“What does your name mean?
Something that is worn from frequent use—and something that often indicates a reader's FAVORITE portion of a book is called "dog eared". We want to be that "favorite" spot for authors on the internet.”
Dog Ear Publishing is a US author solutions service located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Formed in 2004 by co-owners, Ray Robinson, Miles Nelson and Alan Harris, all three have had varied careers in the book world, from Waldenbooks, Pearson Education Publishers, as well as backgrounds in book packaging and the graphic design and print industries. This mix of both production and publication certainly provides the kind of firm foundation for an author solutions service many other companies do not possess.
"Dog Ear Publishing was founded in October, 2004 by Miles Nelson, Ray Robinson and Alan Harris. Nelson has an extensive graphic design and printing background. Robinson was previously a book packager for traditional publishers and a buyer for a major retail bookstore. Harris, like Robinson, has experience as a buyer for a well known bookstore chain and performed as an acquisitions editor for a major traditional publisher."
“All too often, authors are lured by a low up front cost - but, it's not the publishing fees that ruin your profit, it's the book printing costs! If you think your book will sell 100 units or less, then going with the least expensive book publisher is your best choice. Plan on selling some books? Click here to see why it is your cost of book printing that will make the MOST difference. Dog Ear Publishing is the book publisher that can help you sell MORE books.”
So, there is the Dog Ear Publishing pledge and pitch on behalf of their author solutions service. An admission that they may not suit every self-publishing author, particularly those who do not envisage high volume sales and are content perhaps to simply see their book in print for family and friends. It is a candid and fair admission—at $1099 (since 2010) on their cheapest deal—the desire for an author to hold a copy of their book could be found elsewhere for a hell of a lot cheaper if that is all that floats the author’s boat! Too many other companies try to be fair-weather for all seasons when trying to attract self-publishing authors.
Ok, my first gripe—books. Not only does Dog Ear Publishing not support their own author bookstore page (still no bookstore as of 2012), but there is little or no representation of their authors’ books on the site. And no, I don’t consider the ‘Testimonial' page an advertisement of their author’s books—that is commercial advocacy of their reputation and services, not actually selling books. All their links on books point to Amazon.
The resource page is helpful for submitting book files, pricing and discounts, as well as the technical specifications required for book files.
I'm not so sure about Dog Ear Publishing's definition of self-publishing...
What is Self-publishing?
If the author has control then the author should have ownership of the ISBN. It is nothing to do with who or how much money is paid. I don't think Dog Ear do the company any favours here - as honest as the advice is meant.
What are 'self-publishing companies'?
Again, a degree of inaccuracy. Yes, some self-publishing companies may be nothing more than print and book packagers, but self-publishing companies do not all provide 'full suite' services as a norm. Most offer little marketing support beyond printed matter to support a marketing effort, and nothing in the way of distribution beyond online listing with Books in Print and some online retailers.
However, Dog Ear Publishing are again a little more candid on their ‘Insiders-Why Self-Publish page.
“Getting Rich - The vast majority of the books in the "traditional" publishing industry barely ever break even - and an even smaller percentage of self published books ever see a profit. A tiny minority of self published books are ever a big success or achieve fame.”
Basic Package ($1099):
- Paperback or Hardcover format
- Completely unique, custom interior and cover design
- Up to 30 interior images
- 5 free paperback books or 5 hardcover (1 color); 5 color paperback (dependent upon format and page count)
- Your own Author Representative who provides support throughout the publishing process
- Book and author web page within the Dog Ear web site
- Registration with all major online booksellers and national distributors
- Registration with Books in Print database providing worldwide availability
- Assignment of International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
- Library of Congress control number and US Copyright information on the copyright page (to learn more about copyright, click here)
- Inclusion in Google Book Search program
- Availability in one digital format (Google Editions)
This is a strong basic package and even at $1099, it includes services like LCCN, Custom cover design and the option of hardback or paperback. Many other author solution services charge an extra $150 - $300 for the hardback availability, although, authors should note that it is one or the other here and not a combination. The ‘Book and author web page within our site’ bothers me. This means that the web page is hosted and listed on the Dog Ear Publishing website with access to buy links on Amazon, and this bears no comparison to a proper author website.
The Professional package adds on the following ($1699):
- Paperback of Hardcover Format
- 30 interior images (author supplied)
- Completely unique, custom interior and cover design
- Your own Author Representative who provides support throughout the publishing process
- Book and author web page within the Dog Ear web site
- Registration with all major online booksellers and national distributors
- Registration with Books in Print database providing worldwide availability
- Assignment of International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
- Library of Congress control number and US Copyright information on the copyright page (to learn more about copyright, click here)
- Availability in one digital format (Google Editions)
- 5 free paperback books or 5 hardcover books (dependent upon format and page count)
- Consultation with a Dog Ear Publishing design professional
- Aggressive Marketing Campaign that includes:
- - Media Release created by our copywriting staff and released to 250 targeted media outlets
- - Full-color print marketing materials
1,000 business cards
100 postcards
10 full-size posters - Custom SEO Web site
Now we get the unique author website, together with the promotional materials and media press release (I would suggest the author have a hand in who gets some of these media press releases) by today's standard in competition is a little excessive at $600 extra.
The Professional Plus only adds in the following ($2199):
- - Author Store Shopping Cart
To process orders and payments, dramatically increasing the profitability of your book. See more here - Inclusion in Google Book Search program
Unless I am missing something here, the author is paying an extra $500 for inclusion in Google Books and a store shopping and payment facility. My own service provider offers this on my business website for an extra $5 a month, that’s $60 a year! This really isn’t worth it.
The Masterpiece adds on the following ($3499):
- - Media Release created by our copywriting staff and released to 1,000 targeted media outlets
- - Full-color print marketing materials
2,000 business cards
250 postcards
10 full-size posters
- - PPC Marketing Campaign
- Including up to 250 search terms and 5 ad categories to direct search engine visitors to your store front or site.
- - Professional copyediting(Up to 53,000 words at the Copyeditor level)
Again, further promotional materials, a double up on the amount of media press releases, but the cost in the package for the added editing just isn't enough to sway me. Editing is expensive from a proper professional and cost several thousand if done very well, but I would advise any author considering this package to first seek the name, credentials and samples of the editor’s work before committing to handing over a cent. Also, ask Dog Ear Publishing for a free two or three page sample edit of your book from the editor. An allowance of 53,000 is quite low, considering most novels stretch to 80-100K words. My own take on editing with author solution services is simply this—don’t buy it as part of a package service. Often you will find a better rate externally of the company, and either way, it is something authors should do before approaching an author solution services. Meaning, the author should always try traditional paths to publication or workshops before deciding on self-publishing.
It should be noted Dog Ear publishing do say:
“Dog Ear Publishing has for many years provided editorial services to most of the “traditional” publishing houses. There are certain “standard” editorial processes each and every book receives when we do this work for a publisher. These processes include proofreading, copyediting, and/or development editing. Copyediting is the single most important service because it makes or breaks every book’s editorial success.”
Dog Ear Publishing also provide other services including expedited and a Book Returns program:ICE:
RETURNS
Bookstore Returns Service: $200
Give bookstores the greatest possible opportunity to stock your book by offering a returnability option. This program identifies your book as 'Returnable' in the Ingram Title Database. This means that a bookstore is able to return unsold copies of your book.
A 'Returnable' indicator makes bookstores more willing to take a chance on your book.
Our program is based upon a renewable 12-month cycle.
Any returns are deducted from your outstanding Author Net Profit balance.
Shipping and handling charges apply to books.
If you have questions about your manuscript's requirements, or which service is best for your book, please call us at 1-866-823-9613.
Authors receive a 40% discount on books they order from Dog Ear Publishing and retail prices range from an average of $12 - $15 for paperbacks. The below two links go into detail regarding royalties paid to an author.
Royalties:
Retail Price minus Wholesale Discount minus Print Cost equals Net Sales Profit.
Let's say you have set a Retail Price of $14.95
You are offering a Wholesale Discount of 40% (which you have also set)
Your book has a Print Cost of $4.28 (based upon format and page count - see our Book Printing Prices page for more details)
$14.95 - 40% ($5.98) - $4.28 = $4.72 per unit Net Sales Profit - PAID TO YOUYour net sales profit is $4.72 per book.
e-Book Sales
e-Books are only distributed via our e-retailer partners; Amazon.com (Kindle), Apple (iBookstore), Barnes&Noble (Nook), and Google (Google Editions). Dog Ear does not sell e-books direct to the end consumer.
Exact profit on e-book sales can be complex, due to the many levels of Wholesale Discount applied and the various fees assessed by our partners. In general, however, the Net Sales Profit on an e-book sale is calculated much like that of a print book.
Unlike print books, please note that we have NO control over the level ofWholesale Discount required for your book to be listed with a specific retail outlet. In most cases, each retailer has their own requirements.
Retail Price minus Wholesale Discount equals Net Wholesale.
Net Wholesale minus Digital Distribution Fee equals Net Sales Profit.
Let's say you have set a Retail Price of $9.99 for your e-book
The retailers require a specific Wholesale Discount, which can vary; let's use Apple's of 30%
Your book has a Digital Distribution Fee of 20% of Net Wholesale(meaning 20% of the price paid by the Retailer)
$9.99 - 30% ($3.00) = $6.99 per unit Net Wholesale
$6.99 - 20% (the Digital Distribution Fee ($1.39)) = $5.60 - PAID TO YOUSo - your net sales profit is $5.60 per book.
There is a benefit from purchasing Dog Ear publishing’s shopping cart option available in the Professional Plus package and Masterpiece. The author is making profit on all sales less Dog Ear Publishing’s print and mark-up margin. Distribution sales through online markets will have to factor in the loss of an additional 40%+ margin off the retail price, though authors do have control over the retail price.
I do like Dog Ear Publishing. They approach the business of offering author solution services with a direct experience of book publishing, owners who reflect this experience and understanding, and a company who are accessible and frank about what they have to offer. You know this is a company you can pick up the phone and talk directly to the three people who are at the core of the business. I have a few small hang-ups about their lack of ‘book’ and author presence on their website and the fact that for the prices paid they could offer more author copies with their packages. But then, Dog Ear Publishing do not present themselves in anything but the position of a solid reputable author solutions service geared to offering reasonably strong packages and the inherent flexibility to deal with an author who wants very specific needs for the design and publication of their book. Dog Ear Publishing will also give the authors all materials relating to the design and production of a book in the event of the contract ceasing.
Biographies of Dog Ear Founders & Publishers:
Alan Harris
Miles Nelson
Ray Robinson
Also, Dog Ear Blog by Miles Nelson here.
RATING: 6.5/10
Biographies of Dog Ear Founders & Publishers:
Alan Harris
Miles Nelson
Ray Robinson
Also, Dog Ear Blog by Miles Nelson here.
RATING: 6.5/10
Mick Rooney – Publishing Consultant
If you found this review or article helpful, but you’re still looking for a suitable self-publishing provider to fit your needs as an author, then I’m sure I can help. As a publishing consultant and editor of this magazine, I’ve reviewed and examined in detail more than 150 providers throughout the world like the one above. As a self-published and traditionally published author of nine books, I understand your needs on the path to publication and beyond. So, before you spend hundreds or thousands, and a great deal of your time, why not book one of my personally tailored and affordable consultation sessions today? Click here for more details.
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