I wonder who is behind that site?
I have been working with Black Rose for over a year, and wanted to share my experience. I wrote a non-fiction book and had difficulty finding a publisher; long story short, Black Rose offered to publish my work last year. They never once asked how many copies I planned on purchasing until after the book had been published.
I cannot comment on the experiences of others, but mine has been positive. Black Rose has done everything they said they would do, and I have had zero "bad" surprises.
First of all, aside from a few copies of my book, I have never paid them a penny for anything, period. They communicated dates and stuck to them. They had me work directly with their designers on the cover and layout, with all items approved by me personally. Yes, they only provide one free copy to the author. Sure, they probably make most of their money from writers who buy the book to give away. But for me they have had no requirements to buy books or anything like that; they simply have communicated my royalty check details, kept me posted on what they are doing to promote books, and that is fine with me (the book has sold hundred of copies, which is thrilling for me; I didn't expect to walk into Barnes and Noble and see it on the front shelves, although some B&Ns in my area did stock the book at my request).
I have done my own promotion through various channels. Black Rose has stepped up and are present at major book fairs to promote authors (and yes, I'm sure Black Rose as a publisher). I am realistic and know that for a book that might generate Black Rose hundreds of dollars of profit, they aren't going to sink in tens of thousands of dollars in promotional activity. All I ask is they do what they say, and that is what has happened. Yes, I know the contract is has loopholes that are less than ideal for writers, but I have yet to have Black Rose do anything questionable because it is in the fine print of the contract. They published the book, they handle everything behind the scenes, they mail me royalty checks, and they keep me happy.
Sure, they are in business to make money. All publishers are. You might be able to make more money by self-publishing. Or you might not. But I do know that Black Rose has a stable of quality writers (some are professional writers for large newspapers, for example). I was honored to be invited to join their ranks, and I am proud to say I am a published writer (even if published by a "lower tier" publisher). In fact, after my contract term of two years expires, I will probably sign on for an extension.
Best of luck to all writers in finding the best publisher for your book!
Vince
Sure I bought a few copies, who wouldn't?
Who wouldn't? Writers who get more than one free copy from their publishers.
Who wouldn't? Writers who get more than one free copy from their publishers.
Right...! Because publishers will give you 50 or more copies for free. I call BS.
Right...! Because publishers will give you 50 or more copies for free. I call BS.
My publisher would if I ask and I wouldn't pay a penny for them. Of course I'm not allowed to resell free copies (I can resell the ones taken out of my royalties) but I'm not in the business selling books, I'm in the business of writing them.
I guess like E.L. James, J.K. Rowling and Stephen King you're one of the golden blessed ones, my awed compliments to you. The rest of us novice published authors have to flog our products at every commercial opportunity: Book cons, book stores, signings, etc..
It's not like that for everyone.
Many of us don't because we're too busy writing the next book.
I've seen my books in Barnes & Noble and in Canadian bookstores. I didn't have to call them up or put them on consignment.
A good publisher will get your book into bookstores without you doing anything other than... writing the next book.
As for author copies - I received 48 copies of each title with Carina Press when it went to print for their HQN subscribers. I got 10 copies from each Samhain title and thanks to my agent it's increased to 20 with my new three-book contract.
So... yeah. Some of us do get author copies. And we're not the "golden blessed ones".
We're just with good publishers.
Right...! Because publishers will give you 50 or more copies for free. I call BS.
I guess like E.L. James, J.K. Rowling and Stephen King you're one of the golden blessed ones, my awed compliments to you. The rest of us novice published authors have to flog our products at every commercial opportunity: Book cons, book stores, signings, etc..
I guess like E.L. James, J.K. Rowling and Stephen King you're one of the golden blessed ones, my awed compliments to you. The rest of us novice published authors have to flog our products at every commercial opportunity: Book cons, book stores, signings, etc..
One of our imprints, Bookend Design, is offering self-published services to writers/authors who want to take on the publishing industry on their own terms, yet still expect the quality of interior, eBook, and cover design from a traditional publisher. Our covers speak for themselves, and our rates are extremely competitive. [link removed]
Thank you for writing!
Reagan Rothe
Owner, Black Rose Writing
Self-publishing doesn't mean that you should produce lesser quality. Or go at it alone. With Bookend Design, you can self-publish with confidence, utilizing Black Rose Writing's design team experts for your latest project.