AboutRik Feeney Expertise I can answer any questions from the development of an idea into a book manuscript, electronic book, PDF file, or Audio book. I design book covers, do interior design, and light book editing. My forte is creative ideas particularly as they relate to marketing and promoting your book.
Experience My first book "Gymnastics: A Guide for Parents & Athletes" was traditionally published in 1992 by Masters Press and is now available through McGraw-Hill. My second book, now as an independent publisher, was a "Quick Pick for Young Readers" by the American Library Association. Since then I have 44 book products for sale through my own web site and many of the major online book stores like Amazon.com.
Organizations Publisher's Marketing Association
Florida Writer's Association
Florida Publisher's Association
National Writer's Union (former member)
USA Gymnastics - Professional Member
Education/Credentials I attended Temple University and Vermont College of Norwich University where I received a Bachelor's degree in Writing and Literature.
Question QUESTION: I have 3 volumes of poems, and I want them to be published. where should I go? what should I do?
ANSWER: Hi Bobby!
I feel like the Cheshire Cat by answering, "Where do you want to end up financially, critically, and emotionally as an author?"
Is this a labor of love or do you plan to make some money from the books?
Are you looking to get critical acclaim through reviews?
Will publication, in whatever numbers, fulfill an inner need for completion?
Knowing your specific goals would make it much easier for me to suggest a plan of action.
Typically fiction and poetry are a bit more difficult to sell commercially than non-fiction books. Traditional publishers are also looking for a book that has a consistent sales volume to add to their ongoing backlist titles.
Self-publishing, different than Print-on-Demand, is an excellent alternative. You are in control of the whole process. A large part of which you can automate if you want to focus on writing more than business.
If you would like more information on this topic, please e-mail me at coachrik@aol.com with your goals and I will do my best to set you on the right path.
Regards,
Coach Rik
coachrik@aol.com
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Well, for starters, I want to condense my 3 volumes into one compilation type set. It IS a labor of love, I do seek some critical acclaim, and I wouldn't mind making a few bucks. Lord knows I could use it. I guess my next question is where do I turn with trust to whom I can share my writing? And what should I know about copyrights?
Answer Bobby,
Unfortunately, there are no guarantees in life. I work with several writers who either want to be published and / or want to start their own publishing concerns and I have heard about several "systems" that were great cash generators - for the guy selling the system.
I also know of several "book marketing consultants" that charge high premiums for low results.
My current and former clients can tell you that one of my favorite responses to hardship is, "Who is the best teacher?" The answer is "PAIN."
The pain of financial loss, the pain of rejection, yada, yada, yada...the point is to do your homework before getting involved with anyone.
The fact is there are some systems out there that work just fine, and yes, you may have to pay more than you would like but it beats running the publishing gauntlet in less effective ways only to find out you have been duped.
Look for people who have done what you want to do.
Who else has published a poetry compilation like yours? Who were they published by? Who were the distributors? Was there an agent or editor specifically thanked in the front of the book? Contact these people along with the authors of these books for more specific information on getting your books published.
