However, some aspiring authors choose to use the services of publishers who offer guaranteed publication and marketing of their manuscripts, for an advance fee. Unfortunately, the authors may get little or nothing in return.

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The pitch

Advertisements for what are commonly known as vanity publishers are likely to be found in newspapers and magazines as well as on the Internet. The adverts target authors with offers to turn their manuscripts into successful published books.

Scam publishers are likely to express enthusiasm for a manuscript and its commercial potential, outlining a plan for getting the published version into bookshops. However, they will also explain that for the plan to be put into effect, the author will need to pay a fee towards the initial costs of publishing and marketing. The fee may amount to hundreds, even thousands, of pounds. The publisher will, of course, say that the fee will soon be recovered when the royalties from book sales start rolling in.

The reality is likely to be publication of a relatively small number of copies of the manuscript and no real effort at marketing the published book.

If the firm is enthusiastic about the market potential of your manuscript, but wants to charge you a fee in advance, consider other publishers.

Common sense tips

Contracting for the services of a publisher is no different to any other major financial transaction. Apply the same common sense.

• Question claims and assurances that your book will make money. Nobody can guarantee a book’s success, particularly when the author has not been published before.
• Investigate the company before you make any commitment. Request information from the place in which the company is based to find out if there are any unresolved consumer complaints about them.
• Make sure your contract contains all the terms you agreed to – both verbal and written – and that you understand all the terms and conditions before you sign.
• Be sure to take independent legal and financial advice.

Remember that once a dishonest company has your money, it’s unlikely you will ever get it back.

Source: http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk