How to Write and Publish Your Book #6

Self-Publishing

Last time we discussed the different types of publishing and looked at traditional publishing and partnership publishing. Now it's time to look at self-publishing.

Self-publishing is when the author of a book/ebook takes on the role of publisher and is responsible for the production, marketing, and distribution.

Although self-publishing has been around for many years, the exposure now available via the internet, online global distribution, and the convenience of Print On Demand (POD) has brought this form of publishing to the forefront.  It has become the first choice of even seasoned, traditionally published authors.

Advantages:

• Authors have full control over their book, earn 100% royalties, retain all of their rights, and are not bound by a contract.
• Marketing, if undertaken properly via the Internet and social media, does not have to be expensive, and if conducted with a POD distribution system in place, titles can be available for sale worldwide.
• Professional assistance, including editing, graphic design, typesetting, printing, online distribution, and marketing can be obtained to create a book that can compete with anything in the bookstores. You needn't do all the work yourself.
• Authors can print as few or as many copies of their books as required at a wholesale price.

Disadvantages:

• Authors are responsible for all costs included in the production and marketing of their book.
• Achieving strong sales can be difficult unless authors are willing to put in the effort required, such as author personal appearances, book signings, and on-going marketing.
• If authors cut corners in an attempt to save time and money, their book will likely be of a poor quality.

What makes self-publishing an author-directed experience?

Self-publishing works very well, as long as the author is well-informed, understands their role as publisher, and has realistic expectations. Authors anticipating strong book sales just because the title is available worldwide on Amazon will be very disappointed. The more effort any author puts into publishing their book, the greater their return.

Ebook Publishing (self-publishing)

Ebook publishing is the newest type of publishing and the most cost affective, as there are no print costs involved. If distributed properly, titles can be available for instant download to ebook readers like Kindle, iPad or Nook from most online ebookstores.
Ideally, books should be converted to the Electronic Publication (EPUB) format.

Advantages:

• Assistance with ebook conversion and distribution is available and affordable.
• Authors can expect to earn 100% royalties after costs.
• Ebookstore mark-ups are generally lower (35%) than high street bookstores for print versions (40 50%).
• Ebooks can be sold cheaper, making them an attractive option for buyers.

Disadvantages:

• Ebooks must be converted to the proper format and a cost is involved if the author is unable to convert the files.
• Ebooks may display differently than the original formatting on some ebook readers, especially older versions.
• Ebooks need to be priced low to attract buyers.

What other benefits are available to authors with ebook publishing?

Ebooks are tremendous ancillary products that can support an author's brand, career, and future books, as well as being used as a low-cost marketing tool.

Next time we'll be looking at which type of publishing is right for you.

Until then...write on!