What are the advantages of publishing with XCEO?

The XCEO team has developed a matrix in order to provide a detailed look at the various approaches to self-publishing. This matrix is intended to outline the advantages and disadvantages of what we consider to be the four distinct approaches of book publishing for authors. We have defined the individual methods of self-publishing and have evaluated each method based on our experiences as a publisher and other industry information associated with first-time book publishers. We have purposely excluded print-on-demand books because we would prefer to work with books which can be distributed and sold through retail stores.

1. Large publishing house: This category consists of publishing firms who are contacted in order to accept your manuscript. A firm who, if your manuscript is chosen, would pay a fee for the completion of the book and then edit the manuscript to maximize sales. The firm would also most likely exclusively distribute, market and publicize your work paying "royalties" (generally some small percentage) on every book sold.

2. "A La Carte" Services: This is an option for self-publishers who instead of choosing one firm to work with exclusively, choose to contract individual services from many firms. For example, an author may choose to have one firm edit his work, one firm produce the book, another firm design the cover and dust jacket and hire a book publicist to market the book.

3. Self-publishing with a service company: Unlike "A La Carte" services, this is an instance when a self-publisher would choose one firm to complete all aspects of publishing. For example, an author could choose to contract one company to register their book, design the cover and dust jacket, produce and market their book.

4. Ghostwriting/ Vanity Publishing/ Publishing Under an Alternative Name: Some firms can be contracted to ghostwrite a book if the author feels that he or she does not have the time, desire, skills, etc. to write their own book. Additionally, some firms will allow an author to publish under their name, generally an established publisher with many titles in their catalogue. In return, authors sign-over the rights to their books and are paid "royalties" on books sold.

As you can see from the matrix, there are several advantages and disadvantages to each method of publishing. Having your manuscript accepted at a large publishing house can be a great opportunity. Realistically, however, most first-time authors will not be given a second look by these firms. Moreover, if your work is accepted, you then lose much of the creative input in regards to the content, distribution and marketing of your work. Finally, you may wait years to see your book in print as you become one in a long line of great authors. At XCEO we believe that Collaborative Publishing allows authors to retain control and the legal rights to their work and ensures that books are published in a timely manner. The cost of producing the book and time spent developing it is no different than self-publishing under your own name. However, because we are an established publisher, you will avoid the costs associated with starting your own firm and the human capital that it takes to accurately understand the comprehensive nature of book publishing, book production, and book distribution and sales. Finally, when performed correctly, Collaborative Publishing significantly increases leverage with distributors which any self-publisher will tell you is the #1 obstacle in regard to independent publishing.