Writing, Self-Publishing, Book Marketing

Former iUniverse Author Lisa Genova Signed by Simon & Schuster for Still Alice

May 5, 2009 at 11:25 am jdimos 1 comment

It’s no secret – one of the major goals for self-published authors is to achieve some literary success and then get picked up by a major traditional publisher. Recently, former iUniverse author Lisa Genova did just that, and her story has invigorated the publishing headlines with new life.

But why would an author want to self-publish and then republish with a traditional publisher? For starters, some desire the recognition and established respect of a traditional publishing imprint. Traditional publisher will also help you promote your book with trusted media contacts, since their profits are staked on book sales primarily. Not to mention how convincing a hefty financial advance when signing over the copyright can be.

Rejection after rejection by traditional publisher for her novel Still Alice, but undaunted, Genova decided to show the industry that her work would sell in the book market by self-publishing with iUniverse. Of course, soon after the book was published, copies sold like hotcakes, and the infamous publishing house Simon & Schuster approached her for a book deal soon after her initial publication.

Now, after more than twelve weeks on The New York Times Best Sellers List, Genova can definitely call herself a self-publishing success story, having already appeared on CNN.com to speak about her book and the advantages of print-on-demand companies nowadays.

Long story short, like Genova, you can also approach traditional publishers with the same strategy and mentality. If you want to demonstrate your marketability and financial value in the publishing industry, there’s no better way than giving the publishers tangible evidence in the form of a great design and sales figures.

Read more about Genova’s experience and book here>>

This is Justin, blogcasting from Wordclay, signing off.

Entry filed under: In the News, Publishing. Tags: Author, Best Sellers List, CNN.com, iUniverse, Lisa Genova, literary, publisher, Publishing, Self-Publishing, Simon & Schuster, Still Alice, The New York Times, Traditional.