Buttermoth
Press is global web concern. That is, we do not have a
physical location. We exist on-line with communication via email;
repositories requiring a physical catalogue address, please list as:
Buttermoth
Press
Queensland, AUSTRALIA
www.buttermothpress.com
Major publishing houses are
inundated with talent and have strict protocols when addressing
potential aptitude. Such dogma is far from discriminatory as quality
should always be paramount. However, this rigorous process of elimination
does make it extremely difficult for unknown artists and authors to
establish themselves in print.
Whilst some enterprising authors
choose to go it alone, self-publication can prove costly.
Often referred to as 'vanity' publishing, this ensures the author's
name in print but it does not automatically guarantee distribution
and associated sales. While Buttermoth Press does not
discourage vanity publishing we would like to highlight a couple of points
that you need to remember, if you're thinking of self-publication.
The first is the
small print. Self-publication is often accompanied by
limitations in regards to quantity of purchase. While ordering
500 copies of your own book may see like a great idea at the time, reality
can tend to dampen ones enthusiasm. Besides the obvious question
of distribution, few of us can afford to outlay hundreds of dollars
(or pounds) without
the benefit of a guaranteed return. This inevitably limits the
options of those who are not monetary endowed.
The second point
has to do with the issue of quality. Editing not only offers
grammatical assistance but also the opportunity for an unbiased
review. Unfortunately editing is not a standard feature in
most self-publication packages. Once again the cost of these
added extras can outweigh the proposed return.
Buttermoth
Press emerged in response to a lack of assistance based, independent
publishing options. We are not a multi-national company; nor
are we a small business for that matter! We are a non-profit,
publishing guild. We publish what we want, when we want,
simply because we can. That's not to say that we publish any
old piece of trash. We take our role as a publishing
agent seriously. As a private league we are entirely self-funded so
we are selective out of necessity. We pride ourselves
on the quality of our publications and try to adhere to professional
standards.
Once you step
through our metaphorical door (as a web concern we don't actually
have a premises) we are dedicated to supporting your efforts.
We want you to reach your full potential and as such we will guide
and advise as best we can. The Guild assists in preparing
manuscripts for publication; organises an active web presence; and
ensures access to on-line distribution via POD publishing (print on
demand). There are no fees to pay, no minimum number of books
to buy. Note that this does not include legal deposits which
are a worldwide mandatory requirement (see below for further
details).
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So what's the
catch? How much is it going to cost me?
In terms of fees,
the Guild is a
non-profit endeavour. Assistance and participation is
completely voluntary and as such we do not charge for our services.
It is also why we offer a strict 'invitation only' policy. We
have limited time and resources and allocate them carefully and
accordingly.
Purchasing an
ISBN
Cost is incurred
in regards to securing an ISBN number. The amount will be
based on whether you purchase a US distribution package or an
Australian ISBN. As prices are subject to change, we have
provided a valid link to our printing & distribution agent in
the US in order to obtain the latest pricing: www.lulu.com
Alternatively, you
may purchase a single Australian ISBN which will set you back
approximately $40 (AU). Buttermoth Press will purchase the
ISBN on your behalf however the cost of the ISBN is to be reimbursed
by the respective author. In return, your book will be listed with
the necessary bibliographic authorities including Google Books.
Buttermoth Press will also issue associated press releases and
assist in building a web presence.
Legal Deposits
One final cost to
calculate is in regards to legal deposits. When a book is
published, copies must be deposited at specific repositories in
relation to publishing laws and associated copyright. In
Australia for example, a single copy must be submitted to each of
the following - the
National Library of Australia; the local State Library; and in some
instances the State Parliamentary Library. As Buttermoth Press
publications are printed and distributed in the USA, 2 copies must
also be deposited with the US Library of Congress.
You will need to purchase a minimum number of books in order to meet
your legal quota (approximately 5-6 copies). This purchase is
mandatory, the cost of which is to be met by the respective
author. Note that Buttermoth Press will happily submit the publications
on your behalf once expenses have been met. Failure to submit
a timely legal deposit may incur associated fees and the wrath of
the respective government body. Please calculate the above
expenses when considering any publication.
Purchasing
Once you have paid
for your ISBN number and bought and submitted your legal deposit
requirements, there are no additional expenses unless otherwise
previously advised. Your book will be be made available for
on-line public purchase at the negotiated rate and you will subsequently
receive a percentage of the royalty minus commissions,
paid annually (if applicable).
If you don't
charge for your services how can you afford to print my book?
Books are printed
in conjunction with US based Lulu.com - Lulu has printing presses in
both North America and Europe and distributes worldwide via the web.
Lulu does not impose a minimum print order and prints only on
demand. That is, they print as the books are ordered.
Lulu pays for your book to be printed. It recoups this
expenditure when your book is sold. In addition to the
production cost, each book sold generates a small royalty. A
percentage of this royalty goes to Lulu; a percentage to Buttermoth
Press; and the rest is paid to the author(s) of the work. Both
price and proposed royalty are negotiated between Lulu and
Buttermoth Press prior to sale. Author's will receive an
annual report as to the status of their book orders and accumulated
royalties; if payment is due it will be dispensed at this time (June
30th) unless negotiated otherwise.
How much
money can I expect to make on the sale of a single book?
If you're
publishing purely to make a profit then your setting yourself up for
a major disappointment. The Stephen Kings and J K Rowlings of
this world are few and far between! That's not to say
that we wouldn't like to see you make a bundle in royalties - we
just prefer to be realistic.
In terms of the
actual percentage paid, the amount varies. A book selling for
$7.99 US for example, may cost $7.00 US to print; out of the
remaining 99 cents you may receive no more than 30 cents (probably
less) as an estimated
maximum royalty; the remainder being consumed by Lulu and
Buttermoth's commission. A book selling for $12.99 US may cost
as much as $10.00 to print or as little as $7.00 depending on the
number of pages and as to whether it is printed in B & W or
colour, saddle stitched or bound. Once again, profit equals
the price minus production cost and associated fees. You could
make as much as a dollar per book or as little as 5 cents US per
book.
Suffice to say this is not high
finance for any of the parties concerned. Of course if you
have your heart set on a bigger profit margin then we can always
bump up the price of the book - but remember, the higher the price
the harder it is to sell. If you have a quality product at a
reasonable price then the likelihood of a sale increases. It's
a question of give and take; you will need to evaluate your
motivation and set realistic goals.
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What if after
I get my book in print I decide to switch to self-publishing?
That's okay, you are free to do as you wish. Our only desire is to see you succeed. You may take your text work and re-publish. Specialty covers, interiors and manuscript layout designed by Buttermoth Press remain the property of Buttermoth Press. We're fairly flexibly though and are happy to negotiate a copyright release on a book by book basis.
What if my
Buttermoth Press title generates mainstream interest?
Congratulations! We
couldn't be happier. If you receive an offer from a mainstream
publishing house we encourage you to follow through. In
regards to the existing publication, you'll find that the major
publishing houses have their own idea as to the best methods of
display. Although authors own the copyright in relation to
their work, a publisher retains copyright in regards to the way in
which the book is publicly displayed. When you change
publishers you will find that your new publisher will want to stamp
the display for themselves (i.e. alter the presentation, such as the
layout of the cover and interior). We do not have a problem
with this and you are free to move on to bigger and better things.*
If you would like to remember us in your new preface or credits, we
would be honoured :)
*
if a major publisher wants to publish the book 'as is' (i.e. an
exact duplication of cover and layout) then we would need to negotiate a copyright release.
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