Dilemma,should I Or Should I Not?

[Bobbisox1]

I’ve had a publishing company on the phone for about 45 minutes after I submitted a draft of the book I’m writing,basically saying they were interested , but of course there a charge to have a full editorial team working with me , it’s a reputable publishing house based in London, my dilemma is should I shell out or not, I told them I needed to think about it , I’m thinking and still I’m no nearer the answer

[ummmm]

How many people have read it?

[Bazile]

I would have thought that if they are interested in the story and they see it has legs and will make them money ; then they would not be asking you for any payment ?

[Bobbisox1]

I’ve only sent her a draft and it’s not finished yet, so the answer to that is no one

[Bobbisox1]

Bazile that’s what I’ve to weigh up

[Buenchico]

I wouldn't regard any publisher who requires payment from an author to be 'reputable'. Look elsewhere (or self-publish for free).

[Ken4155]

I would try finding out which writers work they have published, Bobbi, then get in touch with as many of those authors for feedback. Sounds a tad like 'Vanity' publishing in which case the publishers have nothing to lose whatsoever. Best of luck, whichever way you decide.

[Rosie29]

Good answers from B and Ken.

[Bobbisox1]

Sorry, (phone calls yes it is very good advice , one which I’ll heed and look deeply into
Thanks Ken and Chris

[Ken4155]

I think it all depends on your reason for wanting your work published, Bobbi. You've told us that the book is anecdotal of the area in which you grew up/currently live, so if all you want to do is see your work in print and perhaps recoup some of the cost from local sales, then 'VP' is probably the way to go - though i would shop around before deciding which company to use. However, should you wish to reach a much wider audience then the 'interested' party ought to do the donkey work; proof reading, editing, publishing, arranging book signings and publicity. If they believe it worthy of publication, they will know whether or not they will make a profit.

[Tilly2]

Bobbie, you are the one who should be doing the editing. Finish your book spend almost as long again on polishing and perfecting it and then send it to publishers who should be prepared to publish it without any upfront costs.

Their payment will come from the sales of the book.

[Bobbisox1]

Thanks Tilly, it’s like what Ken says above, it’s a case of proofing it,it’s either that or adapt it for a wider audience which I’m against as it’s set in my native NE

[ummmm]

Where it's set wouldn't put me off buying it.

[hereIam]

I love reading about the NE, I have read all of Catherine Cookson's books over and over.

[Bobbisox1]

It’s isn’t the ‘reading ‘ that would be the problem, it’s the fact I’ve used some dialect synonyms with the region

[Toorak]

You could include a glossary

[Bobbisox1]

Yes Toorak, I told her to ring me next Friday which gives me a full week to think about it

[Barmaid]

Most people will pick up the dialect - indeed that is one of the things that some of us who read historical novels enjoy.

Google them - who else have they published? You say it is reputable but how reputable?
How did they find you - or you them?
Have a look on Companies House -are they legit?
What are the costs? Are they ongoing costs? Is that all that is needed before publication?
What are the terms of the deal?
If it doesnt work, can you afford to lose the money?

It sounds to me that this is very like self-publishing, but dressed up to sound like something else.

[Canary42]

Unless they are guaranteeing publishing it after their editorial team have finished with it, I would hesitate to shell out anything (i.e. unless they promise your money back, and recompense you for your time if they decided not to run with it).

[Bobbisox1]

Thanks canary and BM I’m feeling slight pressured and hear alarm bells, I think I’ll contact them to say I’m not going with it , I’ve just received this email, somethings just not right at all

https://i.postimg.cc/sXY2WKHR/EAC519-A2-68-EA-4326-AD8-E-80728-E713340.jpg

[Toorak]

I would be worried about a publisher that can’t produce a grammatically correct e-mail :-(