The Reality of Dorrance Publishing Company: A Vanities Publisher’s Incentives

Introduction

A thorough review of Dorrance Publishing Company Inc. and its role in the world of vanity publishing is crucial for authors considering their options. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the company's business practices and the potential outcomes for authors who choose to work with them.

Evaluating Dorrance Publishing Company

Before entering into any publishing contract, especially one that requires payment upfront, it is imperative to conduct extensive research. Popular search engines like Google, DuckDuckGo, Bing, and others offer vast resources to help authors make informed decisions. Additionally, organizations such as Writer Beware provide valuable insights into potential pitfalls, particularly when it comes to vanity publishing services.

What is Vanity Publishing?

Vanity publishing, as exemplified by Dorrance Publishing, typically refers to a publishing model in which authors pay to have their books published. Unlike traditional publishing, where publishers invest in the development, editing, and marketing of the book, a vanity publisher focuses primarily on the production and distribution of the book.

Exploring Dorrance Publishing Company

Legitimacy and Services Offered

Dorrance Publishing Company Inc. is a long-standing vanity press that has adapted to modern needs by rebranding itself as a publishing services company. This means that while the company will produce and make your book available, the costs involved in the process are significantly higher than those of traditional publishing services.

While Dorrance will indeed produce copies of your book and make it available for sale, the key difference lies in their incentive structure. Traditional publishers, like Penguin, are driven to sell books to readers, as they bear the financial risk of publishing a book that does not sell. In contrast, Dorrance’s business model is centered around selling services to authors, making the company's motivation largely profit-driven.

Analysis of Incentive Structures

Honesty in Incentives

A fundamental issue with vanity publishing services is the lack of incentive for the publisher to promote or market your book successfully. In fact, Dorrance’s business model is designed to minimize expenses while maximizing profits.

For traditional publishing, such as with Penguin, the publisher's success is directly tied to the sales performance of the book. If a Penguin book does not sell, the publisher loses both the advance paid to the author and the costs associated with the publication. In this context, the publisher has a vested interest in promoting and supporting the book.

However, with Dorrance, if a book does not sell, the company retains all the revenue it receives from the author and also keeps all the costs associated with marketing and distribution. This lack of alignment between the publisher’s and author’s interests can result in subpar marketing efforts and reduced promotional support.

Conclusion

The financial and ethical implications of working with Dorrance Publishing Company Inc. are significant. While the company may produce and sell copies of your book, it is essential to carefully consider whether their business model aligns with your publishing goals and financial expectations.

Before signing with any vanity publisher, it is crucial to assess the long-term benefits and the potential risks involved. Explore alternative services, such as those offered by specialized service providers, which can often provide comparable services at a more competitive price.

Ultimately, the decision to work with Dorrance Publishing Company Inc. or any vanity publisher should be made with a clear understanding of what you are getting into. Take the time to research, read up on similar companies, and weigh the pros and cons thoroughly.

Good luck with your publishing journey!