBF would love to be among the big guys, but there is no point in trying to get big too quick...that is the way companies fold and bite the dust. Lbf have no intentions of risking anything.

When it comes to suppying the bookstores, again we have to ensure that the profit they take out doesnt compromise LBF..

Steps may be slow but those taken will be sturdy ones...

[Hapsburg]

B. T., That is great news, congrats! Now what cha gotta do, is go into every Barnes and Noble you see or know of or can realistically drive to, ask them to carry it and let them know your available for signings and happy to assist them with publicity pr and the like. Let them know it's a great book that's building quite a following and that they need to be in on it ( I find in business, the more you make it seem like you're helping them and it's in their interests (not vice versa) the more receptive they are.) Smile alot, be casual and confident, and use their first name about 3 times in the course of the convo (psyche class paid off!)

Steps may be slow but those taken will be sturdy ones...

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time and chew each bite thoroughly. I feel confident LBF will be in the stores and am glad they're going it about it methodically. It's what made me submit. If they promise little but continue to deliver more, their authors will be behind them and supporting them and they will last.

[Whachawant]

"...among the big guys.."

I could do without....I would love to be above the little guys tho.....

[Risseybug]

Hey LBF fans! Vote to make LBF the best. The Preditors and Editors readers poll for this year has some LBF entries, and I think you all should vote. (I already did)

LBF for Book/e-book publisher (I am not sure this the correct name for the catagory, you'll find it)

TT for cover art "floating city"

BT Robertson for Science Fic/Fantasy novels.

You can only vote once, so make it count!

[TT]

LBF are always looking for submissions of Essays, Flash Fiction, Poetry and Short Stories for their monthly issue of The Writers Post Journal.... Please send all submissions to the Editor at lbf@lbfbooks.com with 'WPJ Submission' in the subject line of your e-mail.

OPINIONS MAG - In addition to your opinions submissions based on the set themes for each Issue, we now have a completely new section: I CONFESS.....

Details below... for further information and guidelines, please visit the LBF web site www.lbfbooks.com


'I CONFESS' section ***New**

I am looking for your personal confessions to go into Opinions Magazine.

Did you steal your friends girlfriend by devious means?
How did you really get that promotion?
What didn't you tell your parents?
Where you drawn into a deal, partnership only to find out it was a hoax?

Please ensure all submissions include :

1. Factual accounts of up to 500 words (can change the identity of persons/places)
2. We need the reasons why you haven't made this public before
3. A statement of regret to your actions or do you still revel in the secrecy

All submissions should be sent to lbf@lbfbooks.com with ' I confess to Opinions' in the subject line of the e-mail.

Looking forward to sharing your life experiences..

Thank you

Teresa Tunaley
Art Director
Opinions Magazine
Editorial Director
The Writers Post Journal
www.lbfbooks.com
www.artstopper.com

[arainsb123]

You should put this in the Markets forum.

[Whachawant]

I voted for all listed from LBF.

Good luck and best wishes!

Cheers.

[tfdswift]

So what's going on with LBF Books. People were talking about it a lot in October and November. I was just wondering if those people were still pleased with LBF??

Let us know what is going on....


~~Tammy

[Christine N.]

Absolutely still in favor of them. I've recently finished up with my editor, a joy to work with AND maker of great suggestions, and now the ms. is with the illustrator and the editor in chief for formatting. Then it'll go to print, and ARC's will be sent, reviews gathered and press releases sent. I'm not sure of my release date yet,but hopefully before the end of the year.

They are improving daily, in my opinion. The EIC has put forward a good plan for the upcoming year, they've added a brand new PR person, and are really dedicated to doing everything they can to make sure they succeed.

And I know that they're submission rate has increased dramatically since the last discussion as well.

Very happy with them.

[pepperlandgirl]

I submitted to them in September and never heard a word from them...their site claims a much quicker turn around than that. I'll wait until March to withdraw my submission--six months for a query is a little steep, I think.

