[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.]
This little Self-Publishing Guide has it all. Denise Hamilton of Ink Tree Marketing has put all her book marketing and publishing experience into this straightforward and comprehensive guide. The cost is quite reasonable for the amount of information that's packed in to the guide. You'll find it a very helpful addition to your resource list if you are considering self-publishing your book. The author sold 250,000 copies of her book without taking a single workshop or seminar, and with absolutely no training or experience. Learn More about this guide.
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.
Thanks for the good advice. I'm one who prefers to self-publish although I'm afraid I might be setting my work for a short sell considering the resources capacity I lack.
I get this question asked more often than I like: "I don't have much money. How do I publish my book for nothing or little."
Answer: You can't publish for nothing. It WILL cost you. But the cheapest is Lulu. Look in the right hand column of this page. You should see a link for "Publish Your Writing" - that's Lulu. Click there and sign up.
We are looking for aspiring authors who are fans of the genre to contribute to a vampire/werewolf eBook saga entitled "The Chaos Project." Feel free to visit www.thechaosproject.net for more details, click the link that says "Create Chaos" on the home page. Thanks for your interest and always stay motivated!
im a senior in high school and we have to do senior project, for my senior project im goin to do a children's book, but i need to get more information on how to publish my book. so i would like to publish my book after i am done with everything dealing wih it. if i could get some help that would be great. thank you all!
I am a junior in high school and I'm trying to finish my book. I want to get it published in time to sell it my senior year.However, I'l having a hard time finding a publisher that won't cost me a lot and would publish it in time. What can I do???
I am a junior in high school and I am almost finished with my book. I want to get it published so it can be sold by my senior year. However, I am having a hard time finding a publisher that would publish it for a small price and that'll have it published in time. What do I do???
I am wrapping up a fiction story that I began in November. I've read a lot about the advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing but haven't found anything about how to actually do it. Who does your editing? Who prints the copies? Who distributes the copies? Where do you sell your copies? How and when do you get your book copyrighted? How do you even physically create a book?
I haven't found anything about how to actually do it. Who does your editing? Who prints the copies?
There are snippets of information on this site, but you're right. A comprehensive guide doesn't exist. We can create one, but will people buy it? If so, at what price? Let us know...
This little Self-Publishing Guide has it all. Denise Hamilton of Ink Tree Marketing has put all her book marketing and publishing experience into this straightforward and comprehensive guide. The cost is quite reasonable for the amount of information that's packed in to the guide. You'll find it a very helpful addition to your resource list if you are considering self-publishing your book. The author sold 250,000 copies of her book without taking a single workshop or seminar, and with absolutely no training or experience.