I'm currently writing a book due out in September. Unlike my previous book, where I had a traditional publisher who took care of everything (financially and otherwise) but left me a minuscule royalty on my books that sold, I went a different route this time. I hired a "Book Shepherd".
Follow me on this because I'm going to get to the tie in with real estate in just a moment. My "shepherd" acted as my editor and manager of the process. I paid him by the hour to edit my manuscript and then guide me as to what needed to be done. While I am publishing my book myself, I am certainly not doing this by myself. My shepherd has provided excellent recommendations for an interior designer and cover designer. He has advised me where to get my ISBN numbers. I have paid for each of these experts as they provide the service and am getting great results because each of these experts (including my book shepherd) were compensated very well for their time and talents.
When the book is published, I will only pay for the costs to print them. The difference between the printing costs and the jacket price goes into my pocket.
What I'm not getting (nor paying for) are services that I don't want or need. Anyone writing books today will tell you that unless you're a Pulitzer Prize-Winning author, a publisher does little to no marketing for you. So, why would I want to pay a publisher for services that they're not going to do anyway? And if I'm going to market my own book, why shouldn't I reap the profits?
I'm guessing that the majority of authors are still going the traditional route but there are an increasing number of us that are taking advantage of technology and hiring a shepherd rather than a publisher. And traditional publishers are starting to get nervous folks because the demand for a new way is growing and technology is supplying that demand.
Now, let's say that I'm looking to buy or sell a house. Or maybe I just want an hour or two of counsel from a real estate expert. Yet, if I go to a traditional real estate agent, I'm locked into a one-size-DOESN'T-fit-all package of services payable only by commission. If I just want some objective advice and am willing to pay for it...forgetaboutit! The industry is not structured for that. What if I DO want to buy or sell but want to do some functionary level things myself but bring in an expert for what I can't handle? Sorry bud...it doesn't work that way.
Now, if you're a real estate professional reading this, you may think that there's no demand for a real estate shepherd who is paid handsomely for their time, services, expertise, and recommendations but I think you might be living in the past. Those of us who offer the consumer choices in the services they can receive and how they can be paid for are seeing a tangible increase in consumers who are choosing different paths. If you're not seeing consumers demanding some choices, chances are they don't know they have them. This will change. And choice is a funny thing: once people get wind of it, they don't want to give it up.
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