I haven't published a book myself yet, but because I would like to do so in the not too distant future, I have been orienting myself on the publishing and book world in the Netherlands for some time now. I want my book, once I have finished it, to have the best possible chance of being successful. And to achieve that, I have already learned a number of things about publishing options. Update 2023: I have published a book! Check out my books and art in my online shop: https://www.robinrozendal.nl/winkel/ Now first: the things I have learned so far about publishing a book in the Netherlands. And I would like to say in advance: many points on my list are not exactly encouraging... but that is precisely why I think it is important to be aware of this, so that you are extra well prepared to make it happen anyway. 1. The book market in the Netherlands. 1. Book sales have been declining for years. 2. Non-fiction sells better than fiction. 3. Of all genres, fantasy/sci-fi/horror sells the worst. With thriller just a bit above that. 4. Nowadays, 2000 sales is considered good. 2. There are roughly two ways to publish your book: 1. Traditional publishing 1. Traditional publishing gets stacks of manuscripts from wannabe writers like me (and maybe you). They often don't have much time to read them all. That's why it often takes a long time before they do that, before you get a response. And when you do get a response, it's often a standard rejection. 2. If they want to publish you, they will help you get the book ready. Editing, design, blurb, author photos, etc. 3. These publishers don't charge you for publishing. You even get money from them, usually a percentage per book sold. On average 10 to 12%. 4. They also do marketing and sales for you, for example they have contacts at media, bookstores, etc. 2. Self-publishing. In English it is also called Vanity Press. 1. Even if you publish yourself, you can do this through a publisher. There are all kinds of parties that would like to do that for you. 2. These publishers sometimes help you finish your book, but usually to a lesser extent. Cheaper. 3. These publishers charge you money for publishing your book. In addition, agreements are made about proceeds. The more you have to pay in advance, the more you will receive when it sells. 4. These publishers sometimes do a little marketing for you, but usually less than traditional ones. 3. The big difference between the two is mainly: traditional publishers take a risk. They take the costs and the work off your hands and therefore want more money for that when it sells. Logical. And because traditional publishers themselves take a risk, and therefore benefit from good sales, they do more in terms of editing, design and marketing. And there are all kinds of variations possible between the two forms where you as an author do more or less yourself. 3. Agents? Agents is actually an American thing, which we don't see that often in the Netherlands. Agents have contacts at publishers, and can help you as an author. It is on the rise in the Netherlands, maybe it is the future here too. I found more interesting videos on Youtube about writing a book, stories and full of writing tips, and made a playlist of them: https://bit.ly/2AB7faI (all in Dutch) And a playlist about learning to draw and paint, about oil paint, watercolor, watercolor and more: https://bit.ly/2QuY68M In addition, there are also many English-language videos with writing tips, which I like to watch for inspiration for writing! I made a list of my favorites: https://bit.ly/2WcgPtR Find me online: www.robinrozendal.nl www.facebook.com/robinrozendal www.instagram.com/robin_rozendal_art