1) What would you advise a first time author, to self publish or deal with a publishing company?
In this case, it's NOT, "EITHER", "OR", "BUT", "AND;" it is do both! Copyright your manuscript before doing anything. Obtaining a copyright from the Library of Congress (http://www.copyright.gov/register/literary.html) cost about $45 plus postage. Then, before approaching a traditional publishing company, the author must first know his/her manuscript’s genre. For instance, SWADM, my novel, is urban fantasy (magical realism in a contemporary setting). You, the author, must ask: What type of book am I writing? Who is my audience? Who will most likely read and respond to my book? That is half the battle. If the audience (Target market) is small, then you'll most likely want to self-publish. If there is large appeal, then a traditional publisher is the way to go. Keep in mind though, as a first-time author you may be an unknown. If you haven’t written anything i.e., articles, blogs et al., or have a built-in following, then getting a publishing deal from a traditional publisher becomes an arduous task. This brings you back to self-publishing. If you, as a first-time author/publisher, take the risk and find an audience then you will eventually make sales and get the attention of a traditional publisher. One of the main benefits of signing with a traditional publisher is access to a large distribution network.


2) If you suggest a publishing company, what is the best way to go about it?
As I mentioned, once you know your manuscript's genre then you will research to find both literary agents and traditional publishers that publish your genre. Find out their submission policies. Most major publishing houses, such as Random House, Penguin, Simon and Schuster et al. don't accept unagented material. However, some of their imprints do. Again, do your research. Some smaller publishing companies accept unsolicited manuscripts from first-time authors without an agent. Once you review the submission policy, you will know how to make a presentation. Most ask for a query letter first before allowing you to submit material. A query letter tells the literary agent or the acquisitions editor what your manuscript is about, it provides a brief bio about the writer and who will most likely purchase the book. Actually, a query letter is nothing more than a sales pitch letter. Some publishers accept a query letter plus the first three consecutive chapters of the manuscript. Note: It must be typed and formatted double- spaced with 1" margins. (Again, check submission policy.)


3) Any pointers in dealing with publishing companies?
Yes, Networking!!! Meet the acquisition editor in person. Use any contacts that can get you to a decision-making editor so they can publish your manuscript. If an agent or literary editor is speaking somewhere, go. Do a meet and greet, make yourself known and learn as much as you can about the presenter (Agent/Editor). Find out the agent’s likes and dislikes. Find out as much as you can about the publishing house or literary agency. It's just as if you are looking for a job and interviewing --arm yourself with as much information as possible.


4) Do you need an agent?
No, you don't need an agent, but a literary agent will help you navigate the publishing world. An agent's contacts and experience become yours; he/she becomes your calling card and open doors into the close-knit world of publishing. The agent negotiates deals on your behalf; he/she will help you get paid for other rights that come with your manuscript. Foreign rights, subsidiary, feature film deals, toys, distribution, the list goes on. A reputable agent will know how to make sure your manuscript becomes a product that makes money even while you sleep. For instance, you can sign with me.  I will, however, better serve you as your Media Marketing Strategist as opposed to being your literary agent. Anyone can represent you. However, you will have to decide who will best help you achieve your goals and highest ideals.


5) Is it true that most publishing companies do not read your manuscripts unless you come through an agent? If so, what is the approximate rate for an agent?
See above. Most reputable agents will ask for 10-15% of all earnings. Agents charge a fee based on the paid opportunities they obtain for their clients. A reputable agent will never ask for upfront fees, they are paid on the back end and based on their performance.


6) What are some of the biggest obstacles, if any, you may face?
The major obstacle an author may face is not having enough information on the publishing business in an effort not to be scammed. There are unscrupulous vendors that will take advantage of you. Don't sign any contracts without first having an attorney look over the documents. This is important because your manuscript, with your copyright, is your legacy. It is intellectual property and when anyone wants to use your work, they will have to pay you. You never want to sign your rights away to your own property. In self-publishing, another obstacle you may face is not having enough money to market your book properly. Most of the money spent on your book will be in marketing, i.e., web site, business cards, promotional mailers, reviews copies, purchasing units wholesale for retail sale, conferences, and promotional appearances. Your number one job after you published your book is making people aware of your book. That's where you will spend the lion's share of your money; promoting your book. Click Here or the MEDIA STRATEGY Tab on this web site for more information.


7) Do you know what the ball park figure would be to self publish a novel?
If you use Lulu.com, it could be free. That is if you aren’t technologically challenged. Here's the deal: to publish a nice looking novel you will need an editor, such as J. Webber, Executive Editor.  Prices vary and so do the services you will need -- content editor, proofreader, and line-editor.  Sometimes one person can serve in all the aforementioned functions. Ask for references and look at previously edited material. Then you will need artwork for the covers. Here's where you may incur cost for using the image. (Again, prices vary.) You will also need a book designer to format the manuscript. The typical size for a trade paperback is 6x9. Once you have all of this done, then all the materials must be formatted into a PDF. Lulu provides an explanation of this on their web site. However, I provided you an overview so that you will able to determine your skill level and requirements. If you are technologically challenged then you will have to pay someone to do it for you. I used a book designer named Gregory Banks, BDDesigns; his cost for book design services range from $20 - $1000.  I used him for parts of my project and it was money well spent.


8) How many copies would you say you need to sell for your book to be considered successful?
It depends on the author's goal. For me, a minimum of 20,000 units in the first year is ideal. However, some statistics for a successful self-published book is 75 copies. That is unacceptable to me. Further, a traditional publisher won't even look at you with those numbers.


9) Are you interested in reading a few chapters of my book to see if there is any advice you may be able to give, whether it be on writing and/content of material?
I charge $125 for every 3 chapters I read. If you want me to read your manuscript, I advise you to first complete a form that will help advance readers.

TYPE OF MATERIAL: (Novel, Screenplay, etc)
TITLE:
NUMBER OF PAGES:
AUTHOR:
PUBLISHER/COPYRIGHT DATE:
SUBMITTED TO: (i.e., Mel Hopkins, The LeadStory)
CIRCA: (When does the story take place)
LOCATION: (Where is the book set; what is the locale)
CATEGORY/GENRE: Gangsta Lit, Chick lit, Sci-Fi, etc.
DATE: (Submission Date)
PLOT LINE: (A brief description of the story, such as an episode or movie description like you would see in TV Guide)
SHORT SYNOPSIS: (The whole story written in active voice, condensed into a 1000 words E.g, Melly-Mel, high-profile music producer walked into the club, pulled out her Tech-nine and in less than 1-minute 35 people lay dead, bodies’ tangled up on the club floor.)

I hope this primer helps! ~Mel Hopkins