[hapsburg]

I submitted a synop on 1-6 and am still waiting (quite hopefully) to hear that they'd like to see the full ms.

[Christine N.]

Pepper,

If you haven't heard in that long, please just drop them a line and ask on the status of your submission. Sometimes things get lost. Jackie doesn't mind if it's been a long time. It's just not appropriate if you ask every week. Believe me, there are people that do.

They have been getting a huge amount of subs lately, so their turnaround time has been getting longer. Like I said, if it's been since Sept., I'm sure she won't mind looking for it for you.

[arainsb123]

LBF got 9th place in the P&E Readers Poll! It's recommended on P&E, too!

[Alphabeter]

Now that its been a quarter since their first releases, how is LBF the company doing?

Rissey?

BT?

A :Sun:

[T42]

Wow! Did I just walk into the wrong room? I feel like I just entered a whole new web site.

Who's all the guest and where are the post about PA?

[T42]

Jenna,

What's going on? I have never had popups on my computer and I just got about 50 of them trying to get into this forum and then I find a whole slew of guest talking about something that doesn't pertain to this board, or does it?

[pepperlandgirl]

You're in the LBF thread instead of the PublishAmerica thread. This thread has a bunch of "guests" because it's from the old board, not the new board. Remember, each forum has several threads. The PublishAmerica thread is a sticky at the top of the forum.

I don't know how LBF is doing, but I do know I'm entering the 7th month without hearing anything from them.

[Christine N.]

They're doing very well. Their submission rate has increased dramatically, both for books and their mags. Pepper, did you e-mail them? Just ask for a submission check, send it to lbf@lbfbooks.com.

Their biggest chore for this year is to get into all those bookstores. Not as easy as you think it is. The big ones want books that have good reviews, and a publisher with a track record. So that's what they're doing and building. My own book has finished editing. I'm waiting for the illustrator to be done. Once the book is done, they will be sending out review copies, to garner those coveted reviews that will get the bookstores attention.

They've also hired a brand new PR person who's job it is to get authors signings and appearances and put LBF out front.
It's a long road, but I see big things in store.

[pepperlandgirl]

I did email and request a submission check. But I still haven't heard anything. I'm not really bothered by it, just surprised, because it seemed that earlier people were getting a pretty decent turn around on their queries.

[tfdswift]

Where the heck is BT and Risseybug? They were talking about so much good at LBF and now we haven't heard from them in a long time. Should red flags be going up????

~~Tammy

[aka eraser]

I wouldn't be sending up the red flags Tammy. Depending on what stage Rissey is at in the editing process she might not have a spare minute in her day to keep folks updated.

[Crunchy Frog]

I don't know about BT, but I believe Christine N. is Risseybug.

[Christine N.]

Yep, that's me. I changed SN's when we switched to this board. BT, unlike me, not only writes, but also has a day job. LOL. you can check his website www.btrobertson.com (http://www.btrobertson.com), he's got quite a few signings in his local area lined up. Me, I've been stuck at home with a broken leg, so I have more time. I've almost finished another book, though, so it's been time well spent.

I'm just waiting on the illustrator. I did speak with Leeann, LBF's PR girl, the other day about a media packet. And I've been told where my ARC's are going to go. Well, some places anyway, like Publisher's weekly.

All is well.

[Literary Lola]

They're doing very well. Their submission rate has increased dramatically, both for books and their mags. Pepper, did you e-mail them? Just ask for a submission check, send it to lbf@lbfbooks.com.

Their biggest chore for this year is to get into all those bookstores. Not as easy as you think it is. The big ones want books that have good reviews, and a publisher with a track record. So that's what they're doing and building. My own book has finished editing. I'm waiting for the illustrator to be done. Once the book is done, they will be sending out review copies, to garner those coveted reviews that will get the bookstores attention.

They've also hired a brand new PR person who's job it is to get authors signings and appearances and put LBF out front.
It's a long road, but I see big things in store.

