Editing Vanity press (section)

== Vanity publishing vs mainstream publishing ==
Mainstream publishers never charge authors to publish their books; the publisher bears all the risks of publication and pays all the costs. Because of that [[financial risk]], mainstream publishers are extremely selective in what they will publish, and reject most manuscripts submitted to them. The high level of rejection is why some authors publish with vanity presses.  [[James D. Macdonald]] says, "Money should always flow towards the author",<ref name="CB1">{{cite web| last= Lundin|first=Leigh |title=Crossfire of the Vanities |url=http://www.criminalbrief.com/?p=6990 |work=Self-Publishing |publisher=Criminal Brief |location=New York |date=2009-05-03 |quote=Vanity publishing is like T-ball: Everyone gets a chance at bat, gets a hit, and takes home a trophy. But don’t expect anyone other than your mom to applaud.}}</ref> a concept sometimes called [[Yog's Law]].

Mainstream publishers also provide services.  Ordinary author services, such as editing, [[book cover]] design, and publicity, are provided by mainstream publishers for free, whereas a vanity press charges fees for these services.<ref name=":1" />