For writers, being able to write without restrictions and editors cutting what they have written is a great concept. Getting your message across is very important for a writer, but it could be very difficult if the publisher and the editors are breathing behind your neck.
Some writers who have no experience with self-publishing often think twice because of the cost. In traditional publishing, the publisher would shoulder the costs and the author would not have to worry about it. But with self-publishing, the author would to shoulder the expenses. Currently, a book can be produced with as much as $5000.
When self-publishing, you can be the author who is doing the hiring for editors, cover artists, publishers or printers and distributors. On the other hand there are self-publishing businesses or companies that are dedicated to produce or sell your book or CD. There are three main stages when self-publishing:
• Creating, writing, editing and providing illustrations if needed.
• Preparing the manuscript for printing.
• Marketing and distributing the book or in other words selling it.
Of course, the first process that needs to be completed will be completion of the book itself. It is true that with self-publishing, you can publish everything. The reason that most writers cannot get their works published is that they did not fit the standards of the publisher. But since you do not have to get any publisher’s approval, then you can publish everything. You just have to be sure that what you have to publish is something really good.
To be an effective writer, you would have to touch the heart of the audience. That means in the start of the writing process, you would need to identify your target audience and write for them. Although, self-publisher’s are not that too concerned with the profits, it would still be worth it if you have a really good book on your hands.
If you would have to go for a self-publishing company, then most of them would do the entire thing. Once you are done with your book and your manuscript, then you would have to just give it to the company and they would choose the publishing needs based on your requirements. Everything, of course, would be for your approval.
But the author needs to submit everything or things in order for the publisher. Once you have submitted the specifications, but later decided to change something, it can cost you additional fees. So you would have to be sure that what you have submitted is the final stuff.
Everything goes back to the author. Once the book is done, the author will have to approve the layout and design of what is inside and outside the book. This would allow the author to have the final decisions over the book. If it gets approved then the printing will start. Again, the printed copies will go back to the author for a nod of approval. When it is done, it would be distributed.
Self-publishing companies would also include, sometimes in their packages, other kind of services. Sometimes self-publishing companies would take care of getting copyright for the book, ensure that it would comply international standards, promotional materials, and other necessities that would give the self-published and edge.
Self-publishing could sound full of tasks or tiring, but if you would like to be successful then it would require a lot of patience and at the same time hard work. But it would sure be worth something in the end.
We have heard how great self-publishing is, it can give you control on your book and at the same time increase your profits. But is something can really be this good? Are there any downsides or disadvantages with going to self-publishing? The answer is yes, everything has its pros and cons.
• Everything is in Your Hands
If you have decided to go for self-publishing, then you should be ready to multitask. Compared with traditional publishing, they have editors, printers, layout artists, cover artists who are available and ready to work for them anytime. But in self-publishing you would have to handle all of this, if you cannot do it all, you have the option to get or hire somebody who can. It would cost you additional, of course. But even if you outsourced, you will still need to oversee it and make sure that it meets your standards.
Time could be a major problem for some self-published authors. There are some writers who have part time day jobs and would need to fit self-publishing schedule to their time. Even marketing and promotion fall into your hands.
• Costs
In traditional publishing, the writer would get as much as 5 to 10 % of the sales. But it self-publishing, you can increase the profit to as much as 50 %. But the downside is that you would have to subsidize everything beforehand. It is a risk. You can spend about $5,000 for self-publishing, but you cannot guarantee that it everything will be returned to you.
Most of the times, you would need to get a distributor since book sellers are not that willing to buy books directly from the author. The author would have to get discounts to the distributor and the bookseller, this would be less than your expected 50 % profit. Another problem would be when the book do not sell that much. Aside from less profit, some bookstores would return the book and ask for a refund. Some self-publishers would draft a contract that would not allow returns and refund, in a special price of course.
Competition can be tough. Readers would not easily buy your book. You will need to give them a reason to buy your book over books with the same topic. Marketing and publicity could be a key. And you would have to spend on that, too.
• The Reputation
Another problem that self-publishers encounter is the reputation and credibility of being self-published. There are some readers who do not regard self-published books highly. Sad to say, some people are extremely biased against self-published authors, thinking that just because major publishing houses have refused the author, it means the book is not good enough.
• The Writer
They say that a book is like a writer’s own child. It would be difficult to criticize and disparage your own kid, right? Because authors would have to do everything, editing included, it can be difficult to be objective all the time. They can protect parts that are not really important or aesthetically weak. They can have difficulties letting go of some parts which are totally insignificant. That is why we have editors. But if an author would be his own editor, then there can be biases.
Self-publishing is a risk, you can spend a lot of money but the returns could be low. But come to think of it, everything is a risk. Risk is part of success.
This website uses cookies that are necessary to its functioning and required to achieve the purposes illustrated in the privacy policy. By accepting this OR scrolling this page OR continuing to browse, you agree to our Privacy Policy