Vanity Publishing (continued...)

Something else came to light with my investigations into why my book wasn't selling. It would appear that the bookshops are so used to Minerva Press' quality of output to be of a low standard, that most shops wouldn't even consider stocking a Minerva Press title.

Book Shops

The fact that bookshops wouldn't consider a Minerva Press title was probably my largest disappointment with this venture. Even though my book was of 'good publishable quality', because it has been published by Minerva Press, I would not get the return that I hopefully deserved from all the time and effort it took to write it.

Reviews

I am pleased to say those magazines, reviewers, people and individuals who were finally able to get hold of a copy were very complimentary. I received some glowing reviews, which did help renew faith in my abilities as a writer.

Learning from Experience

I look upon my dealings with Minerva Press as a big learning experience. Basically I've learnt a lot about the publishing industry - the do's and don'ts and what people want and don't want.

The best approach is to acquire the services of an agent, as I have done. They will be there to look after you every step of the way. You'll get rejections, but then one day you'll get acceptance as well.. See Getting Published for further information.

Further information

Southern Eye, BBC2, Transmitted, Thursday 7th January 1999. Subject : Vanity Publishing

The above program was very interesting in terms of the fact that they mentioned Minerva Press quite considerably throughout the program.

For example, it appears the editorial review is actually a standard letter which differs very little from one book that they review to another. There is very little marketing involved which leads to the term Vanity Publishing, and the evidence that arose which suggested that they are just out to make money from unsuspecting and gullible first time authors such as you and I.

If you have any comments please send them to experience@rwassell.com.