Publishing Options and Pointers

Blue Dragon Publishing, LLC evolved in the same way many independent publishers do. It started with a tenacious author with a unique story to share with the world. As an Air Force colonel, the founder, Dawn Brotherton, is experienced in making things happen. Rather than spinning her wheels trying to find a trustworthy agent, then waiting while the agent pitched multiple publishers, Dawn decided to forge ahead alone. Learning lessons the hard way with many false-steps, she eventually got into the rhythm of the publishing world. Other authors sought her advice and assistance. Thus, Blue Dragon was born.

Soon, Blue Dragon Publishing, LLC was taking on outside writers and partnering with them to realize their dreams of becoming published authors. A hybrid model means the author contributes financially for services rendered, likened to outsourcing for the things they don’t want to do themselves (think editing, marketing, setting up distribution accounts, and finding printers, graphic designers, illustrators, etc.). Because authors pay for services with a hybrid publisher, they make at least 60% of the royalties, as opposed to approximately 8% with a traditional publisher. Blue Dragon is a hybrid publisher specifically because they have found authors with skin in the game often try harder to sell their books. The author is motivated to make their money back, and with the publisher’s help, it will happen—and then some! But not overnight. If writers really want to become authors, they must prepare for the long haul. They must build an audience, get out and talk to people, and do their share of marketing.

Education is one of the biggest services Blue Dragon provides. Understanding the many steps that go into publishing a book opens authors’ eyes and shows them how to be successful. Blue Dragon holds workshops for their authors, shares new trends and tips, and opens the door for contests and discounted marketing opportunities.

Dawn Brotherton is an award-winning author and featured speaker at writing and publishing seminars. When it comes to exceptional writing, Dawn draws on her experience as a retired colonel in the US Air Force as well as a softball coach. Her books include the Jackie Austin Mysteries and the Global Ebook Bronze Award Winner, Untimely Love. She is a contributing author to the non-fiction A-10s over Kosovo, sharing stories from her deployment. She has also written the Lady Tigers Series about girls’ fastpitch softball, encouraging young, female athletes to reach for the stars in the game they love. Dawn has even created her own scorebook and YouTube video to teach others how to keep score during a game.