Bye-Bye "Buy Buttons" for POD Authors?

If you're a "POD author," or anyone whose books are produced On-Demand, unless you've been hiding under a rock, by now, you've probably heard the buzz going around of how Amazon may possibly remove the "Buy" buttons on printed works produced on-demand (by Lightning Source specifically) in order to shift more POD printing business to their affiliate Booksurge.

Now as to whether this has happened (yet) or not or even will, you'll have to check out your own publisher or publishing service to see but it's quite scary to think this just might possibly happen.

Why? Well, for one, it's already happened before a couple years ago with ebooks that were being distributed through LS--and the resulting action caused many authors (myself included) to lose a very viable source of revenue.

And yes, personally, it's hard for me to be critical of a decision made by any business just because it is *business* and there is no other reason to be in business except to make money (nuf said there) BUT on the other hand, I do think that if this does happen there's a possibility of this resulting phenomenon:

Oh, at first there'll be a furious uproar and chaos will ensue as all of the POD industry comes together as one (for once) and rallies against Amazon in an act which causes a huge drop in sales, a decline so colossal that it will ultimately compel them into seeing the light through the accrued value of tens of thousands of POD Industry dollars...

But as time goes by (and this is probably what many are banking the possible decision on), On-Demand sales (thru certain providers) will falter to a slim trickle and the affected authors, publishers, services, and the like will find they are not happy with how things have gone but without any other comparably viable sales source online (and them being in business to make money as well), they will of course begrudgingly accept it as being what it is and bow down to the powers that be...

Putting us all into an impossibly possible situation--one where one doesn't even want to believe that what is presently an ideal model of free enterprise and healthy competition will once again be brought to an end by the power of one retail conglomerate...

*sigh*

After being on the cut end of the stick once, if things go as some are predicting they will, as it stands it doesn't look promising for anyone who has 'hedged their funds' solely in one facet of the POD industry (for it seems you have to stay flexible in an ever-changing industry) but regardless of what is being debated now, in the meanwhile, all authors and industry pros should stay aware of what is going on, start checking out their options just in case something should happen, and keep the discussion open.

For more info, here's a couple links to get your started:

Foner Books

Writer's Weekly

You can find much more info from there!

Q. & A. How to Research a Publisher

Q. "What can I do to find out more about a publishing company, service, or agent?"

I get asked this question quite often and usually by those authors who are fairly new to this whole "publishing thing" so to save a bit of time, I thought I would post these handy tips:

1. First, visit their website and print out any detail pages, sample contracts, or FAQs sections and read them offline--you'll see more this way. Once you've read everything you can from their site, compile a list then contact the staff to further clarify any questions you may have about them or their policies.

2. Another idea is to contact a few of their present authors and ask them how their publishing experience went and if they are happy. Keep in mind that happiness can vary from author to author depending on their personal goals and expectations, but most authors will offer at least a general opinion of their publishing experience which can help you in making your decision.

3. Next, type the company name into your favorite search engine and see what comes up. To define your search further, put quote marks around the phrase (like "ABC PubCO") then add words like "beware," "warning," or "complaint" to your search.

4. Make sure to visit Preditors & Editors, SWFA.com, EPIC.com. Online writer organizations sites often offer valuable information in regards to publishing in general and paying a visit to Preditors&Editors--which offers a lengthy index of agents, publishers, services, and more--is well worth every author's time and effort. (TIP: You can find links to these sites and more on my Links & Leads page!)

5. And don't forget to visit online forums such as: AbsoluteWrite.com, WritersWeekly.com, and Piers Anthony's publishing info page to see what others are reporting, discussing, and or complaining about when it comes to the publishing world--doing so just may open your eyes to a whole new spectrum of options. (TIP: Use the link above to find links to these sites & more!)

So there you have it. Five ways to get going in your research so you can find the best company for you!

Enjoy!