Benefits Of Publishing With Small Press
While working with a publisher, I learned the importance of not overlooking certain benefits. Although larger publishers are often associated with more extensive marketing resources, it's important to consider the potential advantages of choosing a smaller press. While they may not have the same level of resources, small publishers often offer unique benefits that can lead to a successful publishing experience.
Here are some benefits and lessons I've learned from working with small presses:
• I’ve been given more creative flexibility regarding cover design input. Not all publishers allow this, but that’s the beauty of small press.
• When collaborating with cover designers, it's nice to provide examples of cover art that sold well. But it's essential to be mindful that graphic designers know what font, colors, and imagery work best together. Our vision might not go well together and can often make the cover look cheesy. So, it's better to trust graphic designers, especially those who have been designing cover art for a long time.
• The benefit of working with more flexible publishers is that you stand a chance at having more of a long-term relationship. Whereas with bigger houses, if your book doesn’t earn out to their expectation, they tend to drop authors for their subsequent books.
• If your book doesn't do as well with a smaller press for your debut, it isn't held against you as much as if you debuted with the Big 5 and your book flops. Obviously, we all want to do well regardless of our publishing path.
• While most of us want an agent, accepting a small press deal can be a launching pad for an author’s career. It is a start and puts your work out there. When I spoke with an agent via a consultation just for advice, they said it isn't frowned upon when authors get some of their work published through indie/small press. But it shows them that an author is serious about their craft.
• Publishing some of your books with small press doesn't mean you can't publish other work through traditional later. You can still obtain an agent if you secured the small press book deal independently.
Starting with a small press offers more positives than negatives, but what truly matters is that we're sharing our stories. Our unique voices are invaluable, and every avenue we take in publishing contributes to their resonance in the world. Keep writing, keep sharing, and remember that your voice is indispensable.
Here are some benefits and lessons I've learned from working with small presses:
• I’ve been given more creative flexibility regarding cover design input. Not all publishers allow this, but that’s the beauty of small press.
• When collaborating with cover designers, it's nice to provide examples of cover art that sold well. But it's essential to be mindful that graphic designers know what font, colors, and imagery work best together. Our vision might not go well together and can often make the cover look cheesy. So, it's better to trust graphic designers, especially those who have been designing cover art for a long time.
• The benefit of working with more flexible publishers is that you stand a chance at having more of a long-term relationship. Whereas with bigger houses, if your book doesn’t earn out to their expectation, they tend to drop authors for their subsequent books.
• If your book doesn't do as well with a smaller press for your debut, it isn't held against you as much as if you debuted with the Big 5 and your book flops. Obviously, we all want to do well regardless of our publishing path.
• While most of us want an agent, accepting a small press deal can be a launching pad for an author’s career. It is a start and puts your work out there. When I spoke with an agent via a consultation just for advice, they said it isn't frowned upon when authors get some of their work published through indie/small press. But it shows them that an author is serious about their craft.
• Publishing some of your books with small press doesn't mean you can't publish other work through traditional later. You can still obtain an agent if you secured the small press book deal independently.
Starting with a small press offers more positives than negatives, but what truly matters is that we're sharing our stories. Our unique voices are invaluable, and every avenue we take in publishing contributes to their resonance in the world. Keep writing, keep sharing, and remember that your voice is indispensable.
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