by Greetings!
My name is David Michael Slater. As an author of 20+ books (for children, teens, and adults) I am always interested in new ways of reaching readers. Self-publishing has never appealed to me. I have nothing whatsoever against it, but the sky-high pile of self-published titles one must compete with is simply too daunting, especially when so many people report not wanting to take the time to sift through that pile for the gems. The traditional route is as daunting as ever, but I do not bash it either. But it is a rough go, especially with a project that seems risky in any way.
Enter Inkshares.
My newest picture book, Hanukkah Howie vs. Santa Claus, recently launched with this newfangled “crowd-directed” publisher. Inkshares makes final decisions about projects based on pre-sales. This is a fascinating new approach that, thus far, I find extremely reasonable.
Why?
First, I can understand Inkshare’s desire to minimize their risk by taking on properties with proven market appeal (via pre-sales). What publisher wouldn’t? The result has been my working my tail off trying to secure these pre-sales, and I must admit it’s fairly exhausting.
What’s the payoff?
How about 50% of gross revenues and a non-exclusive contract?
Hard to argue that both sides don’t benefit from such an arrangement.
The process is simple, you approach Inkshares with your project. In my case, I came to them with the finished text and an illustrator (the awesome UK artist Andy Catling) already on board. The Inkshares team evaluates your project, and if they deem it’s potentially viable, they will guide you through the steps of setting up a project page and then a launch.
They do help with social media marketing during the funding period, but mostly it’s up to you. So far so good. We’re a week in and funding at 23%.
You can learn much more at Inkshares.com. If you are interested in my project, you can read the entire (500 word) text, see the hilarious art, and note the exceptional blurbs (like the ones below) coming in from popular and bestselling authors at HowievsSanta.com.
Good luck on your on publishing paths, wherever they may take you!
“A new holiday tradition deserves a new holiday classic read aloud, and David Michael Slater has delivered just that, right to our door, by sleigh and by Hanukkopter.”
–David Lubar, Author of Hidden Talents and Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie
Hanukkah Howie vs. Santa Claus “could bring about world peace, but only if you do your part.”
–Heeb Magazine
Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) 
13 comments
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February 11, 2015 at 10:47 am
Mary Uhles
I”m always interested in these new publishing ventures although, as an illustrator, my question would be how was the illustrator compensated and what promotional duties were expected of him? It does look like a fun book, good luck with it!
February 11, 2015 at 10:56 am
Jennette Mutolo
David,
This picture book will be a welcomed addition to my library! We have a wonderfully diverse student body and I look forward to performing/reading this read aloud!😀
And thanks for the info on Inkshares. Lots to consider these days!
February 11, 2015 at 11:03 am
Angie
Reblogged this on Love, Laughter, and Life and commented:
Yet another angle to the shape that is publishing
February 11, 2015 at 11:27 am
Ali Pfautz
So intriguing! Thank you for sharing your experience. The book looks fun!
February 11, 2015 at 1:59 pm
carleenmtjader
I have never heard of this. It is very interesting.
February 11, 2015 at 2:22 pm
Romelle Broas
Tara, thanks for having David as your guest blogger. Crowd-directed publishing model is an interesting option. It makes a lot of sense in this competitive market (although I wished it didn’t have to be this way). And I like the premise of David’s picture book. It’s an interesting concept. Thanks for sharing!
February 11, 2015 at 2:41 pm
carleenmtjader
I’m not familiar with this publishing option. Thanks for the information and good luck with your book! Sounds very fun!
February 11, 2015 at 8:56 pm
David Michael Slater
Greetings! Thanks for your interest, all. Regarding the illustrator: The two of you would approach Inkshares with whatever arrangement you agreed to ahead of time. Their offer is the same. To them, to pair of you are “the author.” How you might split their royalties is up to you. -Dms
February 11, 2015 at 10:02 pm
Andrea Cumber
Tara thanks for sharing. It’s always great to see yet another way to get an authors story into the hands of readers, especially when it’s not the traditional publishing house way.
His illustrations and title grabbed my attention right away! Wishing David much success!
February 13, 2015 at 7:28 pm
ThisKidReviewsBooks
That’s really cool! 😀
February 15, 2015 at 9:11 pm
evelynchristensen
Thanks, Tara, hosting David, and thanks, David, for sharing this new publishing model. I was not familiar with it. The book concept looks interesting and I can imagine an enthusiastic response to it. I went to the link where you said, “You can read the entire (500 word) text,” but I only found an excerpt. Did I miss something?
February 15, 2015 at 9:13 pm
evelynchristensen
Oops! Sorry. I found the ‘read more’ link.
February 21, 2015 at 10:27 pm
writersideup
I’m not intending to self-publish, but it’s good to know about this in case I ever change my mind. Thanks, David! 🙂