What is Vanity Publishing?

I have always wanted to write a children’s book and was so excited when I finally did! 

But how to get it published?  You can go the traditional route and submit a manuscript to established publishers and wait months or years for a refusal.  Or you can self-publish.  And self-publishing can have its own issues.  

Like avoiding vanity press.

Vanity publishers are companies that you pay to publish your book.  It does not sound bad, but it can cost thousands of dollars.  And you may never get that money back. Just like everything else in this world, you must do your homework because there are many Vanity presses out there that are waiting to take your money.  These companies are honestly shameful.  And just because you find a publisher associated with an established, well-known publisher does not mean they are not vanity.  I almost got tricked by that one myself!

That was what I found out when looking to publish my hardcover book.  I visited a website and found different “packages” for authors like me.  I had created my book from my own illustrations and had finished files ready to be uploaded.  Thinking this was a legitimate company, I filled out all the necessary information and was contacted within minutes, by phone and email.  I realized that their most reasonable package, which was over $1,000 dollars would be the one for me, although I had already done 80% of the work.  This package would give me about 10 hardcover books, and that was all.  I would have to purchase more books at an estimated $15 a piece.  Now I ask you how an author is supposed to make any money at that price?   This is what vanity publishing is, and honestly, I find it disgraceful.  That is why I am writing this blog, hopefully to save others from their thievery.

So basically, if you are contacted by a company and told you have to pay a few thousand dollars to publish, I would run.  When you are first contacted if feels good!  You think that you have made it!  And that is where the term “vanity” comes in.  Because they play on this.

So, the best way to do it is to truly publish your book yourself. Unless you are lucky to be contacted by a legitimate publishing house that you won’t have to pay anything.  At this time, I congratulate you and am quite happy for you!  You won the publishing lottery!

But for the rest of us…it is the self-publishing route.

I am not going to lie… it is not easy.  But there is so much help on Facebook!  And online!  If you post in a Facebook group, you may even get an answer to your problem immediately!

Now there may be a time that a vanity publisher is not a bad thing. Such as you need an illustrator, need files created and marketing.  But nowadays with the internet there is so much knowledge to do things yourself, you just need to research it to learn! So you may find a hybrid that IS actually helpful… just do your research! Simply find a search engine and type ” is name of company a vanity press?”  And most of the times you will find your answer.

I hope this blog was helpful to you, and if you are looking to publish, please avoid a vanity publisher.

More blogs to help you self-publish!

1-Do you need help beginning to self publish? Click here!

2-A publisher has contacted you? Are they a Vanity publisher? Click here to learn more!

3-Ready to start your files? Here is a blog that will help you set them up! Click here!

4-Need tips for finding an illustrator for your book? Click here!

5-What is a blurb? Click here for help creating one!

6-Feeling overwhelmed? This post will get you moving… Click here to get started!

7-Your book is done! Do you need an author page in your book? Yes you do! Click here to see the reasons why.

7a- How to upload your book to KDP… the actual platform that you publish from! Click here to visit!

8- Your masterpiece is complete!  How do you get printed copies of your book? Click here for some ideas!

9- If you have published on amazon you need to advertise! Click here for tips!

10- Want to submit your book to a literary agent? Click here for info!

Need an illustrator? I have illustrated many books of my own and other authors. Please visit my website by clicking here, to contact me or see examples of my work.

If I have helped you and you feel inclined to purchase a book of mine, please click here to visit amazon. Thank you!

I am also available for hire to help you publish! If interested, please contact me at artistmarnie@yahoo.com.