CaoPaux said:
They are still POD, with all the restrictions and complications that imposes on selling your book to anyone not family or friend. If you sign with them, please take The Pledge to never buy your books to resell: that is vanity publishing.
CaoPaux, as I mentioned to Eric, I have no problem with him discussing LBP. In fact, I welcome it. Preditors and Editors just added us to their listing with the comment "Very impressed with this publishing house" which we are very proud of.
We have nothing to hide. Yes, we are using Lightning Source and we are using the POD printing method but allow me to clarify something - unlike most small publishers or PODs, we will give the industry standard 40-45% discount to wholesalers, book clubs and the like and we WILL accept returns. Most PODs and even small presses don't do that and THAT is what prevents them from getting in the stores. Now, will this guarantee Eric's book will be in the front of Barnes and Nobles? No, of course not. Its a dog-eat-dog world out there and B&N would rather have 5 billion copies of the Da Vinci Code on their shelves then small press or POD publishers. Does that mean we won't even try? Of course not, we will do everything in our power to get our books in the chain stores. I believe we stand much better odds with the small time bookstores but that goes for ANY small publisher.
A lot has been made about our contract - the majority of the contract was based on examples provided by SFWA - this includes the provision for NET SALES. We would be happy to provide a sample contract to Absolute Write, Writers Beware and whomever else would like to see it.
We can't give advances simply because our budget precludes us from doing so. We're not the only small publisher who does not offer advances.
We also do not accept just anything. We've rejected hundreds of submissions...Eric's piece wowed us and we definitely want to take it on. We hope he will give us the opportunity to prove to him that LBP will treat is work honestly, with respect, professionalism and dedication. That's why we will only produce 4-5 books a year because we want to be able to focus our funds and our attention to our authors.
One last thing, Eric misunderstood the contract on Galleys - he will not have to pay for galleys. He does not have to pay for ANYTHING other than his own personal copies of the book after the allotment of 5. We will provide galleys and review copies to ANY agency who asks for it and we will be providing copies to the industry standards (i.e. PW, Kirkus, Library, etc.).
I try to visit AW regularly and I will be more than happy to answer any questions any one may have regarding LBP. I am also available via email at jcdelatorreATdelatorrewriting.com or editorATlunabrillantepublishing.com (of course, where there's AT replace with @).
Thanks and keep up the great work, especially you CaoPaux, I've read many a post from you when a new publisher comes up and how you, for lack of a better phrase, tear them down to expose their darkest little secrets. I admired how you watched over your fellow writers. I was half expecting to see you when I posted our announcement in the Paying Markets forum and was a little dissapointed when you didn't inquire about us.