Don't let the fact that it is "self-published" keep you from reading a great novel!

[Maryanne Grabo]

My daughter recently published her first YA Fantasy Fiction novel Journey into the Realm: The Elf Girl.  When Markelle (pronounced Mar kelle) began taking her writing seriously I supported her in every way.  We all know that getting the larger traditional publishers to accept new authors today is very competitive.  We hired a great editor (Patricia Lantier PhD) and both Markelle and Pat created a great read. 

The process seemed real simple at first.  Write the book, then find a POD, make the payment and you are all set.  Wow...wait a minute, not so simple!

Before we hired an Editor we sent the manuscript to Booklocker.com.  We chose Booklocker after doing A LOT of research.  We were not accepted.  Booklocker does not just accept anything just because you are able to pay the money.  They want quality work coming out of their publishing house.  For that, I am very grateful.  It allows me to confidently tell you that my daughters work is worth a read.  Well, after the disappointing rejection, we regrouped, and stayed on course.  Because we believed in the story and in Markelle's talent I asked Booklocker why it was rejected and what we could do to get a second chance (I did not want to go anywhere else for POD as I already knew we were in the best POD house).  Angela at Booklocker said to get an editor.  So, that is what we did. We were very lucky to find a very talented editor just a few miles from our home.  A few months later we re-submitted to Booklocker who replied with a YES, and a very warm welcome to their family of authors.  After that, we worked on the book cover, because Markelle had her own vision for the cover.  We hired a graphic designer (happens to be the sister of one of her very close friends - our luck just continues) and we put the finishing touches on the project...and uploaded to Booklocker.  The book is now available in both paperback and hard cover at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and we already have a few local booksellers carrying it.  Our public library is holding a book signing June 1st.  Markelle has 2 more engagements in June.  She has been asked to be a presenter at the Southeast Festival of the Book at UW-Waukesha, Wisconsin June 17, and she will be at Creekside Books in Cedarburg, Wisconsin on June 25th & 26th (over the very popular Strawberry Festival Weekend).

Book sales are pretty good for the first month.  She sold over 50 in less than 3 weeks, which I think is great.  Her reviews are confirming that this new author is earning her way into the YA fantasy fiction realm. She has so much more to offer to her readers!

For any skeptics out there who might think this new novelist is not yet worthy, here is what attorney Mark Levine, author of The Fine Print says about Markelle's publisher:  Booklocker is: "As close to perfection as you're going to find in the world of ebook and POD publishing. The ebook royalties are the highest I've ever seen, and the print royalties are better than average.  Booklocker understands what new authors experience, and have put together a package that is the best in the business.  You can't go wrong here. Plus, they're selective and won't publish any manuscript just because it's accompanied by a check.  Also, the web site is well trafficked.  If you can find a POD or epublilsher with as much integrity and dedication to selling authors' books, but with lower POD publishing fees, please let me know"  - 2011 WriteresWeekly.com

I invite you to discover Markelle Grabo and her new pubished novel Journey into the Realm: The Elf GIrl

www.markellegrabo.com

[Maryanne Grabo]

Carol,

I hear what you are saying.  We checked out a lot of different POD houses, and I am so grateful that we took our time and I did my investigations.  Our  Editor was also a big help.  The costly part was actually the Editor, but without one, it is a lot tougher to sell a POD book.  We are working hard at getting the word out about her book.  She as 3 book signings this month which will really help get her more known, at least locally with the help of the press releases that are going out.  Hold your "pen" high, you are worthy of the title "Author'.  Best of luck with your book and your future works.

[carol levy]

My book, A PAINED LIFE a chronic pain journey was POD. For a long time I was embarrassed that I went that way.  After numerous "Sorry not for us." from agents and "traditional houses" I found an editor an a major house who liked it.  She requested changes which I made.  I then resubmitted to her.  However, she was gone and the one who took her place responded "Sorry, not for us."   Frustrated I looked into POD.  At the time the company I chose, Xlibris, was located near me and I could go to the offices, without an app't and check it out.

They are now in, I think it is the Phillipines.  I could not recommend them.  You need to really check these places out.  Random house owns, or did own, 49% of Xlibris.  Recently another publisher, I forget which, has also bought a major share oin another POD company believing this may well be the way of the future.  I am no longer as uncomfortable with the way the book was published.  I know my royalties are higher than with traditional.  I have editorial control and the book comes out within a few months vs. years.  I can pay for marketing, otherwise, unless I am a Stephen King or other proven moneymaker, neither help with marketing.

I congratulate your daughter on a good experience and the path to success with her book.  Without the luck you and she found it does need to be remembered these services can cost hundreds and even into the thousands.

Just the normal caveat, be very careful, do your homework, and hope after the fact they do not decide to move their offices to the Philippines..