The Co-Publishing Model

By Michael Drew - Feb 27 , 2009

What Co-Publishing Is

Co-publishing is a contractual arrangement, typically between author and publisher, to share in the expenses and revenues of a book (usually about a 60/40 split in favor of the author). This type of agreement can prove beneficial to both parties. It allows the publisher to minimize the financial commitment on riskier projects and still make some profits, while the author gets a degree of control in decision-making and gets an experienced guide through the publishing process. Here’s a standard breakdown of responsibilities in a co-publishing venture-

Publisher Roles

• Copy editing
• Book and cover design
• Packaging
• Printing
• Internet marketing
• Publicity
• Mailing and distribution

Author Roles

• Writing the manuscript
• Making a financial investment
• Defining the target market
• Reaching out to industry experts for promotional support
• Setting up guest appearances with various interest groups and organizations
• Forming relationships with media contacts

These responsibilities were compiled from author and publisher William Dorich’s article, Self-publishing Vs. Co-publishing?

What Co-Publishing Is Not

There is a common misconception that co-publishing is the same as vanity publishing (often referred to as vanity press). It’s not. Whereas co-publishing involves the sharing of book expenses and profits between publisher and author, vanity publishing expenses fall squarely on the author’s shoulders. The publisher’s only real commitment is to publish the book, leaving the author to do 100% of the marketing, promotion and sales through whatever channels he or she chooses. In vanity publishing scenarios, the publisher collects money on the sale of books to the author, while the author collects all of the money from books sold to the public.

While the allure of perceived control in the vanity publishing model might be attractive to some authors, there are significant downsides to hooking up with a vanity publisher that is less than ethical. These downsides include:

• No reviews in reputable publications
• No mainstream distribution
• Increased costs associated with book production
• No clear title to the rights

Evaluate the merits of vanity presses and other publishing models for yourself by reading this article from Aeonix Publishing Group.

8 Co-Published Business Bestsellers Marketed & Publicized by Promote A Book

Tom Connellan & Bard Press – Inside the Magic Kingdom: 7 Keys to Disney’s Success—Wall Street Journal business bestseller. Bringing Out the Best in Others — New York Times bestseller list.

Roy H. Williams & Bard Press - Secret Formulas of the Wizard of Ads – #1 Wall Street Journal business bestseller, September 16, 2000. New York Times business bestseller, October 2000. Magical Worlds of the Wizard of Ads – Wall Street Journal business bestseller.

Tobin Smith & Bard Press – ChangeWave Investing: Picking the Next Monster Stocks of the New Economy – hit New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists simultaneously.

Herb Kay & Bard Press – How to Get Filthy Stinking Rich and Still Have Time for Great Sex: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Wealth and Happiness – New York Times and Wall Street Journal business bestseller lists.

Ivan R. Misner, Don Morgan & Bard Press – Masters of Networking: Building Relationships for Your Pocketbook and Soul – New York Times and Wall Street Journal business bestseller lists.

Jon Spoelstra & Bard Press – Marketing Outrageously – Wall Street Journal business bestseller list.

Dennis A. Romig & Bard Press – Side-by-Side Leadership – Wall Street Journal business bestseller list.

Steven M. Kaplan & Bard Press – Bag the Elephant: How to Win and Keep Big Customers – New York Times business list, USA Today Top 150 bestseller list, Wall Street Journal non-fiction and business lists, BusinessWeek bestseller list.

As the above list demonstrates, the co-publishing model is a viable option for achieving your book-selling goals. It also gives you, the author, more control over the book-making process versus traditional publishing models. But if you do choose to go this route, investigate your publishing partners thoroughly to avoid getting caught in scams like these. Three co-publishers I recommend taking a look at are Bard Press, Morgan James, and Midpoint.

Questions about co-publishing may be directed to Michael R. Drew at the Austin, Texas, headquarters of Promote A Book: 512-858-0040. You can also contact Michael via email at michael@promoteabook.com.