Hello,

I am new to the Write Words community but I am already wondering why I didn't join months ago!

I have written a novel and I am trying to get it published. A company called Arena Books has shown some interest. They are very small but do seem to have some titles listed on Amazon. What makes me a little suspicious, however, is that they work on a 'cost-sharing basis', whereby you seem to stump up some money yourself (although you do get 100 copies) and don't start to make a profit until after 2000 sales.
Does this suggest vanity publishing to anyone else?

Please advise- I have checked the Directory but can't find anything on them.

Thank you!

Just had a look on their website and it sounds like a subsidy-publisher, where the author pays part of the publishing costs. There is mention of an Editor which is not usual for a vanity publisher. They specialise in academic books, so probably not suitable if you have a novel to publish.


- NaomiM

Hi Jen, and welcome to WW.

I’m a bit confused. Arena seem to be specialist academic publisher, so I’d be surprised at their interest in a novel. Are we looking at the right website? Can you post a link?

Are you confident your novel is ready to publish? Don’t be shy to upload some of it and ask for feedback. Other writers’ opinions often help.

Dee

Yes, it is the same website. They do publish some novels and mine has a strong political science slant, which is why I looked at them.

I did find them in the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook, which is why I was surprised they turned out to be a subsidy publisher.

I might have to overcome my shyness and put some of my book up- you guys are all very helpful!