Questions authors ask us and the answers we give

1. Why doesn't everybody use POD printing? It's cheaper, faster, and looks just as good.

POD printing is the best choice if you need only a few copies. For more than 500 books POD costs more than it does to use traditional ink-based printing. Some people object to POD printing because the toner used tends to be much darker when it is bound to the paper than does regular ink as used by major publishers and printing firms. Specs of toner can flick off and render text undreadable. Some bookstores and libraries will not accept POD books. One way to tell if it's POD book is by running your fingertips lightly on a page and feeling tiny bumps of microscopic toner.

2. What do you think about e-books?

An e-book is delivered to the Web so that you can read it directly on screen or print off copies. For no additional production cost, you can lavishly illustrate your e-book with full-color images and designs and can include links to sites on the Web. I think e-books are great, but they're still hard on the eyes and awkward to download. There are "kindle" books and portable e-books. And by the way, you might think about publishing your book as a CD. Put your points in powerpoint form. The possibilities are endless. All electronic books are still in a developmental mode. Use them if they work for you.

3. After more than twenty years helping authors publish their books, you must have some ideas about the biggest problems these authors face. Share with us.

Hmm. Here are a few...

* Writing a book before you have any idea if anybody cares what you are saying.

* Writing for "everybody" instead of for a well-defined market that is within your reach.

* Too much summarizing and explanations that are too long and involved.

* Not putting the reader at the scene or involving him or her in the action.

* Error-ridden text published without the expertise of a professional editor.

* Hiding your enthusiasm.

4. What are the main scams and tricks to watch out for in self-publishing?

Empty promises for your book that cannot possibly be fulfilled.

Shoddy work at cheap prices. Shoddy work at high prices.

Legally binding contracts that cost thousands and then take you out of the picture.

High-powered sales teams that flood you with marketing materials but simply don't deliver a cost-effective, quality-guaranteed package of services.

If you receive a contract or come across promotional material that you're not sure about, send us a copy and then call or write for our analysis. This is a free service offered as our small part in reducing the impact a few unsavory businesses have on unwary writers. No tricks or hidden offers and no advertising or sponsored support. Write to us at--

Griffith Publishing
PO Box 247 Caldwell, ID 83606
1 800 359-9503
hodi@mindspring.com.