Book Designer Gives 9 Reasons to Self-Publish
[Editor's Note: There are many reasons to self-publish a book. There are just as many reasons against self-publishing. The answer you get on which way to go depends significantly on who you ask. These days, it's getting much harder to land a contract with a big commercial publisher. If you do, expect to make little or nothing on the sale of your book. Of course, the major disadvantage of self-publishing is the cost involved. It will cost you something. The second strike against self-publishing is that the big publishers will pay for shelf space in book stores, and you're more likely to get reviewed in a magazine or newspaper. Many people still consider self-publishing "vanity press," and for good reason. A high percentage of self-published books are terribly written (or worse). But, you can be successful. In this article, book designer Fiona Raven lists some advantages of self-publishing.]
Nine good reasons to self-publish your book.
Authors choose to self-publish their books for many different reasons. Some have tried to have their book published through a traditional publishing house; others have not. But self-publishing authors all have one goal in common: to get their book out into the world.
Reason Number 1: Traditional publishers take too long
We've all heard about authors who received rejections from publishers for years before finally getting a book published. And we know that publishing houses receive thousands of manuscripts a year and may only choose a dozen or so. This may prompt you to consider self-publishing, as your book could be ready for market within three or four months. (Read more about the editorial and publication process.)
Reason Number 2: Testing the market
Suppose you've just written your first book. Will it sell? Will it be successful? Many first-time authors choose to self-publish using digital printing. You can start with 20 books or 200 books and test your market. Sometimes self-published books get picked up by publishers.
Reason Number 3: You may appeal to a limited market
Your book may appeal to a limited market (Intricacies of Microscopic Widgets) and therefore not be of interest to a large publishing house. However, your book may be very successful within your limited market. In this case, digital printing or print-on-demand publishing (POD) may be perfect for you.
Reason Number 4: Your book may be time-sensitive
Some books are time-sensitive—political, ecological, medical—and for whatever reason need to be out there now while the buzz is happening.
Reason Number 5: It will help your career
By self-publishing a book within your field of work, you become an authority within your area of expertise. This can lead to other career opportunities. Perhaps your book is about a product or service, which can lead to new sales opportunities.
Reason Number 6: You can publish your own course materials
Publish your course materials. They'll look professional, and you can include them in the cost of your course and sell them to the public.
Reason Number 7: You can do more to help others
Sometimes authors whose books are about health issues or spiritual or personal growth will choose to self-publish so their book will be available to help others. They feel that with each book sold, someone is receiving a benefit, and their book is serving its purpose no matter how many or few are sold.
Reason Number 8: You can leave a legacy
Each of us has a unique life story to tell, complete with ordinary incidents, moments of brilliance, tragedy and humor. Your personal history is as individual as you are, and can be an invaluable source of family memories to pass along to your close relatives, friends and descendants. A short-run printing of your memoirs will become a cherished family heirloom.
Reason Number 9: You can have your book—the way you want it
Some authors choose to self-publish so they can be involved in the whole creative process, and have their book turn out exactly as they choose. Self-publishing authors have final say in all decisions about editing, proofreading and book design.
ALL GOOD REASONS!
Whatever your reasons for self-publishing, make sure you enjoy the process by choosing people to work with who share your vision for your book.
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