by Paul Rance

Created on: June 12, 2010

A vanity publisher will rarely shout out: "Hey, we're a vanity publisher." Writers and poets may have egos, but they also like to think that their work is accepted on merit.

The problem most people have with vanity publishers is not so much the vanity part, it is that they are often not explicit enough in their advertising. To any writer or poet inexperienced in sending manuscripts to publishers, the "Manuscripts wanted" advertisements may seem, to many, enticing, but to the more experienced they may seem too good to be true - and you know how that saying ends.

If you are just looking to have a book printed, then that, effectively, is what a vanity press is. When the writer or poet realizes he's left to promote the book, then that is when the grim and cruel reality of a vanity press hits the unsuspecting. Some writers and poets will be happy to have their work in a book, and won't worry about whether their being published is through a vanity press or not. If you just want your work preserved in some way, then a vanity press may well produce a good book for you, but you would be better off self publishing.

With self publishing you can create your own publishing company with your name, i.e. John Smith Press. It'll look more impressive, and though you may just publish one book, it'll enhance your reputation more than using a vanity press, as it'll look like you are serious about your work, what with not only writing the book, but publishing it as well. Using a vanity press can give the impression that you either don't value, or don't know the value of, your work.

You should always weigh up your options before submitting a manuscript anywhere. Many successful writers took years to have their work accepted, so it's easy to lose patience and go down the vanity press route, or you may just accept defeat before submitting anything, and think using a vanity press is an easier option than self publishing, or sending your work to publishers many times over.

A vanity press is a business, and if you pay them then they will produce a book for you, but it boils down to what you want from your work. If you want to just see your work in print to show to your family and friends, then a vanity press may be for you. If you want to be considered a serious writer or poet, then using a vanity press would undermine the things you stand for.

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