Hi Christine, I have a question about your publisher. I looked at their website and they certainly have a lot of books. I noticed that their titles are listed in Amazon.com, but none of their titles are warehoused with Ingram.
Are the books returnable?
What warehouse are they listed with since they aren't with Ingram?

My reason for asking is that they have a recommended status on P&E, yet I can't find any warehousing with Ingram. If they're working to get books into the stores, how are they doing that without being with Ingram?

I hope you don't mind my questions. It's just that I want to make certain they aren't another...well...you know who.

[Christine N.]

I believe they use Baker and Taylor.

[Literary Lola]

I believe they use Baker and Taylor.
Are your books returnable? Will they be doing a print run?

Congrats on your book, by the way!

[Christine N.]

Yes, and yes. Books are returnable, and they use an off-set printer, not digital, so they do print runs. Not sure of the size.

[DeadlyAccurate]

Did they offer an advance on royalties, and are their royalty rates competitive? Some of bt robertson's reviews on amazon complained about poor editing. is it possible to read sample chapters of the books anywhere? i can't get to either his or the publishers website at the moment to check; they seem to be down.

[Christine N.]

No, no advance But that's not so very unusual from a very new company. The royalties are competitive, and on cover, NOT net.

[abwallace]

Hi Christine! Glad to hear you’re doing better in regards to your leg. Also, can’t help but think of those poor little teddies.J

Hello Deadly Accurate! My name is Antonietta Wallace (my nickname is Toni), and my novel, Vintage Blood and the Sacred Scepters by A. B. Wallace, was published by LBF Books and released October of 2004. There is an excerpt of the novel at my website, http://abwallace.com (http://abwallace.com/), if you’d like to take a look. There are also two examples of the interior illustrations. My novel is written in the first person point of view and I tend to use fragmented sentences a lot. I’ll also let you know what the editing process was like for me.


I received my printed copy of novel via snail-mail with a good amount of red ink on it. Not too much, but enough to keep me busy for a while.J There were punctuation changes suggested and reasons why, word changes suggested and reasons why, sentence structure changes and why, and tense changes. There were two suggestions that stick in my mind that weren’t like the above.

1) main character states that the identity of two characters (they are shapeshifters and had transformed) were obvious to her, but unfortunately only the main character and I were aware of their identity. My editor wasn’t. I changed it.

2) at a point in the manuscript it was suggested that I add more history. We discussed and resolved this issue. Anything I had an issue with we discussed, then came to an agreement.

There isn’t much more I can add. There is a typo on back cover of the book that I made, and neither of us spotted it until it was too late. That back cover always gets me. But this error will be fixed when next print run occurs. I’ve also been told that my cover will change in future as well.

Hope this will be of help to you.

Toni

[Christine N.]

Hi Toni !! Yes, my leg is getting better. I hope to be limping around instead of hopping soon. I also hear you know Diana Hingutt, that you met her at a PA signing or something. She and I are neighbors, but didn't know it until we me on this board.

In regard to BT's book - after I read it, I asked the EIC about it. I pick up on grammatical errors and stuff more than most people. She said she was aware of the problem, that particular editor had not done a good job, but the problem would be fixed on the next print run.

The editor I had, David, was great. He picked apart all the little things and made some great suggestions.

[abwallace]

Hi Toni !! Yes, my leg is getting better. I hope to be limping around instead of hopping soon. I also hear you know Diana Hingutt, that you met her at a PA signing or something. She and I are neighbors, but didn't know it until we me on this board.

Yes, yes. I met Diana at PA signing. She sat next to me, and I found her to be a charming, lovely, young woman. She sold all her copies of Moonsword too. Her books are on my list of books to read. The list keeps increasing but I'll get to them all sooner or later.

In regard to BT's book - after I read it, I asked the EIC about it. I pick up on grammatical errors and stuff more than most people. She said she was aware of the problem, that particular editor had not done a good job, but the problem would be fixed on the next print run.

I've half way through Chronicles of the Planeswalker, and am getting a kick out of it. It's the first fantasy book I've read in quite a while. I'm just not picking up any errors, anything that's distracting me. But it's good to know that the EIC at LBF picked-up these errors and is going to fix them in next print run.

