I've been reading quite a few Beware threads about small publishers. Many reveal significant problems and copious red flags with the owners' practices and business models.
What I'm curious about is: What does it take to start a good small press? One that will last, survive, thrive and do a good job for readers while treating authors well. Experience, connections, capital, for sure, but how much/many of each? How much money per book should a small press be investing, for what sort of return? How does a press find a distributor and get books into stores? etc. etc. etc. ...
I know each press is different, so what I'm really hoping for are averages / anecdotal observations / lessons drawn from experience on what factors make a startup small press likelier to succeed than the average fly-by-night or vanity operation.
What I'm curious about is: What does it take to start a good small press? One that will last, survive, thrive and do a good job for readers while treating authors well. Experience, connections, capital, for sure, but how much/many of each? How much money per book should a small press be investing, for what sort of return? How does a press find a distributor and get books into stores? etc. etc. etc. ...
I know each press is different, so what I'm really hoping for are averages / anecdotal observations / lessons drawn from experience on what factors make a startup small press likelier to succeed than the average fly-by-night or vanity operation.
