Don’t Get Sucked Into Vanity Publishing

Picture of Sylvana
Sylvana
Content Writer @Spines
Contents

Any writer can commiserate: once youโ€™ve toiled away at your book (through several edits and retooling of characters) to get your manuscript just right, thereโ€™s a limited amount of creative energy left in the reserve to tend to the list of other elements that need completion before your book is ready to be published. Most writers arenโ€™t well-suited to the task of hiring their own design or marketing team (and why should they be?), and at this stage of publishing, many independent writers are looking for assistance from companies who can help make this part of the process easier.

When an artist is overwhelmed and in need of help, however, there are companies that seek to take advantage. Enter the โ€œvanity publisherโ€ – a company that makes sweeping promises of book sales and distinction amongst their curated collection of other authors.ย 

How do vanity publishing companies differ from other self-publishing companies?

The big difference is ownership. While the self-publishing industry is expanding, and there are many different packages and pricings for production and distribution between companies, one thing is clear – the author should retain their rights to their work. However, a vanity publisher, otherwise known as a subsidy publisher, may offer affordable pricing and a large swathe of services including cover design, formatting, and distribution – but with the caveat that the author must surrender their copyright to the publisher. This type of contract is a big loss to the author, who risks losing out on a fair share of royalties, as well as the ownership of their intellectual property. If an authorโ€™s book were to do really well, for instance, the publisher would have the ability to hire another author to write a sequel, since they would own the rights to the intellectual property of the first book. Ownership is something a writer should never feel the pressure to submit to a publisher.

Sending your manuscript off to a publisher that can offer a full design and marketing package is understandable; know that there are self-publishing companies that do offer affordable and comprehensive packages and still allow you to retain your rights as an author. From BookBaby, to IngramSpark, to newer companies in the industry like Spines, you have several options of how involved you want the company to be in the production process. For authors who are inundated with all of the production details, Spines offers competitive, full-stop packages starting at under $1000, offering a finished and ready-to-print manuscript in as little as 8 days, as well as access to over 100 distribution channels worldwide – and the author retains all the rights to their work.

Why do vanity publishers exist?

The publishing industry has traditionally offered writers contracts where they share the ownership rights to their work, since the publisher puts up the cost of production and distribution themselves. In this scenario, the publisher can afford to offer the artist a royalty advance, hire an experienced staff of designers and marketers, and schedule a book tour to ensure the book sells well and the publisher can recoup their money.

Subsidy publishers are a version of this strategy, but without the pedigree, and a much poorer distribution of rights to the artist. Writers who have submitted their manuscripts to traditional publishers may experience burnout from rejection, and find themselves so relieved by a company willing to accept their manuscript and front the same services, that they fall into the trap laid out by the subsidy publisher. But donโ€™t be fooled: the business model of a subsidy publisher does not incentivize them to make a quality product, since they take no financial risk as traditional publishers do. The production costs they charge the author upfront usually ensure a significant profit margin for the company, and as a result, they arenโ€™t concerned with whether the book actually does well in sales.

How can you avoid vanity publishers in the self-publishing industry?

Look for companies that donโ€™t force you to purchase copies of your own book, or pay for services you donโ€™t need. With that in mind, a company like Spines only offers print-on-demand services in their pricing. Make sure that you can make corrections without racking up the cost of production (some companies charge an arm and a leg for small edits). Steer away from companies that promise a profit. And lastly, make sure to read independent testimonials and reviews of the company (ones that werenโ€™t potentially part of a paid promotion). Companies that do the best typically have many reviews and around a 4-star rating. Doing some peripheral internet research on the company can usually give you a breakdown of user ratings, as well as common complaints made by previous clients.

Content Writer @Spines
Sylvana has been a key content writer at Spines for two years, specializing in creating clear and engaging narratives. Her work, which consistently embodies Spines’ values and mission, reflects a broad range of perspectives and a commitment to quality storytelling.
Continue Reading
Related articles recommended by Spines

Every unforgettable character starts with more than just a name. Whether you’re writing a novel, crafting a screenplay, or building immersive worlds, a strong foundation begins with a well-structured character template. Think of it as your creative blueprint, a tool that transforms vague ideas into vivid, fully realized personalities that...

Audiobooks are taking the publishing world by storm, especially for those of us who love to listen to books on the go. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or multitasking, audiobooks offer the perfect way to enjoy literature anytime, anywhere. Converting your eBooks into audiobooks isn’t just about convenienceโ€”it’s about tapping into...

Ever dreamed of seeing your name on a book cover? In the 2024 publishing industry, itโ€™s easier than ever to make that dream a realityโ€”and not just any book cover, but one that stands out in the booming world of Young Adult (YA) fiction. Thanks to platforms like Amazon KDP,...

Ever wanted to voice a whole book without actually reading it? Welcome to the world of audiobook narration, where your voice is the star, and all you have to do is speak… for hours on end. It sounds like a dream, right? Well, for those who dare to dive into...

Imagine you’re standing at a crossroads with two signposts: one pointing toward traditional publishing, where youโ€™re at the mercy of gatekeepers, and the other toward self-publishing, where youโ€™re driving solo. Now, what if I told you thereโ€™s a third pathโ€”hybrid publishingโ€”that lets you keep the steering wheel while also getting...

In today’s evolving publishing landscape, self-publishing has emerged as a viable and often lucrative option for authors. Maximizing royalties is crucial for self-published authors seeking to achieve financial success and sustain their writing careers. Unlike traditional publishing, where royalties can be significantly lower, self-publishing offers authors the opportunity to retain...

Talk with us!
Talk with us!