A Walk in the Lonely World of POD

by Christopher Hudson
(Sterling Heights, MI, USA)

Genre: fiction/thriller

After several years of trying to find a publisher for my book, Northern Cross, I finally stumbled onto a print-on-demand (POD) publisher who was interested in my manuscript. They were honest and forthcoming about their business and there were no upfront costs, so I signed with them. Nice people. Good editors. And the end product was great ... I get rave reviews from everyone who has read it.

So what's the problem here, you're asking? Well, they told me when I signed that they depended on the author to help with marketing. I knew that marketing was not my strong suit, but I figured I could do a few things, so I had no problem with that. But what I didn't understand was that, other than creating a listing on Amazon, there would be absolutely no marketing on their end ... no advance copies to reviewers, no press releases ... zip, zero, zilch. ALL marketing efforts were left to me.

I guess I didn't really understand that POD is just another name for self-publishing ... and when you self-publish, you are on your own ... totally and utterly. That may not be a problem for people who are naturally inclined to market themselves and their stuff, but I'm not one of them ... in fact, I may be the world's worst self-promoter. It's not that I haven't tried ... I've sent out several web-based press releases ... I created a website, I've done three or four book signings, I've listed NC with all the search tools I can find. But the results have been pitiful ... I've maybe sold 100 copies ... and that might be stretching it.

Now, I didn't expect to set the world on fire with my first novel, but I must admit that I was looking for a leeeettle more recognition. Of course, I can't blame the POD publisher ... they never made any promises ... but I didn't really understand that by 'helping with marketing' they meant 'You sell it ... period.'

So, I've schooled myself on the process ... I've bought a couple of books on self-publishing and done research on the 'net ... but in the end, there is really no great mystery ... if you want to get your product noticed, you better not be shy ... you gotta pound the pavement, cough up some dough for publicity, and not be sensitive to rejection ... 'cause there will be plenty of that.

With what I've learned, would I do it again (self-publish, that is)? Probably, because in the end, it was the only avenue open to me and I'm proud of the book. But at least now I'd know what to expect ... and that is, if you don't promote it, it ain't gonna be promoted.

Visit Northern Cross.