Grammar Chic, Inc.: Author Services Industry Expands as Self-Publishing Increases in Popularity

Dec. 27, 2012 - PRLog -- There is little doubt in the minds of most publishing professionals that the industry, as a whole, has undergone some significant changes in recent years.  The world of self-publishing was once thought of as an avenue for would-be authors who had nowhere else to go, and indeed, up until recently, the majority of the powers-that-be within traditional channels largely agreed with this theory.  However, times are changing and many pros concur that self-publishing is no longer the taboo that it was once considered.  In turn, many author services companies, such as Grammar Chic, Inc., owned and operated by Amanda E. Clark, are flourishing, as self-published authors look to professional publishing organizations for help with editing, proofreading, cover design and other important services usually handled by the publishing umbrella in traditional contracts.

In a recent article, Smashwords Founder Mark Coker made his 2013 Book Publishing Industry Predictions, which sagely identified the author services industry as a segment of the publishing business set to explode as self-publishing becomes an increasingly justified and legitimate form of publishing.  Grammar Chic, Inc. President and Editor-In-Chief Amanda E. Clark agrees with this synopsis.

“We have seen an incredible increase at Grammar Chic with many potential clients approaching us for a variety of author services,” stated Clark.  “Sometimes authors are simply searching for a helping hand to guide and consult through the self-publishing process; others are looking for assistance with manuscript editing, proofreading, formatting and the like.  [Author services] is truly a booming area of the publishing industry.”

At the same time, Clark also notes that she has not always been a proponent of self-publishing, but that her opinion, like that of many other publishing professionals, has changed as the form of printing and promotion has gained legitimacy amongst traditional circles.

“It’s been a transition for me,” commented Clark, “because self-publishing has received such a bad rap for so long, largely due to the reputation of some of the companies that operated in the space.  But it seems that there has been an evolution of sorts, and there are some very good self-publishers out there focused on doing right.  Even so, would-be authors need to understand there are ‘rules’ regarding the divide between traditional and self-publishers.  You really have to go into a publishing agreement knowing all the facts and what you, as the author, are responsible for.”

Clark outlines that the responsibilities of the author increase in a self-publishing agreement, as do costs.

“What an individual has to realize if they decide to self-publish is that they are becoming the publisher, they are in charge of their business,” stated Clark.  “Therefore, the services that are usually handled by a traditional publisher are now covered by the self-published author.  For instance, cover design, editing, proofreading, formatting for print and e-Reader, as well as printing, distribution, promotion and marketing; all of these things are part of the publishing process and an author has to plan accordingly in order to cover these costs.”

Clark states that, if an individual is searching for more information on the particulars of the self-publishing process, along with estimates of the costs that are associated with author services, it is best to consult a reputable company with experience operating in the space.

“At Grammar Chic, we make sure each individual who is considering self-publishing has in mind the reality of the costs associated with the entire process.  A lot more goes into it outside of simply writing and printing a book.  A person really needs to understand everything that a traditional publisher does in order to determine if they are able to print and market their book successfully,” opined Clark.

Individuals who are interested in learning more about Grammar Chic, Inc. and the services that it offers, including but not limited to author services, ghostwriting and manuscript editing, are invited to visit www.grammarchic.net. Individuals may also call (803) 831-7444 or email info@grammarchic.net to find out more regarding pricing and other details.

ABOUT:

Grammar Chic, Inc. is a full-service literary consultancy that provides author services, writing and editing services to a diverse clientele. Led by President and Editor-In-Chief Amanda E. Clark, Grammar Chic's team offers its expertise to clients in the creative, business and academic fields. The company accepts a wide range of projects and often drafts resumes, business communications, manuscript editing, press releases, web content, marketing materials and ghostwritten creative pieces. To learn more about Grammar Chic, Inc. and the services that its team offers, visit http://www.grammarchic.net.