Many aspiring authors do not fully understand the difference between so-called traditional book publishing companies and self publishing companies.

Traditional book publishing companies, such as Random House or Simon & Schuster, buy the rights to an author's book up-front and pay out a small royalty for each book sold. The publisher has complete control over the book's design and the text so, sometimes, authors cannot even recognize their own work.

Self publishing companies, such as BookPros, allow authors to keep the rights to their books and earn a larger amount for each book sold. BookPros authors also have the ultimate control over their product and the advantage of a team of professionals to guide them.

Traditional book publishing companies usually do not read manuscripts that are sent to them from an author. Instead, authors must find literary agents to represent them. It can be difficult for many first-time authors to secure an agent, and as with any industry, there are reputable agents and not-so-reputable agents. Agents also must be paid. They may charge up-front fees or a percentage of any future profits.

If an author does have an agent, and traditional book publishing companies express interest in his or her work, then the agent will look for the best deal, comparing advances and royalties. Traditional book publishing companies usually pay an up-front fee, or advance, which gives them the publishing rights, creative rights and distribution rights. Authors will have very little, if any, say in how the book is designed, edited, marketed and publicized.

Traditional book publishing companies usually use exclusive contracts, which give them the exclusive rights to the material. They own the author's book. After the book is released, each author will receive a small percentage of the book's retail price in royalties.

Self publishing companies do not require their authors to have an agent. At BookPros, we handle all manuscripts in-house. Some self publishing companies will charge a small fee for the design, printing and publishing of the book but will also retain the rights to most of the work done on it. Through BookPros, authors pay up-front fees for all design, editing, printing and publishing services and then retain all rights and creative control over the book. Each of our titles are also supported by a publicity campaign provided by our nationally recognized media arm, Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists. Our authors have input in their editing, layout, cover design, paper selection and publicity materials. BookPros also creates a finished product that rivals the quality of any of the traditional book publishing companies.

A BookPros contract is nonexclusive. This means that if an author's book generates media buzz, sells well or creates a high demand for a sequel, he or she can sell the rights to traditional book publishing companies and print a second edition through them. Publishing through BookPros also establishes each author's credentials as a published writer. With our high quality design, printing, publishing and publicity services, authors can create a book that rivals that of any traditional publisher and the freedom to use the book's publication to further his or her own literary aspirations.

For more information about BookPros' publishing and publicity services, please browse our website, visit our online chat to speak with a project consultant or give us a call at (512) 478-2028.