The editor I had, David, was great. He picked apart all the little things and made some great suggestions.

I'm so glad it was a positive experience for you Christine. Take Care!

Toni

[Christine N.]

For anyone still waiting on submissions...

I just got an e-mail from Jackie. She has been running the office pretty much alone since her grad student interns left last semester. BUT, now she's got a new assistant, and together they have plowed through over 300 submissions in the last couple of weeks. They still have over 300 to get through, but have patience, every one is or has been looked at.

They are getting ready to send out a bunch of rejection/acceptances soon.
If they didn't answer your e-mail, don't take it personally. They've been swamped.

[hapsburg]

Thanks for the update. Does that count for queries too? I sent a query 1-6 to see if they'd like to see the full mss then did the site's submission tracker a week or so ago but haven't heard anything. Makes me paranoid they might not have gotten it...

[Christine N.]

I think that's for queries too. I didn't think the sub tracker was working, b/c they disconnected it a while back. The sub check requests were getting lost in the shuffle.

I'm sure it will be taken care of.

[thewritemuse]

I appreciate the update, as I'm awaiting response to my submission, as well.

And congrats on your forthcoming book!

[Torin]

I just went to check them out, and sent them an email to correct something on their submissions page, namely: http://lbfbooks.com/forms/line.jpgDoes your work have a specific market, or marketing nitch? If so, tell us about it:

I suggested they might want to correct the spelling of "niche". That's just not a good thing to have on a publishing site, even if it's the webmaster's doing. Someone should proofread. It's little things like this that make me suspicious.

[Christine N.]

Sigh. I agree, things should be corrected. But sometimes things slip through the cracks. I am sure the webmaster will be glad to correct it.

I don't know why this discussion continues, but I guess it will until, oh, I don't know when. Look, they are small, but they are doing a great job, at least with me, and others have said so as well. Dave has given them a "Recommended" rating on P&E, and he doesn't just hand them out like candy. They now have staff working on broader distribution, and are so not anything like any of the "scam" publishers that we talk about. Their cover prices are reasonable, they accept returns, and they even have PR. I haven't been asked for anything except my manuscript, my time with the editor, and my feedback on the artwork.

Do I expect to have to help market my book? Of course - but all I have to do is set up the signings according to my own schedule and show up. The books will be there, along with posters and other promotional material. Authors with small presses will have to do their share, but I will never have to buy my own books and sell them out of my trunk.

This company, much like Behler, was started by a PA author who had enough. Nobody talks about Behler like this.

Sorry, I just think this discussion should be over. But I'll be happy, as will AB Wallce or BT (if he ever gets back here) to answer your questions.

[cwgranny]

Actually, Christine, I have seen folks talk about Behler like that on different writing boards. Brand new start-up companies are risky business. They can suceed and be great and they can also crash and burn. They can crash and burn no matter how well-meaning or hardworking the owners are. Statistically, the crash and burns out number the "do greats." For companies with an actual investment of time, editing, and money -- like LBF and Behler and Winterwolf and others -- there are so many challenges to overcome. And so many unexpected surprises for the owners. I wish them all luck, but writers signing with them have to know they are simply on shakier ground than with an established publisher. They are all still in a very big learning curve so their first writers are almost a classroom for the publisher. Even with the crappy odds, I wish the very best for them...after PA, all those folks deserve a break.

I hope y'all get one.

gran

[Torin]

Christine:

I'm thinking it was the webmaster's doing, and I'm sure it'll be corrected. Glad they seem to be doing well for you. It was your positive comments that sent me over there to check them out as a possibility. :) Mind you, I have some polishing of my own to do, manuscript wise. Ahem. ;)

[Lauri B]

There's nothing unreasonable about asking an author to set up his or her own book signings. It's a huge time sink for a publisher to have to contact a bookstore, determine a date, contact the author to see if that date might work, recontact the bookstore to either confirm the date or find another, etc. etc. It's just much more cost effective for the author and bookstore to communicate without a middleman.

