I can't say much as I've no experience with publishing, but IIRC there are a few guides from the likes of the "
Writers Beware" blog which is affiliated with the Sci-fi and Fantasy Writers of America association and covers a lot of the potential scams and issues that can pop up when someone is looking to get published.
She has already told me about that, fortunately she has already read through that. I think she is well informed in this direction.
As a pretty much iron clad rule unless it's "vanity" publishing or self publishing (and even then within limits) then "money rolls towards the writer" and any agent or publisher who asks for an upfront fee is likely dodgy as the main job of agents and publishers is to get an authors book out there and the agent gets their money from what the publisher pays the author (so a huge incentive for an agent to get a good deal for their client).
Also Never sign away the rights forever, and that any additional "media" or "regions" will get additional payments - there are some very scummy people and companies out there that will prey on new writers and do things like offer very low fees and in return try and get all the rights (a lot of writing competitions are exceptionally dodgy in that regards from what I hear, as they often have clauses that can give them all the rights to any submission even if it doesn't "win" a prize).
I know this statement, but I can't really understand it.
Let's say I want to publish through self-publishing - then I also have to look for an editor, graphic designer,... look for. These services are not offered to me for free, that's their job.
She has also read about the rights more than once. You have to be careful not to give everything out of your own hand. There are also some negative examples.
I think the best place to start if looking for traditional publishing is to either look for an agent (or more rarely) an editor in the field who has open positions for new clients/submissions.
Agents are more common in English-speaking countries. In Europe they are rather few represented. Certainly, they exist here with us too, but it is not so common. If you find a good agent, it certainly helps her, but I think she wants to try it without and contact the publishers directly.
You can just contact and ask for the possibilities of working together. No need to decide it right away. Also with agents-just contact them and ask for information. I guess it is important to not be shy.
That's where she's at right now. She is now writing to some small publishers in the region. Even some that have been recommended to her. Then let's see what comes out of it.
She won't do anything until she is completely sure and has no more reservations. At least nothing where she can't get out.
