How can you avoid distributor or wholesaler scams and frauds?

by Michael McCray
(Arkansas)

Can you tell me about independent distributors or wholesalers who distribute self-published works?

Specifically, Independent Publisher's Group and/or Small Press United. They seem to want exclusive rights to everything including electronic formats and internet downloads. I decided to self-publish with Lightning Source because I want to retain as many (if not all) of my rights as possible, and it just seems strange to me to sign over everything to a distributor. Is this a scam?

Michael

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How can you avoid distributor or wholesaler scams and frauds?

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It's important to read the fine print
by: Shelley Hitz

Michael,
I'd be very cautious about anyone asking for exclusive rights for your book, artwork or electronic distribution. As you know, that can cause much heartache and loss of profits for you, the author.

Lightning Source is an excellent option for true self publishing and offers many avenues for you then to sell your book. I have a couple questions for you...

Is there a specific reason you want to use Independent Publisher's Group and/or Small Press United?

Have you already published your book with Amazon.com, Kindle, Smashwords or other platforms like that?

I would be very cautious and encourage you to read all the fine print. If you really want to proceed, it may be wise to consult legal advice. Otherwise, there are plenty of other ways to distribute your book that you can look into.

Wishing the best for you,
Shelley

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Is there a Independent Distributor Survey?
by: Michael McCray

Thanks Shelly,

Let me be a little more specific and maybe I should not have singled out Independent Publishing Group or Small Press United, they just happened to be the distributors I was considering when I had this question. No, I have not published electronically yet. The real question is, since there are so many "vanity press" scams out there, how can you tell if your distributor or wholesaler is legitimate or not? Is there a listing or comparison chart, maybe like the POD-publisher survey on this site, or perhaps another blog or forum on this topic?

Thanks again "coach" :)

Michael

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A couple resources that might help...
by: Shelley Hitz

Michael,

Here are a couple resources that might be helpful to you.

Mick Rooney compiled a list called, "The Self Publishing Index" that he continues to update. He says on his blog, "The most asked question we get at POD, Self-Publishing & Independent Publishing is often along the lines of; 'What self-publishing service should I go with?'; 'Is so and so a good service to go with?'; or 'Is so and so a scam?'"

And, so they came up with this list. See what you think of his Self Publishing Index.

Also, there is a book called, "The Fine Print of Self Publishing" that was recently updated. I borrowed this book from my library and found it very helpful.

Hope that helps!
Shelley

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My Publisher and Mark Levine
by: Amanda Taylor

Hi Micheal,

I have read Mark Levine's "Fine Print of Self Publishing" and I am a client of his company, Mill City Press and I am presently having its sister company Publish Green create my ebook into formats for all eReaders and distribution.

MCP and Publish Green give you author copies at wholesale price, retain all rights, 100% royalties, and cost effective marketing, and traditional distribution channels for self published authors and website order fulfillment.

It is the closest thing to true independent publishing but they handle all the unfun and tedious moving parts so you can just concentrate on promotion. They don't use Lightning Source as their printer but they have great quality for a great price.

If you do read "The Fine Print of Self Publishing" you can contact Mark Levine for a phone conference as a bonus for reading. His website is publishers-compared.com. Exclusive rights anywhere even in publishers for more than a year should raise red flags--this is some advice from experts. Mark talks about that in his book.

Wishing you luck!
Amanda

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