I think you're looking at it the right way.
In the years I've been doing this, I've been approached countless times. I classify these folks into one of three categories:
1. Out and out rip off: These are the firms that want you to pay for formatting, a garage full of pre-printed books, and who knows what else. Many of these "companies" are from countries like China or India, and offer to translate and pay you a tiny percentage of sales in their native lands.
2. Legit, but not for me: Seem to be a real business, but operate on the margins of the book selling world. They can be wholesalers, tiny publishing houses, agents with more promise than delivery... the list could go on.
3. A fit partner: We have a few, mostly wholesalers, who we do business with on a regular basis and everybody wins.
When we are approached, I want to know two basic questions:
1. How do they make their money? If it's from me writing a check, then no thank you. If it's from them doing work to promote, sell, deliver, or add value to my product (books), they let's continue the conversation.
2. Can we both win with whatever model is being pitched?
In the example the OP cited, I would at least have a phone call with them. Talk is cheap. In the vast majority of cases, you'll know within 10 minutes if it's a business deal you're interested in.
I've never written anybody a check to do anything with a finished book. Zero. Zip. Nadda.
But that doesn't mean legit ideas, business models, and folks with energy to make a buck aren't out there. Listen with a skeptic's ear, but don't pass over a positive potential just because they don't have a NYC address.
In the years I've been doing this, I've been approached countless times. I classify these folks into one of three categories:
1. Out and out rip off: These are the firms that want you to pay for formatting, a garage full of pre-printed books, and who knows what else. Many of these "companies" are from countries like China or India, and offer to translate and pay you a tiny percentage of sales in their native lands.
2. Legit, but not for me: Seem to be a real business, but operate on the margins of the book selling world. They can be wholesalers, tiny publishing houses, agents with more promise than delivery... the list could go on.
3. A fit partner: We have a few, mostly wholesalers, who we do business with on a regular basis and everybody wins.
When we are approached, I want to know two basic questions:
1. How do they make their money? If it's from me writing a check, then no thank you. If it's from them doing work to promote, sell, deliver, or add value to my product (books), they let's continue the conversation.
2. Can we both win with whatever model is being pitched?
In the example the OP cited, I would at least have a phone call with them. Talk is cheap. In the vast majority of cases, you'll know within 10 minutes if it's a business deal you're interested in.
I've never written anybody a check to do anything with a finished book. Zero. Zip. Nadda.
But that doesn't mean legit ideas, business models, and folks with energy to make a buck aren't out there. Listen with a skeptic's ear, but don't pass over a positive potential just because they don't have a NYC address.
just to see what they come up with next - but I'm probably better off spending time on my next book.
