If Jon and Alicia Robertson weren't busy running Robertson Publishing and ProColor, it would be easy to imagine them working as psychologists, midwives, life coaches or in any other profession requiring warmth, compassion and encouragement. In their care, say several local authors, manuscripts can be transformed from a jumble of word-processed words (often needing a good rewrite or five) into a slick volume that will command attention in the most crowded bookstore.
The Robertsons don't just design and print a book; they invest a bit of their souls in every one. "Our authors have worked so hard, and in many cases they've committed themselves to writing for years," says Alicia, who serves as CEO of Robertson Publishing. "So we do whatever we can, whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to get their books out there." |
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Jon and Alicia Robertson do more than just help authors prepare their books for market. They provide authors with help and quidance throught the entire self-publishing process. (George Sakkestad/Bay Area News Group) |
Any author wishing to work with the company first receives a booklet entitled "Out the Door," written by Jon. Drawing on his many years of experience as a designer and printer, and in publishing the literary magazine Ellipses, he has collected in the booklet much of the knowledge needed to help get those wishing to self-publish off and running. In it authors find such helpful tips as which software to use for their manuscripts (Robertson recommends InDesign vs. Microsoft Word), how to properly save text files, and more.
Also, writers can visit the Robertson Publishing Web site to find an online tool kit chock-full of still more information: how to write an author's biography, what makes a great pitch letter and even contact info for local and national media. "If you want to send your book to Oprah, we can give you the address," Alicia notes. Additionally, the Robertsons can help with post-publication marketing by printing up business cards, posters, press releases and other promotional materials, at prices struggling authors can afford.
As part of their services, the Robertsons also handle the payment of royalties to their clients. Jon tracks all sales in bookstores (through the Robertsons' connections with distributor Ingram Book Group) and on Amazon; he then ensures proper payments are doled out. "There's the retail price for a book and then its wholesale price, which is what Amazon would pay," he explains. "Then there's the author's price, which is beneath wholesale. The difference between wholesale and the author's price is what the royalty payment is."
"The Robertsons are a great couple," says Los Gatos author Mary Tomasi-DuBois, whose second novel, Danger in the Jeweled City, was just produced through Robertson. "They're very non-pretentious, and have made some marvelous suggestions." Tomasi-DuBois came to know Jon and ProColor when she served as chairwoman of the Los Gatos Arts Commission, and through her work with the Los Gatos Community Foundation and Shakespeare Festival.
"We entrusted all of our printing to ProColor," she says. "I was delighted to learn that the Robertsons are also doing self-publishing. It's wonderful to have this resource in our area. I encourage everyone who's thinking of going that route to give them a call." |