As far as distribution goes, reviews are helpful and very important in establishing legitimacy in the book trade, but if a publisher doesn't have a distributor but rather relies on a wholesaler, book sales are not going to go very far, very fast. Baker & Taylor is a wholesaler, not a distributor: they do not have sales reps going out to bookstores and chains, pitching titles to buyers. Rather, they hold onto books and send out catalogs to their retail accounts. If a bookstore finds a book in the catalog that they like, they order it and B&T fulfills the order. That's it. Distribution does cost money, but it's vital to bookselling success.

[DaveKuzminski]

You'll even find some errors on P&E occasionally that get past me. Of course, the quotes are a different matter. P&E's staff lets each of those stand as is on the grounds that it lets visitors to P&E see what kind of quality they might expect if they visit that link beside the quoted material.

[Christine N.]

I didn't know that about Behler. I've never seen anything negative before, but I don't cruise that many boards.

Yes, I know how much risk there is with going with a smaller publisher. Nothing in life is guaranteed, and I can honestly say that so far, a good faith effort is being.

A little suspicion can be a healthy thing when dealing with publishers and agents. But I think most of the questions have been answered satisfactorily.

[abwallace]

Hi Christine. Hello everyone.

I’ve read this thread and I’m not sure what else I can say that hasn’t been said about LBF, so, I’ll just list some things I think are important. If there are other questions I’d be happy to answer and if I don’t know the answer I’ll find out for you. I do want to mention that what gran stated in an earlier post is correct. Start-up companies are a big risk and I was aware of it when I signed the contract. Also, I’m writing, and writing, and writing. I’ve never stopped doing so.



1) LBF will negotiate contract.

2) They send out review copies when asked by author or reviewer. They also send out review copies to Publisher Weekly, etc. As of yet, no LBF novels have been reviewed by PW that I know of.

3) They do edit…how well they do depends on who is critiquing work, but I was happy with what was done and how it was done.

4) They have a returnable policy.

5) Their prices are competitive.

6) They have had errors, typos, etc. on their website. I’ve seen them in past and then in a short period of time they were fixed. But I’m not overly concerned about that cause I’ve seen typos on some very well respected publishing companies websites.

7) They do send out press releases before book is released.

8) They do send out appropriate paperwork to chain stores, requesting shelving (that would be LBF PR person). Baker and Taylor is a wholesaler and I know that they do not do what a distributor does.

9) They will supply me with books if I attend an event.


Well, that's about it right now. Take Care!

Toni

[DeadlyAccurate]

6) They have had errors, typos, etc. on their website. I’ve seen them in past and then in a short period of time they were fixed. But I’m not overly concerned about that cause I’ve seen typos on some very well respected publishing companies websites.


LBF should be more worried about them, though. As a new, small house, they don't have the luxury of screwing up as much as the big guys. Any little mistake is multiplied five-fold and works against the company's reputation. I have no doubt that LBF means well, but even something such as typos on a website works against them.

[abwallace]

LBF should be more worried about them, though. As a new, small house, they don't have the luxury of screwing up as much as the big guys. Any little mistake is multiplied five-fold and works against the company's reputation. I have no doubt that LBF means well, but even something such as typos on a website works against them.

You are right, Deadly Accurate. And I believe they are concerned for they have corrected errors quickly.

Toni

[Christine N.]

Just to add to what AB said..

They have recently restructured their contract to allow more Advance Review copies to go out, and for a longer review period before release. I'm getting the new contract, which I don't think you had, AB. I know they are sending copies to PW and other mags.

They are changing as the need arises and they grow.

[wurdwise]

Can someone give me the skinny on LBF books? I looked at their site, and it seems like a horse of a completely different color. Is it online publishing? Do they offer an advance on your novel? Why do they actually have a discussion forum? Odd, but intriquing. I want to be published traditionally, but saw the site and it piqued my curiosity.